Help Väsen Recover Lost U.S. Visa Fees

Both 2020 U.S. tours by Väsen have had to cancel due to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic. While the three band members have to absorb the loss of income from canceled concerts and missed merchandise sales, and many of the two tours’ advance expenses have been refunded or credited for future use (we hope!), they face one major expense as a complete loss: the cost of obtaining a U.S. visa. Since the visa class that Väsen is granted to tour the U.S. (“P-3”) is only issued for 12-month increments, even if all of the 2020 U.S. concerts are re-scheduled for future dates, a new visa will have to be applied for, with all new fees, for Väsen to come to the U.S. there to play them.

The costs and lead-time for obtaining these visas have continued to increase. Total fee costs related to obtaining the current visa (which is valid through March, 2021) are just under U.S. $2800. We are asking Väsen fans (especially those in the U.S.) to help recover the lost expense for this visa. Any support in this matter will be greatly appreciated, and increase the chance Väsen will go through this visa process again to make it possible to meet its lovely US fans again.

Rob Simonds/Olov Johansson for Väsen