UK fights planned increase in US visa costs for musicians

Britain is fighting a proposed jump in US visa costs for UK musicians after the industry warned that it would put future tours at risk.

Officials are in talks with US authorities about a proposed 250pc rise in touring visa fees amid fears that it would prove “catastrophic” for both British artists and their US audiences.

Petition fees for the so-called P visa for temporary visits will increase by 251pc from $460 (£385) to $1,615, while the O visa – for longer-term work – will surge 260pc from $460 to $1,655.

A government spokesman said: “We have engaged with the US authorities and made clear the concerns and negative impacts that the increase in visa costs will cause to the UK music industry.”