CBP Targets Content Creators Entering With Tourist Visas

• CBP Warns Influencers
• Tourist Visa Has Limits
• World Cup Increases Immigration Monitoring

U.S. immigration authorities reminded foreign content creators and influencers entering the country with tourist visas that they cannot carry out activities considered work if they generate income during their stay, a warning that has gained relevance ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

The Warning Comes Before the 2026 World Cup

 

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According to EFE, U.S. Customs and Border Protection, or CBP, reiterated that foreign nationals entering the country with B-2 tourist visas are not authorized to work.

The clarification comes at a time when the arrival of numerous independent content creators is expected as they plan to cover the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Many of them plan to share information, images, and experiences related to the tournament through social media and digital platforms.

However, immigration authorities emphasized that creating content that generates economic income may be considered a work activity.

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According to CBP in an email sent to EFE, people who enter the United States under a visitor program and receive income from a U.S. source violate the conditions of their admission.

The agency also indicated that working for a media outlet or visiting the country for the sole purpose of creating content as an influencer is generally considered work.

For that reason, those carrying out this type of activity must have the corresponding visa.

The warning comes as the 2026 World Cup is shaping up to be one of the sporting events with the largest presence of digital creators from around the world.

Violators Could Face Immigration Consequences

Immigration attorney Alex Gálvez explained to EFE that those who violate the conditions imposed by the U.S. government could face immigration penalties.

Among them is the possible loss of a tourist visa.

However, the attorney noted that some content creators may be able to raise legal arguments in certain cases.

According to him, the situation could be different if the social media accounts belong to their countries of origin and payments are received outside the United States.

The interpretation of these circumstances could become a point of debate for those who carry out digital activities internationally.

Authorities did not detail specific changes to immigration rules.

The warning focused on reminding visitors of the existing restrictions for those entering the country under tourist status.

Recent Cases Increase Attention on Restrictions

The discussion over income and visas comes amid a broader debate over access for international visitors to the United States.

Last week, the International Sports Press Association, or AIPS, expressed concern over visa restrictions imposed on some of its members.

The organization said certain members have been denied entry to the country.

Journalists have not been the only ones affected by recent immigration decisions.

Last week, CBP denied entry to Somali referee Omar Abdulkadir Artan as he was traveling to participate in the soccer World Cup.

Another case mentioned was that of content creator Khaby Lame.

The Senegalese-Italian, considered one of the most popular TikTokers in the world, was detained by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, or ICE, on June 6, 2025, at Las Vegas International Airport.

According to authorities, the detention occurred because he remained in the country longer than allowed under the terms of his visa.

Lame later self-deported.

The creator has 162 million followers on TikTok thanks to his comedy videos.

As the 2026 FIFA World Cup approaches, immigration authorities may maintain special monitoring of compliance with entry conditions for visitors, including journalists, referees, and tourist visa content creators traveling to the country to cover the event.