Visa and Access FAQ for International Attendees

DO I NEED A VISA TO PERFORM AT FAI?

As a rule, foreign artists performing in the U.S. must secure an employment visa (usually a P or O visa) prior to entering the U.S. This is required regardless of how long you’ll be in the U.S., how much you’re getting paid, or even if you are performing for no pay... you still need a work visa. However, there are a few very narrow exceptions to this rule, and Folk Alliance is one. Because FAI is principally an industry-facing event, it is considered a “bona fide industry event,” so most consular and border officials will understand that ESTA or a B-1 visa is sufficient if you are entering the U.S. only to perform at FAI. However, if you are doing any other performances in the U.S. while you’re here, you probably need a P or O visa. If you have any questions, contact tamzidat.org/avail for pro bono legal assistance.

I AM FROM AN “ESTA” COUNTRY, SO I DON’T NEED A VISA TO PERFORM AT FAI, RIGHT?

That depends…If the only performances you’ll do in the U.S. are official FAI showcases: The U.S. government has confirmed that if an artist is coming to the U.S., and the only performances they will do are official FAI music showcases, then a B-1 visa is the appropriate visa classification. Furthermore, if an artist is eligible to travel under the Visa Waiver Program and the artist is only performing at official FAI showcases, ESTA is also sufficient. In the past, FAI and many international arts organizations have recommended that if an artist has a choice between a B-1 visa and ESTA, they should choose the B-1 because it has the potential to help the artist avoid logistical problems associated with ESTA. However, given ongoing issues at many U.S. embassies and consulates around the world related to COVID-19 and other issues, obtaining a B-1 visa may not be possible in time for FAI, in which case artists should feel reasonably confident traveling to FAI on ESTA, provided you carry the official FAI invitation, and (again) you are ONLY performing official FAI showcases.

I AM NOT FROM AN “ESTA” COUNTRY. WHAT VISA DO I NEED?

If you are not from a “visa waiver” country, you’ll need to seek a B1 visa through a US consulate. Given ongoing issues at many U.S. embassies and consulates around the world related to COVID-19 and other issues, this may take several months, so the sooner you start the process the better.

I AM A CANADIAN. DO I NEED A VISA TO PERFORM AT FAI?

Canadians who are not doing any other professional performances (paid or not) while in the U.S. should not have a problem clearing immigration with their FAI invitation letter. As part of standard admission to the U.S. on business (not work), a B1 stamp will be added to your passport by the officer.

WHAT IS THE VISA WAIVER PROGRAM, AND WHAT IS ESTA?

The Visa Waiver program is a treaty between the US and 38 countries that normally allows those countries’ citizens to travel to the United States without a visa for stays of up to 90 days. Travelers must be eligible to use the VWP and they must have registered online through the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) prior to travel. Due to increased scrutiny regarding showcase performances, it is advised that even if you are eligible to travel to the US on ESTA, showcasing artists should consider securing a B class visa in advance from a US Embassy. For more information about the Visas Waiver program, please see this link.

I WAS DENIED A VISA. MAY I USE ESTA?

A recent visa refusal for any reason will likely result in denial of ESTA authorization, additional review at the port of entry, or denial of admission to the United States. If you are uncertain if you qualify for VWP travel, you may choose to apply for a visa.

I’M CONFUSED. WHERE CAN I GET FREE HELP?

www.artistsfromabroad.org is the authoritative source for information about U.S. artist’s visas.

TamizdatAVAIL is a non-profit project that provides both urgent and long term solutions to pervasive U.S. visa problems faced by the international performing arts community. TamizdatAVAIL is a free hotline that provides performing arts professionals with urgent legal assistance regarding U.S. visa issues. It is staffed by legal professionals. Their team of volunteer lawyers provides free advice to performing arts professionals who are experiencing a problem in a subsequent stage of the visa process. TamizdatAVAIL can be reached at 718-541-3641 or by email avail@tamizdat.org.

Where is the conference located?

All conference events (with the exception of the closing party) are located at the Sheraton New Orleans, 500 Canal St, New Orleans, LA 70130. Learn more about the hotels here.

Is parking available at the hotel?

According to the hotel’s website, The parking options at Sheraton New Orleans Hotel are: Valet: $52 + tax; Oversize: $62 + tax

How do I get to the hotel from the airport?

The Sheraton is located 12 miles from the airport (MSY).

It is recommended to use a taxi or other ride share services.
The hotel does not provide a shuttle.
‍See all information on the hotel’s website.

How do I perform at the conference?

Official Showcases and Private Showcases are the performance opportunities we offer at the conference. Visit their webpages for more information.

If I get an Official Showcase, do I have to pay to attend the conference?

Yes, all Official Showcase artists and their support team must pay to attend the conference. Artist are guaranteed a discounted conference registration rate regardless of Official Showcase award status.

Should I apply for an Official Showcase?

Official Showcases are intended for tour ready artists who are interested in showcasing music to our global community. They provide the opportunity to put artists in front of festival bookers, agents, venues, record labels, DJs, and more.

