1. If I am an international panelist or registrant, do I need to apply for a visa to participate or attend SXSW?
Yes, unless you’re a U.S. citizen, U.S permanent resident or a citizen qualified to travel under the VISA WAIVER PROGRAM.
2. If I am an international act, do I need to apply for a visa to perform at SXSW Music Festival?
Yes. According to United States Immigration law all acts performing for a paying public audience are required to obtain a work visa regardless of compensation.
3. How do I know if I may use the VISA WAIVER PROGRAM (VWP) to enter the US?
If you are from one of the countries listed below AND answer “YES” to all the questions listed here: vwp-quickreferenceguide.pdf (206.46 KB)
- Andorra
- Australia
- Austria
- Belgium
- Brunei
- Czech Republic
- Denmark
- Estonia
- Finland
- France
- Germany
- Greece
- Hungary
- Iceland
- Ireland
- Italy
- Japan
- Latvia
- Liechtenstein
- Lithuania
- Luxembourg
- Malta
- Monaco
- The Netherlands
- New Zealand
- Norway
- Portugal
- San Marino
- Singapore
- Slovakia
- Slovenia
- South Korea
- Spain
- Sweden
- Switzerland
- United Kingdom
3. What do I need to enter the United States Under the VWP?
You must meet the requirements listed above, present a valid passport of the appropriate type, provide an authorization through the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) and may be required to present a completed and signed I-94W Non-immigrant Visa Waiver Arrival Departure Record to U.S. officials at the port of entry.
4. If I have a U.S. dual citizenship and live outside the United States which passport should I travel with?
All U.S. citizens, even dual citizens/nationals, must enter and depart the United States using his/her U.S. passport.
5. I do not qualify under the VWP, how do I apply for a non-immigrant visa?
You will need to apply preferably at the U.S. Embassy or Consulate with jurisdiction over your place of permanent residence or at any U.S. consular office abroad and Thoroughly review the local procedures, requirements and schedule an appointment by visiting the US Embassy or Consular visa section website where you will be applying for your non-immigrant visa– list of U.S. Embassies and Consulates here: http://www.usembassy.gov/
Effective March 1st, 2010 individuals applying for a non-immigrant visa at the US Embassy or Consulate will be required to submit a new electronic application form, known as the DS 160-Non- Immigrant Visa Electronic Application – more info and form here: http://travel.state.gov/visa/forms/forms_4230.html
7. What type of visa should I apply for to perform at SXSW?
SXSW does not provide any advice on what type of visa you need to apply for. The purpose of your travel and the business plans you will conduct while in the United States determines the visa required under United States Immigration law. The acceptance letter you received has a list of agencies you may seek legal professional assistance for a fee. Please visit the U.S. Department of State’s website here for frequently asked visa questions. http://travel.state.gov/visa/questions/questions_1253.html
8. How do I obtain a support letter from SXSW?
Support letters are provided to all international registrants, panelists and accepted acts/ bands, To request a support letter please email one of the following:
For Music Support Letters:
Please email music@sxsw.com with the Subject Line: Music Support Letter or through our system following your invitation e-mail.
For Interactive Support Letters:
Please email Hugh Forrest - Interactive Festival Director Christine Auten- Interactive Festival Producer interpanels@sxsw.com
For Film Support Letters:
Please email film@sxsw.com
9. What do I do if I have been accepted to perform and I am denied a visa?
Your primary contact must contact SXSW immediately by emailing music@sxsw.com with Subject Line: VISA DENIED FOR [NAME of BAND
| Attachment | Size |
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 Visa Waiver Program Quick Reference Guide | 206.46 KB |
