skip to main content

No ATA Carnet Needed for Touring Between NI and rest of UK

We’ve had confirmation that members based in England, Scotland and Wales do not currently require an ATA Carnet to gig in Northern Ireland, and vice versa.

Photo ofDave Webster
By Dave Webster Published: 14 January 2021 | 10:57 AM Updated: 28 April 2021 | 4:32 PM
Photograph of a musician walking, whilst carrying a guitar in a hard case. We can only see the musicians arms and torso, the guitar case is well worn looking.
You can continue to move your equipment between Northern Ireland and the rest of the UK without needing an ATA Carnet. Photo credit: Shutterstock

The MU has spoken to the London Chamber of Commerce, and we’re pleased to learn that an ATA Carnet is not currently required for your equipment when travelling to Northern Ireland for work and back – or travelling from Northern Ireland to other parts of the UK and back. If this situation changes, we will let members know as soon as we can.

While you will most likely require an ATA Carnet if travelling to the Republic of Ireland for work, it is not currently a requirement to get one for travel within the UK including to Northern Ireland. This was one of the potential impacts of the Brexit deal that was unclear until we sought clarification.

For guidance on the documentation you will now need when gigging and touring in Europe, see our flowchart guide.

Take action now

Over 110,000 people have signed our petition, calling the Government and Parliament to back a Musicians’ Passport

Join our call on the Government and Parliament to back a Musicians' Passport for musicians working in the EU post-Brexit.

Sign the petition now.

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

Large, glass curved exterior of the BBC building HQ. its logo is on the front in white.

Email Your MP: Back Workers, Back the BBC!

The BBC is the single biggest employer and engager of MU members in the UK. Invite your MP to our drop-in event in Parliament to learn more and show their support for the BBC's music future!

Published: 11 November 2026

Read more about Email Your MP: Back Workers, Back the BBC!
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