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

Two young female musicians sat outside, one playing acoustic guitar.

MU to Host Diversity Panel and Advice Sessions at Launchpad 2026

The Musicians’ Union will take part in Launchpad Conference 2026 on Friday 27 March at Leeds School of Arts, bringing industry insight, a panel on cultural diversity in music, and one-to-one advice sessions for musicians across the North of England.

Published: 10 March 2026

Read more about MU to Host Diversity Panel and Advice Sessions at Launchpad 2026
Close up of wooden violin bow.

New Rules for Pernambuco Bows Come into Force

Following a decision at the CITES Conference of the Parties, new rules governing the international trade of pernambuco bows came into force on 5 March 2026. Guidance from the UK CITES authority explains what the changes mean for musicians.

Published: 06 March 2026

Read more about New Rules for Pernambuco Bows Come into Force