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

Royal Albert Dock, Liverpool at sunset.

Outer Waves Festival Returns to Liverpool with MU Member Discount

Outer Waves Festival, the North West's newest celebration of underground arts returns to Liverpool 23-24 May 2026. MU North of England Regional Officer Philip Morris will join a panel on gentrification, and MU members can access discounted weekend tickets.

Published: 13 May 2026

Member only Read more about Outer Waves Festival Returns to Liverpool with MU Member Discount
Women sat in front of some water at sunset with headphones on.

Three in Four Performing Arts Professionals Face Career-Impacting Health Issues Says New BAPAM Report

A new BAPAM Impact Report reveals that 75% of performing arts professionals will face a career-impacting health issue, as demand for specialist support reaches record levels. The MU is among the organisations supporting BAPAM’s work to improve health provision across the sector.

Published: 13 May 2026

Read more about Three in Four Performing Arts Professionals Face Career-Impacting Health Issues Says New BAPAM Report
13 members of the Board gathered in front of some stairs.

MU Joins Newcastle Gateshead Music City Strategic Board

The MU has joined the new Newcastle Gateshead Music City Strategic Board alongside artists, venues, labels, media professionals, academics and industry experts. The Board will help shape the future of the region’s music sector and support long-term growth across the local music ecosystem.

Published: 11 May 2026

Read more about MU Joins Newcastle Gateshead Music City Strategic Board
The panellists sat on the stage with microphones, in front of a screen with saying

MU Panel Explores Rates, Rights and Royalties at Sound City 2026

At Liverpool Sound City Conference 2026, the MU brought together industry professionals and working musicians for its ‘Money in the Mix’ panel to demystify these issues and offer practical insights into building a sustainable career in session work.

Published: 11 May 2026

Read more about MU Panel Explores Rates, Rights and Royalties at Sound City 2026