Jul 11, 2019
Music industry navigates “extreme vetting” of foreign artists
Foreign artists are running into difficulty with visas, resulting in delays and cancellations.

West African rock band Tal National.
Jason Creps
Some foreign performers are having to delay or cancel their concerts because the consular officers at U.S. embassies require more documentation before issuing visas. These artists are being asked to provide 15 years of their travel history, employment history, past and current social media handles, email accounts and addresses. This so-called “extreme vetting” is making some promoters and bookers in the U.S. think twice about bringing artists from some countries.