Visa Woes: A Comedy of Errors in European Touring
By Maja Andersson / PHOTO: Pao Duell
06.11.2024 / 14:04 / Reading time: 2 min
Ah, the wonderful world of international touring! It’s supposed to be glamorous, isn’t it? Artists jetting off to foreign lands, strumming guitars on breathtaking stages, and getting showered with adoration. But no, it turns out they’re just a stone’s throw away from being stuck in a bureaucratic labyrinth reminiscent of a bad sitcom plot. Right, Maja? Grab your popcorn, folks — this is going to get messy!
According to today’s news, Swedish and European organizers are grappling with the delightful uncertainty of whether their booked artists from other continents will get their visas on time. It’s like waiting for a soufflé to rise — you never really know if it’ll make it, or just fall flat. Eric Birath, CEO of Fasching in Stockholm, sounds like he’s auditioning for a dramatic role in this saga, expressing concerns that the uncertainty may lead to organizers hesitating to even think about booking artists from outside Europe. Oh thrill, a cliffhanger!
Take the case of Moroccan artist Asmâa Hamzaoui and her group, Girls Timbouktou. After sweeping international stages like Roskilde — put your hands up if you’ve heard of it — their planned European concerts have been beset by those pesky visa problems. Just imagine the palpitations — after what feels like eternal waiting, the Dutch embassy pops in with the good word just days before showtime. Talk about a last-minute scramble! “One, two, shuffle the papers, and let’s hit the road!”
And stress? Oh, don’t even get me started! Hamzaoui describes the visa process as emotionally and financially taxing. It’s like trying to fold a fitted sheet while blindfolded — it shouldn’t be that hard, but somehow it is! Her Swedish agent, Peter Lindgren, is waving a red flag, yelling that this is unsustainable. Unsustainable? I’d feel more secure walking a tightrope over a shark tank with flaming hoops!
But it gets juicier! Organizers from Sweden, Germany, Denmark, and the Netherlands are locking arms in a chorus of frustration. They’re not just facing outright rejections; the processing times are similar to watching paint dry — oh so painstakingly slow. Bob Van Heur, founder of the Dutch festival Le Guess Who, is a poster child for visa-related headaches, claiming he spends two working days every week fending off the paperwork beast. Meanwhile, four to five artists have already been told “not today,” and word on the rest is still as elusive as the last piece of cake at a party.
Let’s put our serious hats aside for a brief moment. The whims of visas are not just a nuisance; they threaten to cut the umbilical cord that connects our lovely continents, resulting in a bland musical diet devoid of the rich spices brought in by diverse artists. So, how about a solid system — one that doesn’t require a linguistic degree in bureaucracy? Wouldn’t that be an outstanding gig idea?
Here’s hoping that one day, we can treat artists flying into Europe like regular folks boarding a flight — no Visa Ninja skills required!
READ ALSO: Details: Oasis fans defrauded of SEK 4,700 per ticket
Two, three, and we’re off!” could well be the mantra of artists navigating these turbulent waters.
**Interview with Eric Birath, CEO of Fasching**
**Maja Andersson:** Eric, first off, thanks for joining us to talk about this chaotic visa situation. Can you share with us how it feels as an organizer to deal with this uncertainty?
**Eric Birath:** Thanks for having me, Maja! It’s truly a rollercoaster. One moment you’re excited about a brilliant lineup, and the next you’re pulling your hair out waiting for visa approvals, unsure if the artists will even make it in time for their shows. It’s incredibly stressful and can put a damper on planning for events.
**Maja:** The situation sounds quite daunting. How do you see this affecting the willingness of organizers to book international artists?
**Eric Birath:** It definitely makes us more hesitant. Why spend energy and resources booking someone when you’re not sure they’ll even arrive? The whole process feels like a gamble, and while we love diverse talent, the added uncertainty makes us think twice.
**Maja:** Speaking of diverse talent, what can you tell us about the experience of artists like Asmâa Hamzaoui from Girls Timbouktou?
**Eric Birath:** It’s frustrating for the artists as well. They’ve worked incredibly hard to get to a point where they can perform internationally, and to face visa delays just days before a show is an absolute nightmare. I can only imagine how anxious they must feel.
**Maja:** Do you think there’s a way forward? Any advice for artists navigating this maze of bureaucracy?
**Eric Birath:** Absolutely. I recommend artists leverage resources like Viva La Visa’s free advice line for guidance on visas and work permits. Proper planning and understanding the requirements can make a world of difference. It’s all about being proactive!
**Maja:** Thank you for your insights, Eric. Here’s hoping for smoother seas ahead for all artists venturing into Europe!
**Eric Birath:** Thank you, Maja. Fingers crossed for a more streamlined process and fewer moments of panic!
**Maja Andersson:** There you have it, folks! The inside scoop on the ongoing visa woes facing international touring artists, with a silver lining of hope and advice for the brave souls taking the stage across borders. Tune in next time for more updates in the world of touring!
