skip to main content

Brexit Details for Touring Musicians Unlikely Before End of Transition Period

Even if a Brexit deal is agreed before the transition period ends on Thursday 31 December, it is likely to only give basic essentials, with the potential for further detail.

Photo ofIsabelle Gutierrez
By Isabelle Gutierrez Published: 21 December 2020 | 5:06 PM Updated: 28 April 2021 | 4:32 PM
Photograph of a violin in a travel case.
It is very unlikely that there will be any detail on the effects of leaving the Single Market and Customs Union for touring musicians. Photo credit: Shutterstock

A Brexit deal between the United Kingdom and the European Union is still being discussed.

With the transition period coming to an end on 31 December 2020, even if a last-minute deal is agreed, it is likely to be only a “basic essentials” deal to avoid the application of WTO rules and tariffs, with the potential for further detail.

It is very unlikely that there will be any detail on the effects of leaving the Single Market and Customs Union for touring musicians – especially since immigration laws are generally a national competency and require approval by individual member states. This is impossible within the available timeframe.

We will continue to press for a Musicians’ Passport next year regardless of whether or not a deal is reached, as none of the important detail for our members will yet have been agreed.

Sources of further advice

In the meantime, we have attempted to simplify the incredibly lengthy and complex Government advice pages into a flowchart.

Members can also view government advice here on the UK Government’s transition checker, and their guidance page for working in the Creative Industries after 1 January 2021.

Get MU membership today

From gig players to part-time teachers and professional instrumentalists, MU members can access specialist insurance for musicians. This includes Public Liability, Instrument and Equipment Insurance, Accident Insurance, Tax Investigation Insurance, and Professional Indemnity Insurance for music teachers.

Explore our member services

  • Get public liability insurance for musicians
  • Access expert legal support
  • Be represented in your profession
  • Access expert career advice, resources, and training events
  • Connect, network, and get to know the community of musicians

Learn about all membership benefits

Get MU membership today

Continue reading

Top view of an acoustic violin and pernambuco wood bow on a tabletop.

Save Pernambuco Bows: Write to Your MP Today

The MU is calling on members to take urgent action to protect the future of high-quality bow making and the musicians who rely on it, after a proposal to move pernambuco wood from Appendix II to Appendix I.

Published: 10 July 2025

Read more about Save Pernambuco Bows: Write to Your MP Today
MU Head of ED&I John Shortell, with Regional Officer Simeon Scheuber-Rush and MU delegates, on the main stage in front of a blue screen saying “TUC LGBT+ Workers’ Conference 2025

MU Champions Global LGBTQ+ Rights at TUC Conference

Last week, MU members represented the Union at TUC’s annual LGBT+ Workers' Conference, where a motion was passed unanimously on protecting LGBTQ+ rights globally, the value of ED&I work, and promoting greater awareness of intersectional, LGBTQ+ inclusive health and safety issues.

Published: 08 July 2025

Read more about MU Champions Global LGBTQ+ Rights at TUC Conference
A panel event from last year in a tent. There are four people sat along a table in front of a crowd.

MU Panels and Workshop Confirmed for Tolpuddle Festival 2025

Tolpuddle Martyrs Festival takes place next weekend and we’re pleased to share more details about the MU’s presence at the event – including confirmed panel appearances, a workshop session, and the debut of our brand new union banner in Sunday’s iconic march.

Published: 08 July 2025

Read more about MU Panels and Workshop Confirmed for Tolpuddle Festival 2025