‘I got tickets to Taylor – but the government won’t let me go’

It’s every Swifties worst nightmare – managing to secure a ticket to Taylor Swift’s concert, only to find out you’re not allowed to go.

Exclusive: It’s every Swifties worst nightmare – managing to secure a ticket to Taylor Swift’s concert, only to find out you’re not allowed to go.

International Swifties who snagged tickets to Taylor Swift’s Sydney and Melbourne concerts are begging to be let into the country after their visas to Australia were denied.

Filipino fan Kevin Valencia was forced to sell his prized Taylor Swift ticket after his visa application to Australia was declined twice due to a lack of connection to his home country.

“I have a regular job here in the Philippines and uploaded documents to prove I am coming home. I even uploaded my tickets to show we are only going for Taylor Swift, I sent my hotel booking accommodations to prove this is just a temporary stay,” he said.

In order to receive a tourist visa to Australia, the Department of Home Affairs considers whether an applicant intends a genuine temporary stay, and takes into account relevant considerations such as the applicant’s personal circumstances, incentive to return home, financial situation and ability to support themselves in Australia.

Kevin (left) and his partner John (right) have had to make the heartbreaking decision to sell their tickets after their visa to Australia was declined.

Kevin said his experience is not unusual, with many of his friends experiencing the same problem. A Facebook group for Filipino fans going to the concert, has more than 30k followers, many of which have shared similar stories.

One fan, Jem, also from the Philippines, will be attending the Australian concert alone after his boyfriend’s visa was declined.

“He wasn’t approved because he is a Chinese national working in the Philippines. Even though he has enough money, has been employed here for more than four years, has a property and a partner, they said no,” the 33-year-old said.

“I will sell his ticket. Heartbreakingly, I am going to go by myself.

“I love my boyfriend, but I love Taylor Swift more,” he admitted.

“I can appreciate Australia being strict but Swifties are willing to spend – it would help the economy if you let us in. I understand Australia needs to protect their borders but I hoped there was special treatment for fans who had tickets already.

Jem will attend the concert without his boyfriend after his partner’s visa was declined. Picture: Buda Mendes

“Who would spend $1000 plus dollars on tickets as a way to sneak into the country?”

A Department of Home Affairs spokesman said that between July 2023 and December 2023 85 per cent of applications from the Philippines to Australia were approved.

Information was not available on the number of clients who have applied for a visitor visa for the reason of attending a Taylor Swift concert.

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