News & Stories for Musicians

Pernambuco Bows to Remain on Appendix II

A proposal to move pernambuco to Appendix I, which would have effectively halted international trade in the wood used for professional string instrument bows, has been rejected after lobbying by the MU and partners, ensuring continued access for musicians and stronger species protections.

Published: 15 December 2025

Flags of the United Kingdom and the European Union next to each other.

Organisations from Across UK and Europe Join Forces to Remove Barriers to Touring and Drive Growth

A new UK–EU Cultural Exchange Coalition has launched today, uniting the MU and major creative organisations to push for removing post-Brexit touring barriers. The alliance seeks to turn political promises on cultural exchange into action supporting artists and renewing collaboration.

Published: 03 December 2025

A close up of a woman sitting at a laptop with a passport on the table.

Big Mobility and Touring Survey: Help Remove Barriers for Touring Artists

Members who have experienced touring in the EU are encouraged to fill out PEARLE*’s Big Mobility and Touring Survey. The survey closes on 31 October 2025.

Published: 15 October 2025

Sign saying 'French customs' at an airport.

New French Customs Regulation Affects Musicians Taking Merchandise to France

A new French customs regulation means more hoops to jump through if you are taking merchandise to France in a van as part of your music work.

Published: 13 October 2025

Person walking into a venue with a cello case on their back.

Government Proposes New Charges for Musical Instrument Certificates

The MU warns proposed fees of up to £200 could place an unfair burden on musicians travelling with instruments containing endangered materials.

Published: 02 October 2025

MU General Secretary Naomi Pohl on stage at TUC 2025, addressing delegates about the motion on AI and the creative industries.

MU Motions on AI and EU Touring Pass at Trade Union Congress 2025

This week, the MU attended the annual TUC Congress, where our motions on key issues including AI, copyright reform and post-Brexit EU touring all passed unanimously.

Published: 10 September 2025

A hand holding the new blue British passport.

Launch Confirmed for Electronic Entry and Exit Systems for the EU and UK

The EES, an automated IT system that will modernise border control and replace passport stamping, is finally set to launch in October 2025. These changes will impact musicians crossing both UK and EU borders.

Published: 26 August 2025

Close up of the American flag with a burst of sunlight.

US Artist Visa Update – August

An update for musicians travelling to the US, covering proposed changes to ESTA fees and further delays in O and P visa processing.

Published: 26 August 2025

A line of passengers in an airport queuing to go through a security scanner.

MU Reaches Agreement with Heathrow on Handling of Musical Instruments

Musicians travelling with instruments through Heathrow can now expect the airport to act in accordance with guidelines agreed by the MU.

Published: 05 August 2025

Dave, Jon and Olga standing in a room in Parliament with MPs and Peers.

MU Meets Labour Movement for Europe to Discuss Next Steps for EU Touring

Last week the Union met with MPs and Peers to press for progress on EU touring barriers at a parliamentary roundtable.

Published: 25 July 2025

Top view of an acoustic violin and pernambuco wood bow on a tabletop.

Save Pernambuco Bows: Write to Your MP Today

The MU is calling on members to take urgent action to protect the future of high-quality bow making and the musicians who rely on it, after a proposal to move pernambuco wood from Appendix II to Appendix I.

Published: 10 July 2025

Annabella Coldrick, Naomi Pohl, Nick Thomas-Symonds, Dave Webster and Tom Kiehl smiling in front of a UK flag.

MU Meets with Minister to Push for Progress on Touring Post-Brexit

Earlier this week, the MU met with Minister Nick Thomas-Symonds to discuss last month’s EU-UK Summit and the next steps for touring artists.

Published: 11 June 2025

Passport with a US Visa against the background of the flag and map of the United States.

Update on the US Travel Ban: Who is Affected?

Trump’s latest proclamation restricts entry to the US from 20 countries, heightening concerns for global cultural exchange. Our colleagues at Tamizdat have shared further details on what we know so far.

Published: 09 June 2025

Birdseye view of feet staring down at an EU flag on the ground, representing a border.

EU-UK Summit: Early Outcomes and What it Means for MU Members

The MU welcomes early signs of progress on cultural mobility at the first EU-UK Summit, including youth mobility and faster border access, but calls for further action to ensure musicians are properly supported in post-Brexit negotiations.

