US Warns Influencers Against Earning Income On Tourist Visas During 2026 World Cup

June 11 (THEWILL) — The United States government has warned foreign content creators and social media influencers that earning money while in the country on a tourist visa could lead to deportation.

The warning was issued on June 10 by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, co-hosted by the United States, Mexico, and Canada.

According to the agencies, creating content for profit while in the United States is considered work and requires the appropriate visa.

“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 government clarified that the standard B-2 tourist visa allows travel for leisure, tourism, family visits, or medical treatment, but does not permit paid work or earning income from activities conducted in the country.

The warning applies to creators monetising content on platforms such as YouTube, TikTok, Instagram, and Facebook, as well as those working for media outlets while in the United States.

Breaking visa rules can result in visa cancellation, deportation, and restrictions on future travel to the country.

Immigration lawyer, Alex Galvez, said influencers who violate entry terms risk losing their tourist visas. He added that some cases could be challenged if payments are received outside the United States and social media accounts are registered in another country.

The advisory comes as the 2026 FIFA World Cup approaches, expected to draw thousands of content creators documenting the tournament across the US, Mexico, and Canada.