If I don’t get an Official Showcase, will you refund my application fee?

No, Official Showcase application fees are non-refundable.

What is the cost of registration for a band with four or more people?

FAI caps registration to $775.00 USD for Official Showcase artists or on standby. Bands must be an FAI member to receive this rate. If you have four or more people in your band who will all be attending, please contact the registration coordinator at tisha@folk.org to receive a code for your registration. DO NOT REGISTER UNTIL YOU GET YOUR CODE.

Will I be able to sound check?

Due to the large number of artists performing in such a compact time frame, we are unable to offer sound checks prior to the showcase. Bands check live on stage right before their showcase.

What is provided for backline?

Backline includes guitar and bass amps, drum kits* (just bring sticks/brushes), and keyboards*. Please make sure your application clearly states if you need drums or keyboards for your showcase. You will receive all backline information from your production coordinator prior to the event. * Not all stages have drum kits and keyboards.

I can’t travel with my upright bass – can I borrow one?

FAI does not have upright basses for artists to borrow. Please reach out to local vendors for rental.

Who do I contact to change my stage plot?

If you have any changes to your showcase after submitting your application, contact your production coordinator. Not all stage plot changes can be approved based on limitations of backline and systems.

Can I change my showcase time?

No. We are not able to change showcase times or rooms due to the complexity of scheduling artists.

Can I perform in a Private Showcase if I’m selected as an Official Showcase artist?

Yes! In addition to your Official Showcase, artists are encouraged to perform Private Showcases on any of the four nights of the conference. Artists are limited to six (6) Private Showcases over the duration of the event.

Can I sell my CDs or merch?

This is not a music festival, it is an industry-focused business conference. There will be very few ‘fans’ who are interested in purchasing artists' merchandise. Instead you’re more likely to network with DJs, Agents, Managers, and Artistic Directors. Bring cards with links to your music and electronic press kit. In general, artists do not sell merchandise at FAI.

How long is an Official Showcase?

In-person Official Showcases are 25 minutes in length on a stage with full production. There is a 15-minute changeover between each artist.

Can I perform in a public show in town if I’m selected as an Official Showcase artist?

There is a radius clause that all Official Showcase Artists agree to that states: I understand that, if selected, Official Showcase artists are not permitted to perform outside the host hotel within a 15-mile (24km) radius from the host hotel between the hours of 4 PM - 3 AM during the conference (Jan 21-25, 2026). This radius clause is valued as part of the respect Official Showcase Artists give their fellow performing artists. Violation of this clause is terms for the withdrawal of the showcase invitation.This radius clause exists to protect artists from events that will pull presenters off-site and away from the showcases, it ensures a fair playing field for all showcasing artists and demonstrates a respect for fellow artists. Exceptions to this radius clause are considered by Folk Alliance International on a case by case basis.

Is there a limit to the number of Private Showcases I can perform?

Yes, artists are limited to six (6) Private Showcases over the duration of the event. It is the responsibility of the artist to not book more than six (6).

Are there still guerrilla showcases at the conference?

Yes! Our Private Showcases were previously known as guerrilla showcases and are sometimes still referred to as guerrilla showcases at our regional conferences. At FAI’s annual conference, a Private Showcase refers to the intimate showcases located in hotel guest rooms from 10:30 pm - 3:00 am Wednesday through Saturday.

Who can perform?

Any registered delegate of the conference can perform in a Private Showcase.

When do they happen?

Private Showcases can be scheduled anytime between 10:30 pm and 3:00 am, Wednesday through Saturday evenings during conference week.

Do Private Showcases stream online?

Some hosts may decide to stream their showcase room at the hotel. Follow up with the private showcase host for more information.

Are posters allowed on the Private Showcase floors?

Only Private Showcase HOSTS are permitted to hang posters on the Private Showcase floors. The posters should be specific to their room (listing all artists, times, and room number). FAI will designate sections of the hallway where postering is not permitted for safety and way-finding signage. Painters tape is the only permitted way of hanging posters. All others will be removed. Damage resulting from the use of non-approved tape will be documented and billed to the room host.

Posters for individual artists and in non-designated areas of the Private Showcase floors will be removed and recycled. Artist’s are encouraged to instead of posters, bring postcards with their showcase schedule on it which should be handed out as invitations.

If I’m performing in a Private Showcase, do I have to pay to attend the conference?

Yes, anyone wishing to play a Private Showcase (and their support team) must pay to attend the conference. There is no public attendance to this conference.

Artists receive a discounted registration rate.

Can I submit ideas for a panel?

Yes. Community programming submissions are usually open in the summer and early fall for the following conference year. Sign up for our newsletter to not miss out on important deadlines.

How do I reserve a booth in the exhibit hall?

Booths can be purchased during registration or reach out to eve@folk.org for more information click here.

How can my organization become a sponsor of the conference?

To learn more about sponsorship contact Eve Smith, FAI Development Manager at eve@folk.org.

Can I advertise at the conference?

Information on advertising can be found here. To learn more, contact Eve Smith, FAI Development Manager at eve@folk.org.