What reportedly prompted Australia to cancel Sneekko’s visa? The streamer responded with a clear clarification (Image via Getty)

Controversial streamer Nico Sneekko De Balinthazi, known online as Sneekko, became part of a major controversy this week after reports claimed Australia has banned him from entering the country for life. On May 5, 2026, several Australian media outlets reported that the American streamer’s visa had been canceled by Australian Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke. Reports also claimed that he was banned for life due to comments and online content deemed hateful by authorities. The story first attracted attention Sky News Australia reported that Tony Burke had canceled Sneekko’s visa and barred him from applying for future visas. “Our government has made it clear that we will use every power at our disposal to protect our communities from those who come to this country to spread hate,” Burke said, according to the report.The situation quickly spread on social media, especially after clips of the Australian news broadcast circulated online. Some commentators on television questioned how Sneekko was allowed into the country in the first place, pointing to his past controversies and online bans. The streamer later reposted one of the clips herself, writing sarcastically, “Thanks for having me, Australia.”

While news continued to grow about a lifetime ban, Nico Sneekko disputed the claims on X. The streamer said he was not deported and explained that his trip to Australia had already ended naturally.In a video shared online, Sneekko was seen talking to a fan before boarding his flight. During the conversation, the fan asked how many likes the collaboration would get. Sneekko replied, “One million.” A few moments later, he said, “I have to get on the plane… I have to get on the flight.”The streamer later shared another post from inside the airplane, reacting directly to the reports. “I was not deported from Australia, my South East Asia tour ended and I stopped in Sydney and Melbourne to meet friends and take meetings and then flew home,” he wrote.Sneekko also reposted a headline claiming Australian authorities had deported him from the country. Responding to that report, he simply wrote, “No, I’m just going home.”At this time, Australian authorities have not publicly released additional documents regarding the alleged lifetime ban. Because of that, there is still confusion online as to whether Sneekko will officially face a permanent ban from returning to Australia in the future.