U.S. warns influencers against creating paid content on tourist visas ahead of the World Cup

U.S. immigration authorities have warned that foreign influencers and content creators who enter the country on tourist visas and earn income from content produced during their stay could face penalties, including visa revocation and removal from the United States.

The warning comes ahead of the FIFA World Cup, which is expected to attract a large number of independent creators seeking to cover the tournament for their audiences. According to the U.S. Customs and Border Protection, visitors entering under B-2 tourist visas are prohibited from working or receiving compensation for activities carried out within the United States.

CBP stated that individuals who generate income from U.S.-based activities while visiting under a tourism program may be violating the terms of their admission. The agency noted that working for a media outlet or traveling primarily to create monetized content is generally considered employment and requires the appropriate visa category.

The issue has emerged amid broader concerns about entry restrictions surrounding international sporting events. The International Sports Press Association recently expressed concern over visa difficulties faced by some journalists seeking to cover the World Cup. In another case, Somali referee Omar Abdulkadir Artan was reportedly denied entry to the United States while traveling to participate in the tournament.

Authorities have also pointed to previous immigration enforcement actions involving public figures. In 2025, social media star Khaby Lame was detained by immigration officials and later self-deported after authorities determined he had overstayed his visa.

The warning underscores increased scrutiny of visa compliance as the United States prepares to host one of the world’s largest sporting events, with officials reminding visitors that activities generating income may require work authorization rather than a tourist visa.