skip to main content

Further Guidance Provided for Musicians using Eurotunnel

Following concerns raised by the MU on passenger limits, DCMS have provided further clarification around their advice for musicians travelling via Eurotunnel – and confirmed that the passenger limit does not necessarily need to be three-people.

Photo ofDave Webster
By Dave Webster Published: 10 May 2022 | 12:52 PM
A car sits in a queue of cars at a check point, bright bollards separate the lines and it's a clear, bright day.
ATA Carnets being categorised as ‘freight’ presented problems for musicians, as the passenger limit is three-people. Photo credit: Shutterstock

The MU were alerted to a problem for musicians in vans with ATA Carnets being categorised as ‘freight’ when booking to travel on Eurotunnel for work in the EU. This presented problems for musicians as the limit on passengers in a freight cab is three-people.

The MU raised this with the Department of Culture Media and Sport who helpful convened a meeting with the HMRC, Dept of Transport, Ferry companies and Eurotunnel and Music Industry representatives to better understand the problem.

The outcome was that after making some key points to Eurotunnel regarding musicians, they have confirmed that musicians with an ATA Carnet and/or Merchandise in Baggage which falls below the thresholds for making a full customs declaration can travel in a vehicle of less than 3.5 tonnes and carrying no more than 9 people as passengers.

Eurotunnel also helpfully provided some updated guidance on the requirements for getting your Carnet or MIC stamped in the UK and at Dover.

We are also expecting some updated guidance on travelling by Ferry.

MU members can find more detailed information in our working in the EU post Brexit guidance.

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

Peter Raistrick: Why Musicians and Trade Unionists Must Stand Against the Far Right

In this opinion piece, Peter Raistrick, London Regional Committee member and Young Members' Network activist, reflects on the responsibility of musicians and trade unionists to defend creative freedom, workers' rights and an inclusive society in the face of the growing threat of the far right.

Published: 29 June 2026

Read more about Peter Raistrick: Why Musicians and Trade Unionists Must Stand Against the Far Right
Music composer sat in front of a computer screen and laptop, wearing headphones and making notes.

MU Backs Global Call for Artists’ Rights in AI Music Deals

The MU has joined artists, songwriters and music industry organisations from around the world in signing a new open letter coordinated by the European Music Managers Alliance (EMMA), calling for creators' rights to be respected in AI-related music deals.

Published: 25 June 2026

Read more about MU Backs Global Call for Artists’ Rights in AI Music Deals