The FIFA World Cup Trophy is displayed during the Los Angeles stop of The FIFA World Cup 26 Trophy Tour by Coca-Cola at LA Live in Los Angeles on March 24, 2026. (Photo by Frederic J. Brown / AFP)
The United States has cautioned foreign content creators and social media influencers against earning income while visiting the country on tourist visas, warning that violations could result in deportation.
The advisory, issued ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, was contained in a statement sent by the US Customs and Border Protection and the Department of Homeland Security to Spanish news agency EFE.
According to the agencies, foreign nationals who enter the country under a tourist arrangement and receive payment from US-based sources may be breaching the terms of their immigration status.
“Having the sole purpose of the visit be content creation (as an influencer), thereby generating income from U.S. sources while in the country, is considered work and requires the appropriate visa,” they said.
The authorities stressed that the B-2 tourist visa is intended for activities such as holidays, family visits, leisure travel and medical treatment, and does not permit paid employment or income-generating activities carried out within the United States.
