Advice to Members Following the Cancellation of SXSW Festival

Following the cancellation of this years’ SXSW festival in Austin Texas, members invited to the Showcase are advised that unless they are in possession of a valid ‘O’ or ‘P’ work visa they should not attend.

Published: 09 March 2020 | 12:00 AM Updated: 28 April 2021 | 4:30 PM

Photograph of buildings across the skyline in Austin, Texas — Due to cancellations, the SXSW Visa Support letter is no longer valid. Photo credit: Shutterstock

If were invited to the Showcase and are in possession of an ESTA Visa Waiver Programme or B Visa, then due to the cancellation of the event your visa is no longer valid.

The music team at SXSW issued this guidance on 9 March 2020, specifically in connection with ESTAS or B visas:

“Due to cancellations, the SXSW Visa Support letter is no longer valid. You will be unable to enter the country to perform without a work visa, as you are no longer showcasing at the SXSW Music Festival.”

Nonprofit organisation cultural exchange organisation Tamizdat have released further information and a detailed FAQ document on their website. They are also offering pro bono assistance to affected artists, who can get in contact by emailing avail@tamizdat.org

For those Artists who have been funded by the PRS International Showcase Fund – please read the advice from PRS Foundation on their website.

Visa agency Viva La Visa are offering free advice to musicians affected by this cancellation.

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