skip to main content

Deadline Approaches on Survey to Support Musicians’ Use of Eurostar

The data from this survey will be used to lobby for the St Pancras Eurostar terminal in London to become a designated port for instruments requiring a MIC certificate to travel. Opening up a quick and affordable way for these musicians to access Europe for work.

Photo ofDave Webster
By Dave Webster Published: 02 March 2022 | 1:07 PM
Train waits at busy st Pancras train station as passengers travel
The MU/ABO and ISM have put together this survey and it remains open until the end of March. Photo credit: Shutterstock

The MU alongside other industry colleagues recognise how important Eurostar St Pancras is to UK musicians working in Europe.

Due to Brexit instruments containing endangered species that have a Musical Instrument Certificate (MIC) must get that certificate stamped at the UK and EU borders. Find out more about MIC’s.

Leaving the UK and entering the EU must be done through a ‘designated port’ where your MIC can be stamped. Currently Eurostar St Pancras is not a designated port. The MU has been asking that the site be made a designated port to assist musicians.

DEFRA/Border Force have asked for us to gather information so they can make a decision as to whether they will put resources into Eurostar St Pancras.

The MU/ABO and ISM have put together this survey and it remains open until the end of March. We need to get more responses. If you have an MIC and want to take your instrument to Europe via Eurostar it is essential you respond to this survey.

Our colleagues in Europe are doing a similar exercise to demonstrate how many EU musicians will need to use this service too.

Please note we only need you to fill in this survey if you have or are planning to acquire a MIC and you plan to use Eurostar services for work in the EU.

Take the survey

You can read the fair processing notice on the ISM’s website.

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

Three wooden blocks with red icons painted on them.

MU Concerned by New EU Customs Fees for Artists Selling Merchandise

A new EU customs charge on low-value parcels is creating additional costs and administrative challenges for musicians selling merchandise directly to fans in Europe. The MU will work to ensure musicians affected by the new legislation are represented at a stakeholder consultation later this year.

Published: 31 July 2026

Read more about MU Concerned by New EU Customs Fees for Artists Selling Merchandise
A brick wall with the flags of Spain and Gibraltar painted on it, overlapping each other.

Spain-Gibraltar Border Changes: What the New Agreement Means for Musicians

New arrangements between Gibraltar and Spain will remove routine border checks for people crossing by land. While the agreement does not change existing rights to work in Spain or the EU, any time spent in Gibraltar will count towards musicians’ 90-day allowance for the Schengen area.

Published: 30 July 2026

Read more about Spain-Gibraltar Border Changes: What the New Agreement Means for Musicians
A pink sign being held up that says

Music Qualifications Reform Debated in House of Lords

Peers from across the political spectrum raised concerns about the Government’s proposed reforms to level 3 music qualifications, with ministers confirming that existing qualifications will remain in place until at least 2030 and announcing a new creative advisory board to help shape the reforms.

Published: 28 July 2026

Read more about Music Qualifications Reform Debated in House of Lords