Published: 21 May 2025

EU and UK flags flying in front of Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament at Westminster Palace, London.

Open Letter Calls for Action on Post-Brexit Touring Barriers Ahead of EU-UK Summit

As over 500 UK and EU music organisations back an open letter to political leaders, MU Head of International Dave Webster updates members on the growing industry pressure to fix post-Brexit touring barriers, ahead of key EU-UK talks.

Published: 14 May 2025

Person performing on stage in a wheelchair, singing into a microphone with the band behind them, golden confetti streaming around them.

Apply Now: International Showcasing and Mobility Opportunities for 2026

Members can now apply to showcase at Folk Alliance International in New Orleans, and Eurosonic in Groningen 2026. Plus a new pilot programme to support mobility and exchange across the Nordic region, UK and Ireland is opening this August.

Published: 09 May 2025

Sign inside an airport saying U.S. Customers and Border Protection.

Watch Arts Info Point’s Advice Webinar on Touring and Travelling in the USA

Members wishing to understand more about entering the US, following recent press reports and administrative changes, can now watch the recording of a recent webinar hosted by Arts Info Point.

Published: 24 April 2025

Close up of a Border Security Officer at a computer.

Updated Information and Advice for Musicians Working in the US

Tamizdat, a non-profit organisation that facilitates international cultural exchange, has provided updated advice for those entering the US, further to recent press commentary regarding increased scrutiny at ports of entry.

Published: 27 March 2025

Hungary Parliament Passes Anti-LGBTQ+ Law Banning Pride Events

Hungary has passed a new anti-LGBTQ+ law that bans Pride events and allows authorities to use facial recognition software to identify those attending the festivities.

Published: 19 March 2025

A DJ performing at an outdoor festival in Croatia.

Positive News for Artists Gigging in Croatia

The Croatian Parliament has passed amendments to the Aliens Act, meaning UK artists and crew performing or touring in Croatia for less than three months no longer need a visa and work authorisation certificates.

Published: 13 March 2025

Double bass leaning against a wooden chair.

Double Basses on French Trains – An Update

Although the absolute ban on musicians travelling with a double bass on TGV trains in France has been reversed, there are some restrictions members need to be aware of.

Published: 04 March 2025

Close up, side view, of an old piano with ivory keys.

The Ivory Act 2018 is Being Extended to Cover Four Additional Species

The Ivory Act 2018 has now been extended to cover the common hippopotamus, killer whale, narwhal and sperm whale. These Regulations, which come into force on 28 January, may impact those who intend to sell, purchase or hire musical instruments containing ivory.

Published: 21 January 2025

A woman standing in an airport with a suitcase watching a plane take off through the window.

Carry on Touring Campaign Hosts UK-EU Summit and Lobby Day in Parliament

Members are invited to attend a Summit and Lobby Day in support of free movement for touring artists and professionals across the EU, hosted by Carry On Touring.

Published: 15 January 2025

Two musicians walking with instrument cases down the street.

Positive News for Musicians Travelling with Instruments through UK Airports

The MU’s feedback on handling on musical instruments at Heathrow Terminals 2 and 3 has been acknowledged by the Secretary of State for Transport and Heathrow Customer Services.

Published: 13 January 2025

Close up of a world map with a small German flag pinned into Germany.

VAT on German Ticket Sales: Webinar Recording Available

Watch the recording of our VAT on German ticket sales webinar from November this year. It takes an in-depth look at the issues independent musicians face when selling tickets and merchandise in Germany, both online and at in-person gigs.

Published: 10 December 2024

Metal shopping basket in front of an out of focus EU flag.

General Product Safety Regulations Update for Musicians Selling Merchandise in NI and the EU

The regulations come into force on 13 December 2024 and apply to goods which are being sold to consumers in the EU and Northern Ireland.

Published: 06 December 2024

A female musician with a guitar performing at a festival to a crowd in Austin, Texas.

New Report Reveals PRS Foundation's International Showcase Fund Provides Vital Support for UK Artists

PRS Foundation have released a new impact report demonstrating how the International Showcase Fund (ISF) helps music creators across the country to develop their careers and contribute to the wider UK economy.

