Bad Bunny‘s U.S. Tour Cancellation Signals Wider Concerns for International Artists
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Bad Bunny’s decision to forgo a U.S. tour in 2024,reportedly due to anxieties surrounding potential issues with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), is raising alarms among international artists and industry professionals who fear escalating visa hurdles could significantly curtail touring opportunities in the United States. The cancellation highlights a growing concern that new State Department policies, coupled with lengthy processing times, are creating prohibitive obstacles for performers who rely on global touring for their livelihoods.
Previously, artists could frequently enough apply for U.S. visas at a consulate in a country where they were legally residing,even if it wasn’t their country of nationality. However, a State Department announcement earlier this month stipulates that applicants must now return to their country of nationality or full-time residency for visa interviews. This shift presents ample financial and logistical challenges, particularly for touring musicians and their crews.
The new policy adds to existing costs, which can already exceed $8,000 per person, including legal fees, according to Artists From Abroad. The State Department maintains that the changes are intended to “uphold the highest standards of national security and public safety through our visa process.”
The timing of the policy change coincides with already protracted visa processing times. The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) currently estimates a seven-month wait for O and P category visas – the types commonly used by visiting performers. Immigration lawyers, though, suggest this is an optimistic timeframe, advising clients to anticipate even longer delays.
“If an artist wants to come perform in the U.S. in Sept. 2026, they had best get moving,” NPR reported, suggesting the new regulations could force artists to reconsider U.S. tour dates altogether. the potential impact extends beyond high-profile acts like bad Bunny, threatening the ability of smaller bands and crews to navigate the increasingly complex visa landscape.
