US visa costs 'impossible' to afford, say artists

Certain artists have voiced concerns about experiencing financial losses when touring in certain countries, attributing this to the escalating expenses associated with obtaining visas. When traveling abroad, performers and their accompanying crew members are required to apply for specialized visas tailored for professional artists and entertainers.

As of April, the visa costs have surged significantly, surpassing $1,000 (£800) per person in some instances, with additional fees looming thereafter. The US Embassy clarified to BBC Newsbeat that the surge in visa charges is not intended for profit-making purposes; rather, it reflects the institution's own mounting operational expenses.

In essence, artists are grappling with the burden of inflated visa fees, which pose challenges to the financial viability of touring ventures. This development underscores the complex interplay between regulatory requirements and economic realities within the global entertainment industry.

Irish singer-songwriter CMAT has highlighted the substantial financial challenges associated with touring in the United States, asserting that even prior to the recent increase in visa fees, the endeavor was prohibitively expensive. She warns that the heightened costs now risk rendering US tours unfeasible for certain musicians.

According to CMAT, her experiences touring in the US have consistently resulted in financial losses. She emphasizes that profitability is simply not attainable under these circumstances, expressing gratitude for her current record deal and past album releases, which have provided her with the financial resources to absorb such losses.

CMAT's remarks shed light on the harsh realities faced by many independent artists navigating the intricacies of international touring. Despite the allure of performing in lucrative markets like the US, the financial burdens associated with visa fees and other expenses pose significant hurdles, underscoring the precarious financial landscape within the music industry.

Ciara Mary-Alice Thompson, known as CMAT, expresses concerns that emerging artists facing the current financial hurdles, such as escalated visa fees, may encounter greater difficulties in breaking into the US market compared to her own experiences five years ago. She underscores the significance of the US market, particularly for artists like herself who are Irish and specialize in genres like country music.

For CMAT, accessing the US market has been pivotal to her career trajectory, and she fears that the escalating costs may deter less established artists from pursuing opportunities in the country. Given the abundance of legendary venues, festivals, and prominent platforms such as late-night TV shows that showcase music, the US remains a highly coveted market for musicians seeking to expand their reach.

Tour manager Nathalie Candel echoes CMAT's sentiments, emphasizing the enduring importance of the US market despite the rising financial barriers. Candel highlights the multitude of opportunities available in the US, including renowned venues and exposure through influential media outlets, all of which contribute to its status as a crucial destination for artists seeking to advance their careers.


The Last Dinner Party, winners of BBC Radio 1's Sound Of 2024, are endeavoring to extend their success from the UK to North America. Currently touring in the region, with a culminating performance scheduled at Coachella later this month, the London-based band is facing challenges in navigating the US market.

Bassist Georgia Davies laments the growing difficulty for independent and indie label artists to access opportunities in America, characterizing it as a lamentable situation. Davies advocates for increased governmental funding for the arts in the UK to facilitate artists' ability to pursue international ventures, emphasizing the importance of support structures to enable artistic growth and cross-cultural exchange.

Visa backlog

There are two main types of visas commonly sought by artists: O visas for solo performers demonstrating "exceptional ability," and P visas for bands recognized for their "international renown." Previously priced at $460 each, these visas have now undergone significant increases, potentially exceeding $1,000, depending on various factors such as the artist's collaborators in the US.

In addition to visa fees, artists are burdened with additional expenses like legal fees and processing costs. The US embassy attributes these fee hikes to escalating operational expenses, including rent, staffing, and technological investments, exacerbated by a backlog in application processing due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

Some artists resort to paying extra fees, amounting to as much as $2,805, to expedite the processing of their applications amidst the backlog. The soaring costs associated with these procedures have dissuaded musicians like Ryan Breslyn, guitarist for The K's, from considering returning to the US for tours. Ryan, aged 29, describes the financial burden on artists as exorbitant and discouraging.