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

Musician playing acoustic guitar, facing the setting sun and a crowd, performing at a festival. Flags and fairy lights are out of focus in the background.

UK Artist Touring Fund Announces Second Phase Artists

The UK Artist Touring Fund (UKAT) has announced the 49 artists receiving support in its latest funding round, following the expansion of the scheme to help more UK artists navigate the ongoing cost-of-touring crisis.

Published: 06 November 2026

Read more about UK Artist Touring Fund Announces Second Phase Artists
Black background with wooden stick figures placed on top in different colours, some also represent wheelchair users.

Attitude is Everything Publish the State of Access Report 2026

This week, Attitude is Everything published the State of Access Report 2026, the charity’s first major research report in eight years, revealing persistent and widespread barriers to accessibility across the UK music and live events sector, despite signs of progress in access provision.

Published: 05 November 2026

Read more about Attitude is Everything Publish the State of Access Report 2026
A calculator and pair of glasses on top of a sound mixing desk.

Member Benefit: Discounted Tax Advice for Musicians

From royalties and advances to self-employment, PAYE and international work, musicians often have unique tax needs. MU members can access discounted advice from qualified tax professionals with experience of the music industry.

Published: 01 November 2026

Read more about Member Benefit: Discounted Tax Advice for Musicians
Close up hands playing an organ.

MU Redesigns Organists and Ceremonies Rates

Sector expertise, including contributions from the Royal College of Organists (RCO) and MU/RCO joint members, helped shape the new rates, which introduce new categories, updated guidance and a 3% uplift for 2026 to better reflect organists' working practices and responsibilities.

Published: 30 October 2026

Read more about MU Redesigns Organists and Ceremonies Rates