Working Overseas Most musicians will do at least some work abroad during their career, and whilst this can be hugely rewarding and beneficial, it also comes with its own set of challenges. The MU can help with many aspects of working overseas when you are a touring band or travelling musician. Guidance on international touring Free Visa & Work Permit Advice Members can access Viva La Visa's free advice line for guidance on visas, work permits and travel documentation for touring abroad. Read more about Free Visa & Work Permit Advice Working in the EU Guidance, resources and latest information on touring, performing and working in European Union Read more about Working in the EU Working in the USA Get advice on acquiring a valid work permit and any associated visa when touring in United States Read more about Working in the USA Travelling with Music Instruments Learn about policies on transportation of music gear, precautions for instruments made of rare materials, instrument passports and permits Read more about Travelling with Music Instruments Orchestral Touring Read more about Orchestral Touring Travel Advice for LGBT+ Musicians Read more about Travel Advice for LGBT+ Musicians Risk Assessments on Tour Read more about Risk Assessments on Tour Live Performing Abroad Read more about Live Performing Abroad International news and features 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 Read more about VAT on German Ticket Sales: Webinar Recording Available 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 Read more about General Product Safety Regulations Update for Musicians Selling Merchandise in NI and the EU 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 Read more about New Report Reveals PRS Foundation's International Showcase Fund Provides Vital Support for UK Artists An Update on Electronic Entry and Exit Systems for the EU and UK The EU Commission has announced that the launch date for the EU's new Entry/Exit System, initially planned for 10 November, has been delayed. Published: 22 October 2024 Read more about An Update on Electronic Entry and Exit Systems for the EU and UK 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 Read more about Trades Union Congress Backs Renegotiation of EU-UK Trade and Co-operation Agreement Read all international news What we do for musicians working internationally Every musician will look at working in the European Union, USA or around the world at some point in their career. MU Head of International Dave Webster explains how the MU can support you in your overseas work, and what we’re doing to make your voice heard in government. Member benefits for musicians working internationally Worldwide Instrument Insurance If you are travelling abroad – as a freelance musician or with an orchestra – ensure that your insurance is activated before you travel. Read more about Worldwide Instrument Insurance Free Visa & Work Permit Advice Access Viva La Visa's free advice line for guidance on visas, work permits or travel documentation for touring abroad. Members also receive a 20% discount on any services. Read more about Free Visa & Work Permit Advice Discounts on ATA Carnets MU members requiring ATA Carnets for travel can take advantage of exclusive discounts from LCC or Boomerang Read more about Discounts on ATA Carnets Contract Advisory Service Protect yourself against unpaid fees by making sure that your tour or engagement is covered by a written contract. Have it vetted by the MU for added peace of mind. Read more about Contract Advisory Service Professional Advice for US Visa Issues We partner with professional organisations that offer free guidance and discounted services to MU members Read more about Professional Advice for US Visa Issues Travel Insurance Read more about Travel Insurance Overseas Taxation and National Insurance Read more about Overseas Taxation and National Insurance Touring advice Webinar recording Music Export Growth Scheme: Advice Webinar on Funding Overseas Tours This webinar from The British Phonographic Industry (BPI), who run the MEGS scheme, gives information and advice on the application process for musicians looking to fund an overseas tour. Read more about Music Export Growth Scheme: Advice Webinar on Funding Overseas Tours Quick tips 8 Things You Need to Know Before Going on Tour Touring is an integral part of many musicians’ careers, but it can be more complicated than simply turning up to perform. Read more about 8 Things You Need to Know Before Going on Tour Webinar recording MIC and Border Crossing Explained The Animal Plant Health Authority (APHA) and UK Border Force explains the latest guidance on MIC, and how to travel with musical instruments containing CITES-listed controlled endangered species. Read more about MIC and Border Crossing Explained Member-only Eating Healthily on Tour Learn how touring musicians can maintain a healthy diet and avoid the temptations of motorway services and takeaways. Read more about Eating Healthily on Tour
Free Visa & Work Permit Advice Members can access Viva La Visa's free advice line for guidance on visas, work permits and travel documentation for touring abroad. Read more about Free Visa & Work Permit Advice
Working in the EU Guidance, resources and latest information on touring, performing and working in European Union Read more about Working in the EU
Working in the USA Get advice on acquiring a valid work permit and any associated visa when touring in United States Read more about Working in the USA
Travelling with Music Instruments Learn about policies on transportation of music gear, precautions for instruments made of rare materials, instrument passports and permits Read more about Travelling with Music Instruments
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 Read more about VAT on German Ticket Sales: Webinar Recording Available
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 Read more about General Product Safety Regulations Update for Musicians Selling Merchandise in NI and the EU
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 Read more about New Report Reveals PRS Foundation's International Showcase Fund Provides Vital Support for UK Artists
An Update on Electronic Entry and Exit Systems for the EU and UK The EU Commission has announced that the launch date for the EU's new Entry/Exit System, initially planned for 10 November, has been delayed. Published: 22 October 2024 Read more about An Update on Electronic Entry and Exit Systems for the EU and UK
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 Read more about Trades Union Congress Backs Renegotiation of EU-UK Trade and Co-operation Agreement
Worldwide Instrument Insurance If you are travelling abroad – as a freelance musician or with an orchestra – ensure that your insurance is activated before you travel. Read more about Worldwide Instrument Insurance
Free Visa & Work Permit Advice Access Viva La Visa's free advice line for guidance on visas, work permits or travel documentation for touring abroad. Members also receive a 20% discount on any services. Read more about Free Visa & Work Permit Advice
Discounts on ATA Carnets MU members requiring ATA Carnets for travel can take advantage of exclusive discounts from LCC or Boomerang Read more about Discounts on ATA Carnets
Contract Advisory Service Protect yourself against unpaid fees by making sure that your tour or engagement is covered by a written contract. Have it vetted by the MU for added peace of mind. Read more about Contract Advisory Service
Professional Advice for US Visa Issues We partner with professional organisations that offer free guidance and discounted services to MU members Read more about Professional Advice for US Visa Issues
Webinar recording Music Export Growth Scheme: Advice Webinar on Funding Overseas Tours This webinar from The British Phonographic Industry (BPI), who run the MEGS scheme, gives information and advice on the application process for musicians looking to fund an overseas tour. Read more about Music Export Growth Scheme: Advice Webinar on Funding Overseas Tours
Quick tips 8 Things You Need to Know Before Going on Tour Touring is an integral part of many musicians’ careers, but it can be more complicated than simply turning up to perform. Read more about 8 Things You Need to Know Before Going on Tour
Webinar recording MIC and Border Crossing Explained The Animal Plant Health Authority (APHA) and UK Border Force explains the latest guidance on MIC, and how to travel with musical instruments containing CITES-listed controlled endangered species. Read more about MIC and Border Crossing Explained
Member-only Eating Healthily on Tour Learn how touring musicians can maintain a healthy diet and avoid the temptations of motorway services and takeaways. Read more about Eating Healthily on Tour