Published: 24 October 2024

Naomi Pohl speaking at the Trades Union Congress 2024 event.

Trades Union Congress Backs Renegotiation of EU-UK Trade and Co-operation Agreement

The TUC voted for a motion highlighting the impact of Brexit on creative industries and calling on the TUC to campaign for a renegotiation of the UK-EU deal.

Published: 10 September 2024

Passport with a US Visa against the background of a flag and map of the United States.

An Update on US Visa Processing Times for Musicians Working Overseas

Dave Webster, MU Head of International, provides an overview of the current situation regarding US Visas, outlining fee increases and potentially severe processing delays.

Published: 05 September 2024

Touring crates lined up outside on a cobbled street.

Touring in the EU Post Brexit: Key Findings and Next Steps From the MU’s Recent Survey

Although over half of surveyed musicians told us that touring the EU was no longer financially viable for them, we have been working with the new Labour Government to address the concerns raised, and are hopeful that the barriers can be addressed.

Published: 30 July 2024

A woman handing over her passport and travel documentation to an immigration officer.

MU Announces Continued Partnership with Viva La Visa for Free Visa Advice Line

If you're seeking guidance on visas, work permits or travel documentation for touring abroad, you can access Viva La Visa's free advice line.

Published: 01 June 2024

Two new UK passports, overlapping over a map of the world.

Update for Members Working in the EU on New Government Report and Feedback Opportunity

An update for musicians working in the EU, including a DAG report referencing carnets and visa waivers, as well as your chance to tell the Government what support and resources you need when working abroad.

Published: 29 April 2024

Small blue toy car over a map of Europe.

Take Part in the MU’s New Survey on Touring in the EU Post Brexit

Your answers are key to helping us assess the impact leaving the EU has had on touring musicians, and if our specialist information and guidance has been useful or needs improving. Your feedback is also vital in shaping our work when liaising with government.

Published: 03 April 2024

The office front of a building with the name US Citizenship and Immigration Services.

MU Responds to Increase in US Visa Fees

The MU is disappointed to learn that US Visa fees are on the rise yet again. The final decision, made by the US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), will affect the future of US touring for large groups and orchestras.

Published: 11 March 2024

Visa Updates for Musicians Working in the US

MU Head of International Dave Webster updates members on O and P visas and the interview waiver programme for those working in the United States.

Published: 22 January 2024

Portrait of Conor and Hamish against a warehouse background with cardboard boxes.

Vlure: A Genre Busting, International Tour de Force

Scottish five-piece Vlure are forging a reputation across Europe for their intense and emotional live performances. Here, they speak about crafting their cathartic, genre-defying sound.

Published: 19 January 2024

A miniature figurine of a porter with a full luggage cart, placed on the neck of an acoustic guitar. Instrument and baggage concept.

Information for Musicians Flying with Larger Instruments on British Airways

When travelling with British Airways, an additional seat for larger musical instruments cannot be booked online and the airline must be contacted directly, ideally at the time of the initial booking.

Published: 20 December 2023

A hand holding a new Navy British citizen passport.

Domestic Advisory Groups Agree Principles to Support Musicians and Creative Industries Working in the EU

In a joint formal agreement, UK and EU Domestic Advisory Groups have called for more flexible travel arrangements and the creation of a cultural visa waiver for creative workers in the EU.

Published: 15 November 2023

Instrument flight cases in front of a stage ready for set up.

Watch the MU and Business West Webinar On The Ins and Outs of ATA Carnets

Earlier this week we hosted a webinar with ATA Carnet provider Business West on advice for acquiring and using an ATA Carnet when working overseas. This is now available for MU members to watch back.

Published: 19 October 2023

Member only Read more about Watch the MU and Business West Webinar On The Ins and Outs of ATA Carnets

Panorama of Deansgate area, Manchester, backed by the Deansgate Square skyscraper complex.

MU Partners with Beyond The Music Conference by Curating Panel on Music and Foreign Policy

The panel will discuss creating a UK Parliament for the music industry, with speakers including MU General Secretary Naomi Pohl, Mayor of Greater Manchester Andy Burnham, and Chair of The Ivors Academy and founder of the Broken Record campaign, Tom Gray.

Published: 12 October 2023

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