The UK festival circuit is calling. From Glastonbury and Wireless to Reading & Leeds or a sold-out run at the O2 Arena, the UK remains a critical stop on any global tour.
However, since the border reforms of 2025/26, the option of simply turning up to play is no longer available. Border Force is stricter than ever, and a “Visitor” stamp does not allow you to perform for a paying audience.
For international musicians, singers, rappers and DJs, the Creative Worker (Temporary Work) route is the only safe way to play. Whether you are a solo grime artist from Toronto or a symphony orchestra from Vienna, this is your guide to obtaining the Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) required to clear the border.
The “Gig Economy” Trap: Visitor vs Worker
A common mistake in the music industry is assuming a short promotional run does not require a work visa.
• Standard Visitor: This status is suitable for meetings, interviews and unpaid promotional appearances. It is strictly illegal for ticketed concerts, paid gigs or festival slots.
• Creative Worker (Temporary Work): This is the required status for any professional performance where you are paid or the event is ticketed.
The Risk: If a rapper arrives at Heathrow with a tourist entry and a suitcase full of merchandise, they will be sent home. Do not risk the tour cancellation insurance.
The Golden Ticket: The Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS)
You cannot apply for a Creative Worker visa without a sponsor. This is where the bottleneck occurs as most venues, festivals and booking agents do not hold a sponsor licence.
The Solution: ENT imm acts as your Third-Party Sponsor.
We sit between the artist and the promoter. We vet the tour dates, handle the compliance and issue the CoS directly to qualifyingartist and their crew.
Essential for:
• Bands and Groups: We sponsor the entire lineup under one “Group CoS”.
• Solo Artists: Singers, Rappers and DJs.
• Classical: Conductors, Soloists and Orchestras.
• Backing Singers and Dancers: Essential performers for the stage show.
“Unique Contribution”: Do You Qualify?
To issue a CoS, we must prove to the Home Office that the artist makes a “Unique Contribution” to the UK music scene.
1. The Headliner If you are internationally famous, charting or have a significant social media following, this is straightforward. We use your press kit, chart history and tour dates as evidence.
2. The Emerging Artist For support acts or underground talent, we justify the sponsorship by proving the specific artistic need for this artist on this tour.
3. Union Consultation We handle the mandatory consultation with the Musicians’ Union (MU). You do not need to contact them; we secure the required endorsement to prove the engagement is legitimate and complies with industry salary standards (if applicable).
The Entourage: Do Not Leave the Sound Engineer Behind
A band is only as good as its crew. The Creative Worker route allows you to bring your “Entourage”, which refers to the technical and support staff essential to the performance.
Who we routinely sponsor:
• Tour Managers
• Front of House (FOH) Engineers and Monitor Engineers
• Lighting Designers (LDs)
• Guitar Techs and Drum Techs
• Make-up Artists and Stylists
• Personal Security
The Rule: The crew must have a proven history of working with the artist. We link their CoS directly to the main artist’s application, ensuring the whole bus gets through the border together.
The “Concession”: Touring Without a Visa Sticker
Vital for US, EU and Australian Acts
If you are a national of a “non-visa country” (such as the USA, Canada or EU member states) and your tour is under 3 months, you can use the Creative Worker Concession.
How it works:
1. ENT imm issues the Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS).
2. You fly to the UK.
3. You present the CoS number to the Border Force officer (do not use the eGates).
4. You are stamped in as a worker.
No embassy appointment. No surrendered passport. Just land and play.
Note: You must have the CoS before you fly. We can offer issuance within 24 to 48 hours.
Why ENT imm? (The “Rider” for Your Visa)
Just like you have a hospitality rider, you need a visa partner who meets your specific needs.
1. A-Rated Sponsor: We are a trusted sponsor with the Home Office.
2. Maintenance Certification: We can certify that the artist has enough funds to support themselves. This means you do not need to provide personal bank statements for every member of the band who qualify. We tick the box and you are covered.
3. Speed: The music industry moves fast. We offer Priority and Super Priority services for last-minute bookings or replacement band members.
Ready to Hit the Road?
From a one-off show at Wembley to a 20-date UK tour, ENT imm ensures the paperwork is as tight as the rhythm section.
Secure your lineup today. Get a Sponsorship Quote for Musicians
Disclaimer: ENT imm is a private limited company and a UK Home Office licensed sponsor. This article provides industry guidance, not legal advice.
