In March 2025 the performer FKA twigs hit the headlines for having to pull out of her North American tour at the eleventh hour, blaming her team for not securing her US visa in time.
US visas are often known for complexity and high costs, but how does the UK compare? The UK’s rich and thriving music festival scene attracts the world’s greatest artists and hosts iconic festivals such as Glastonbury, yet it has imposed changes which will impact many artists and require many of them to engage with the UK immigration process earlier than in previous years.
The UK’s position as a leading creative hub depends on its ability to attract and retain international talent. As festival season is well underway, we take a look at how creatives can avoid a repeat of FKA twigs’ disappointment.
What are the key routes for creatives?
One of the primary UK visa routes for international artists and performers is the standard visit visa. This allows amateur or professional artists, entertainers, and musicians to visit the UK for unpaid permitted activities for up to six months.
Alternatively, artists, entertainers, musicians, or their crew, can be paid while here as visitors if they are either performing at a festival on the permit free festivals list, or carrying out a paid permitted engagement, i.e. where they have been invited by a creative organisation based in the UK to perform for up to 30 days.
The creative worker visa concession is an alternative for creatives working in the UK for up to 3 months with a creative organisation which issues them with a certificate of sponsorship.
How are creatives impacted by the Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA)?
The rollout in 2025 of the UK’s Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) scheme signifies a big change for creatives coming to the UK. Previously, non visa nationals (nationals not on the visa national list) could be granted entry on arrival at the UK border without any prior application, in many cases through the eGates and without having to encounter an Immigration Officer. The ETA now requires all non visa nationals to apply in advance for an ETA before they can enter as a visitor, including to carry out a paid permitted engagement or using the creative worker visa concession. It is now the case that creatives cannot enter the UK to perform without first obtaining an ETA or an alternative visa prior to travelling.
The ETA process involves filling out a form on an app or online and paying a fee of £16. It normally takes 3 working days to complete but can be longer or shorter than this. If the ETA application is refused, then a creative will be required to apply for a visa even if the decision to refuse the ETA is incorrect.
A key issue is that the ETA is more restrictive than the standard visit visa rules with regards to past adverse immigration history and criminality. There is a mandatory refusal for someone with any criminal offence of any kind within the last 12 months or a prison sentence of more than 12 months at any time. In the case of a standard visit visa application, a refusal on these grounds is discretionary in the first case and in the second it is mandatory but there is still an opportunity to provide information and documents to argue that the visa should be granted.
Similarly, for the ETA there is a mandatory refusal for those with an adverse immigration history such as having breached the conditions of a UK visa or had a previous visit refusal, unless they were subsequently granted a further visa with knowledge of the breach. We have already seen instances of individuals with an adverse history of this kind having to apply for a visit visa following an ETA refusal.
From start to finish the visit visa process can take around 4-6 weeks using the standard process and may take longer if a person has a criminal history or previous immigration breaches. Performers will need to factor in a longer lead in time prior to their trip in case their ETA is refused and they need to apply for a visit visa.
Failing to disclose an adverse immigration or criminal history in an ETA application can have severe consequences and potentially lead to a refusal and a mandatory ban from the UK, which is likely to be far more costly and time consuming to resolve (if indeed that is possible) than seeking legal advice prior to applying for the ETA, which is recommended if there are complex circumstances.
The ETA process does not affect visa nationals as they have always been required to apply in advance for a visit visa.
An advantage of the ETA is that it is valid for 2 years. The person will still only be able to make the same length of trip as previously on each visit depending on the nature of their trip but can use the ETA for multiple trips.
Do I need to be stamped in at the border if I have an ETA or visit visa?
Nationals eligible to use the eGates can still use these with an ETA or visit visa.
Those holding an ETA or visit visa entering for a paid permitted engagement only need to declare the purpose of their visit on entry at the border if they are asked. Those eligible can therefore still use the eGates. However those who are entering with an ETA under the Creative Worker concession with a certificate of sponsorship must see an immigration officer and get a stamp in their passport.
Three key tips for creatives
- Timing and Preparation
Timing is now increasingly important when looking to come to the UK given the need to apply for an ETA and potentially a visa, especially given the higher bar for ETA applications when it comes to refusals on the grounds of previous history. It is advisable to time the application appropriately and not expect that you can just board a plane as has been the case in previous years.
- Navigating the ETA System
If there is any doubt, we recommend seeking timely legal advice to identify the correct route and to prepare the application, particularly if there are any complicating personal circumstances such as those mentioned above.
- Check before applying for an ETA if you are coming on a longer term visa
If you are applying for or already have a longer term visa in the UK such as a Partner, Skilled Worker or Global Talent visa, we do not yet have clarity as to whether applying for an ETA could undermine or lead to cancellation of that visa if the Home Office considers that your intention is not consistent with that of someone wanting to live in the UK. Seek legal advice if you are unsure.
Please do get in touch if you wish to discuss any of the points in this article.