A person who wants to come to the UK for a short time (for a period of up to 6 months) to take part in a 'not for profit' performance, music competitions, cultural events, auditions, major art festivals and charity events without a fee can do so by applying for an Entertainer visitor visa. Entertainer visitors are not permitted to take fees and sponsorships but they may receive cash prizes, living and boarding and lodging expenses.
ELIGIBILITY
An applicant must:
• be at least 18 years of age.
• prove that he can meet the cost of return and onward journey.
• be genuinely seeking entry as an entertainer visitor.
• be coming to the UK for one of the following activities:
1.taking part in one or more specific performances as an individual entertainer or as a part of a team of entertainers.
2. taking part in music competitions
3. taking part in a major art festival or a cultural event on the permit - free festival list.
4. be a part of the technical or support staff at the same event as a performer on an Entertainment visitor visa.
• plan to visit the UK for a maximum period of 6 months and leave the UK at the end of this period.
• prove that he has enough money to support, accommodate and maintain himself in the UK without the help of public funds.
DOCUMENTS REQUIRED
The following documents are required by an applicant:
• A current passport or other valid travel identification.
• A passport- sized coloured photograph.
• Evidence of his invitation to attend the event or festival .
• Details of hotels and flight bookings.
• Supporting letter from any sponsor e.g. the group of entertainers he intends to travel with.
• Evidence of his talent and ability to participate in a particular event.
HOW LONG CAN ONE STAY?
A person can stay in the UK for a maximum time of 6 months under this visa. However he may be able to extend his stay by switching to the Tier 5 (Temporary Worker: Creative and sporting)visa. If he is able to prove that he needs to visit the UK several times over a longer period he can also apply for a long term visit visa. A long term visit visa holder can stay for a maximum period of 6 months on each visit while his visa can last for 1,2,5 or 10 years.
FEES
It costs £83 to apply for an entertainer visitor visa.
Long term visitor visa costs:
• £300 for 1 year
• £300 for 2 years
• £544 for 5 years
• £737 for 10 years
DOs and DON'Ts
An entertainer visitor can:
• take part in music competitions.
• perform at major festivals and cultural events on the permit- free festival list.
• an internationally famous entertainer can take part in broadcasts or public appearances.
• audition as long as it is not in front of an audience.
• take part in a non profitable charity show.
An entertainer visitor can't:
• get public funds.
• take up any kind of work or study in the UK.
• get private medical treatment.
• marry or register a civil partnership.
• live in the UK for extended periods through frequent visits.
• get any dependant on his application- they will have to apply separately.
