Changing a Tour Itinerary on a 408 Entertainment Visa

Tours change. Promoters add shows when tickets sell, venues move, and festivals shift dates. If the artists and crew hold 408 Entertainment visas, those changes need to be handled carefully, because the visa is tied to the itinerary given with the application. This page explains how condition 8109 works and how to ask for permission.

What condition 8109 says

Condition 8109 means the visa holder must not change the details of the times and places of engagements specified in the application, without the prior written permission of the Department. It is a mandatory condition on every 408 visa granted under the Entertainment activity type, including performers, production crew and support staff.

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Changes that need permission

• adding a new show, city or venue;
• moving a show to a different venue;
• changing show dates;
• extending the run of a production or the length of a tour;
• adding promotional performances that were not in the itinerary.

If a show is cancelled, it is still sensible to tell the Department and get advice, because condition 8109 covers changes to the times and places of engagements.

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How to ask for permission

1. Prepare the updated itinerary showing the new dates and venues.
2. Explain the reason for the change and confirm the pay and conditions are unchanged, or set out what has changed.
3. Identify every visa holder affected, including crew and support staff.
4. Send the request to the Department before the change takes effect.
5. Keep the written approval with the tour documents.

Under policy, approval is given by letter or email. Allow time for a response, especially near weekends or public holidays.

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Do we need to consult the union again?

No. Union consultation is required before the visa is granted for most entertainment categories, but there is no legal requirement to consult the union again about changes to the itinerary. The Department’s approval is all that is needed, and unions cannot insist on being consulted about the change. See union consultation for 408 entertainment visas.

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Extending a stay

If the tour is extended beyond the visa period, permission under condition 8109 is not enough. A new visa application may be needed, and if the artist applies in Australia, the application must be sponsored by an approved temporary activities sponsor. Plan extensions early.

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What happens if we change shows without permission?

Breaching a visa condition can lead to visa cancellation and can affect future applications for the artist and the promoter. Adverse information about a sponsor or supporter can also count against future applications, so it is worth getting the approval in writing first.