The DHS is set to increase visa fees for touring artists.
First proposed in November, the US Department of Homeland Security has now announced its plans to raise fees for those with P and O visa types, used by international groups and individual foreign touring artists. From 2 October, O visa fees will rise from $460 to $705 – a 53% increase. For the P visas there’ll be a 51% increase, going from $460 to $695. Artist visas will be capped at 25 people.
Furthermore, the application process will take longer. The Premium Processing Service will change from 15 calendar days to 15 business days.
David Martin, from the Featured Artists Coalition, told NME, “The US visa system is already prohibitive for UK artists and this change will see even more of our globally renowned talent shut out. Not only will the US live circuit suffer with millions of American fans missing the chance to see their favourite British artists, artists will lose the opportunity to collaborate and exchange ideas with creators on the opposite side of the Atlantic.”
