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 accident cover, health schemes, travel insurance and car insurance add-ons through the Musicians’ Union.

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

Close up of cello player in black and white.

MU Sponsors The Night With Festival

The Night With Festival takes place 14 -15 December in Glasgow. It offers an interesting programme of classical evening performances, as well as a daytime industry schedule. MU and Regional Officer Louise Stanners Pow will also be in attendance, offering 1-2-1 drop in sessions.

Published: 01 December 2023

Read more about MU Sponsors The Night With Festival
Dr Diljeet Bhachu and award winner Elizabeth J Birch smiling after coming off stage together.

Youth Music Awards 2023: Take Note That the Future is Here

Last month the MU sponsored Youth Music’s Inspirational Music Leader Award, which was presented by Dr Diljeet Bhachu, the MU’s Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Officer. In this blog, she reflects on the judging process and shares her thoughts on addressing inequality in the wider industry.

Published: 01 December 2023

Read more about Youth Music Awards 2023: Take Note That the Future is Here