07/18/2026
The visa process has become a longer, and more expensive one and is a bigger and bigger problem for international artists, particularly coupled with the country bans, border entry issues and arts funding cuts.
“Here's something American concertgoers might not know: before a musician from another country can take the stage in the U.S., someone has to file paperwork with the federal government on their behalf. And not just any paperwork — a petition, hundreds of pages long, stacked with press clippings, award documentation, testimonial letters from other artists, venue contracts, a detailed tour itinerary, and evidence that the artist is legitimately accomplished at what they do….
And there's an added layer of uncertainty: paperwork can be perfect, fees can be paid, and yet artists still can be turned away at the border.
For U.S. audiences, all of this means a quiet loss of global cultural exchange.”
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The visa process for visiting artists has always been complicated and expensive. Under the current administration, it's gotten significantly worse.
