How to apply to get on the list of permit free festivals
Updated 2 December 2024
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This publication is available at https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/apply-to-be-on-the-list-of-permit-free-festivals/how-to-apply-to-get-on-the-list-of-permit-free-festivals
1. Overview
The list of permit free festivals is set out in Appendix Visitor: Permit Free Festival list of the Immigration Rules. Festivals and events which are included on this list are able to invite entertainers or artists to take part in their event without the need to issue a certificate of sponsorship under the points-based system. The performers can exceptionally be paid for their participation in the festival under the Standard Visitor route. Where entertainers or artists are established professionals it may also be possible for them to engage in Permitted Paid Engagements under the Standard Visitor route.
Festival organisers who wish their event to be included on the permit free festival list must send their applications for inclusion by 31 January 2025 if the festival is scheduled to start between April 2025 and April 2026.
Festivals currently included on the list will be asked of any notable changes and relevant evidence from last year if they wish to remain on the list.
2. Requirements for inclusion on the list of permit free festivals
Festivals and events which are not currently listed in Appendix Visitor: Permit Free Festival list of the Immigration Rules must have:
- been established for at least 3 years
- had an audience of at least 15,000 for each of the last 3 festivals
- an expected audience of at least 15,000 throughout the forthcoming event
- at least 15 non-British or Irish performers who have performed at each of the last 3 festivals
- at least 15 non-British or Irish performers who have been invited for 2025 to 2026
Festivals will not be penalised if COVID-19 has affected their ability to meet the eligibility criteria. Festivals that were not able to operate (including those which held smaller scale events) in 2020 or 2021 will be assessed on whether they met the criteria in 2019.
3. Documents required in support of an application
In support of an application you must have:
- copies of the event brochures or programmes for the last 3 years
- a letter from the Arts Council, or another such body if they support the event
- press cuttings relating to the event for the last 3 years
- confirmation of ticket sales and attendance details for the last 3 years
- evidence from the local police or licensing authority concerning the cultural event or festival
- the number of non-British or Irish performers and their nationalities for the last 3 years
- the number of non-British or Irish performers who have been invited for the forthcoming event
- other additional evidence if requested by the Home Office
4. Submit your application
Evidence should be sent electronically to the permit free festival admin inbox. Each email should be no larger than 25MB, however you can submit documents using multiple emails. Large documents should be sent as zip files. Please note that for security reasons we are unable to access file storage systems such as Sharepoint or Google Drive.
Hard copies of brochures or programmes can be sent to:
Visit, Visa and International Trade Policy Team
Border Policy and International Migration
Home Office
2nd Floor Peel
2 Marsham Street
London
SW1P 4DF
If you are planning to submit hard copies please notify us in advance by email.
Festival organisers should contact the permit free festival admin inbox if they have any queries.