Cat Stevens cancels North American tour over visa issues

In late September 2025, British singer-songwriter Cat Stevens, known as Yusuf Islam, announced the postponement of his North American book tour due to unspecified visa issues. The announcement came via social media just days before the tour was scheduled to kick off on October 2 in Philadelphia. This tour was intended to promote his upcoming memoir, 'Cat on the Road to Findout,' which is set to be released in the United States on October 7, 2025. Despite holding out hopes for visa approvals for months, Stevens stated that the required production logistics could not be arranged in the available time. The postponement of this tour reflects larger issues many artists have faced in recent times regarding visa approvals and the complexities surrounding international travel. Stevens expressed his disappointment, particularly for fans who had already purchased tickets and made travel plans, underscoring the emotional impact of the decision on both himself and his audience. The implications of this cancellation are significant, showcasing the obstacles faced by international artists, especially with increased visa fees and slowed processing times over the past year. As a result, Stevens mentioned that rescheduling the tour would likely be a complex process, possibly spanning a considerable period due to other commitments. He emphasized the hope that if visa approvals eventually come through, he would still be able to connect with his North American audience in the future. He also reassured fans that the release of his book would proceed as planned, humorously noting that 'books don’t need visas.' The situation mirrors an ongoing concern for many artists, reflecting the broader implications of immigration policies and logistical challenges for artists wishing to perform internationally. Cat Stevens, who rose to fame in the 1960s and took a lengthy hiatus from secular music after converting to Islam, has throughout his career faced various challenges, yet he remains committed to sharing his music and stories with his fans around the world. As the situation develops, there remains a collective hope among fans and artists alike that such issues can be resolved, allowing for closer connections through live performances.