skip to main content

Update for Members Working in the EU on New Government Report and Feedback Opportunity

An update for musicians working in the EU, including a DAG report referencing carnets and visa waivers, as well as your chance to tell the Government what support and resources you need when working abroad.

Published: 29 April 2024 | 2:44 PM
Two new UK passports, overlapping over a map of the world.
“It's encouraging to see specific reference being made to improve mobility provisions around visa waivers and the 90/180 day rule". Image credit: Shutterstock.

The Domestic Advisory Group (DAG) is a consultative body which enables the Government to hear from those most affected by the operation of the UK-EU Trade and Cooperation Agreement. This week it launched a new report, which featured its upcoming priorities and recommendations.

Umbrella Organisations LIVE and UK Music - which both include the MU - sit on the UK DAG. The MU’s Head of International Dave Webster has been attending meetings with the DAG Mobility Subgroup and says:

“It's encouraging to see specific reference being made to improve mobility provisions around visa waivers and the 90/180 day rule. As well as a proposal to exempt those organisations with an ATA carnet from cabotage regulations. These recommendations will help us in our lobbying efforts to seek improvements for musicians working in the EU.”

View the full report.

What support do you need when working or thinking about working in the EU?

LIVE’s Chief Executive Jon Collins and Dave Webster (as Chair of LIVE Touring), have been leading the industry’s march for improved EU touring arrangements through a series of productive meetings with the Department of Business and Trade, and Music Export Academy sessions.

Last week, LIVE and the MU met with officials to flesh out plans for the provision of more specialised guidance for musicians and support staff touring the EU – much needed considering the current state of confusion amongst both musicians and border staff. 

LIVE and the MU will continue to engage with the Department of Business and Trade and its Export Support Services in order to improve the guidance available for musicians. The Export Support Service, which is designed to provide export support for UK businesses, are keen to gather feedback on the quality and utility of the information currently provided by their online portal and advice service.

We therefore encourage members to test out the service, consider its strengths and shortcomings, and direct this feedback to Dave in order that we may pass it on to officials. Please do send your responses or comments to eutouring@themu.org.

You can also take Part in the MU’s New Survey on Touring in the EU Post Brexit

Your answers are key to helping us assess the impact leaving the EU has had on touring musicians, and if our specialist information and guidance has been useful or needs improving. Your feedback is also vital in shaping our work when liaising with Government.

Get involved

Get support as a musician working overseas

The MU helps musicians with many aspects of working overseas - from everything on touring in Europe, visa issues for working in US, to travelling with musical instruments.

Get support as a musician working overseas

Continue reading

Small blue toy car over a map of Europe.

Take Part in the MU’s New Survey on Touring in the EU Post Brexit

Your answers are key to helping us assess the impact leaving the EU has had on touring musicians, and if our specialist information and guidance has been useful or needs improving. Your feedback is also vital in shaping our work when liaising with government.

Published: 03 April 2024

Read more about Take Part in the MU’s New Survey on Touring in the EU Post Brexit
The office front of a building with the name US Citizenship and Immigration Services.

MU Responds to Increase in US Visa Fees

The MU is disappointed to learn that US Visa fees are on the rise yet again. The final decision, made by the US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), will affect the future of US touring for large groups and orchestras.

Published: 11 March 2024

Read more about MU Responds to Increase in US Visa Fees