There’s no place quite like Edinburgh during the month of August, when the city is host to nearly 25,000 performers from 65 nations for the Edinburgh Festival Fringe. But what are the visa requirements for performers at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe 2024?
This year's Edinburgh Fringe, like previous iterations of the event, is a ‘Permit Free Festival’. This means that artists, entertainers, musicians, and their “legitimate entourage”, do not require a certificate of sponsorship (work permit) under the current points-based system to perform at the Fringe. The list of Permit Free Festivals also includes the Edinburgh International Book Festival and the Edinburgh International Festival.
A legitimate entourage may include directors, producers, technicians, stage managers, creative team, publicists, and anyone involved directly with a specific production that has been registered with the Fringe Society.
Edinburgh Festival Fringe performers are exceptional in that they can be paid for their participation in the festival despite being classed as visitors, as they are assessed as contributing to the cultural heritage of the UK. Where entertainers or artists are established professionals it may also be possible for them to use the permitted paid engagement route.
Performers who are non-visa nationals (no entry clearance required) do not need to apply for a visa in advance and will normally enter through an ‘e-gate’. Nevertheless, non-visa nationals should carry supporting documentation to confirm the purpose of their trip. For example:
- A welcome letter from the Fringe Society confirming that your show is registered and that the Fringe is a Permit Free Festival;
- A letter of invitation from your venue confirming you are performing there and/or a copy of your venue contract;
- Proof of accommodation in the UK;
- Evidence you can support yourself whilst in the UK without recourse to public funds e.g., a credit card or bank statement showing available funds;
- Evidence of a purchased return or onward travel ticket, or sufficient funds to purchase a ticket.
On the other hand, Edinburgh Festival Fringe performers who are visa nationals must apply online for a Standard Visitor Visa before they travel to the UK. The visa costs £115 and allows you to stay in the UK for up to six months. If you want to stay in the UK for longer, then an alternative visa is required. Once you apply online, you will need to enrol your biometrics (fingerprints / picture) at your nearest visa centre and provide your supporting documentation. You will usually get your visa within three weeks.
Events that wish to be included on the Permit Free Festival list must meet all of the following requirements:
- have been established for at least three years;
- have had an audience of at least 15,000 for each of the last three years;
- have an expected audience of at least 15,000 throughout the event;
- have at least 15 non-European Economic Area (EEA) performers who have performed for each of the last three years;
- have at least 15 non-EEA performers who have been invited for the current year.
If you would like more information concerning the points raised in this blog, please do not hesitate to contact our team.
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