Indonesia is reportedly cracking down on influencers and content creators who enter the country on tourist visas while undertaking commercial activities, and advises them to apply for the C5A work visa instead.
According to IOL, a task force has been established to monitor tourist hotspots and social media platforms for unauthorised commercial activity.
The C5A visa is a single-entry visa specifically for influencers and content creators. Applications can be submitted online via the official Immigration eVisa Platform.
The visa is valid for 60 days and can be extended twice. Once approved, it must be activated within 90 days of issue.
In addition to the standard visa requirements, applicants must obtain sponsorship from an authorised Indonesian organisation or an approved visa sponsor before applying.
“Many content creators assume that a standard visa is sufficient for all travel. However, Indonesian immigration law distinguishes between personal travel and professional activities, making it crucial to select the correct visa,” said Zadrean Fredericks, a consultant with Visas Abroad, a South African-based immigration agency for short-term visas.
Travellers are advised to apply for a C5A visa if they intend to:
- Create sponsored social media content.
- Collaborate with brands on content or marketing campaigns.
- Film documentaries or travel series.
- Produce commercial photography or videography.
- Interview businesses, public figures or local communities.
- Cover events, festivals, conferences or cultural activities.
- Create content for publication on professional media platforms.
Content creators found to be engaging in commercial activity on a tourist visa, whether paid or unpaid, could face penalties that include fines, arrest, deportation and bans on re-entering Indonesia.
