There’s lobbying going on to change things, but the fact remains that, for musicians, touring Europe, post-Brexit, is difficult to the point of – ‘is it worth it?’. But careful logistical and financial planning can ensure you can still take your music to wide audiences.
Because, while the challenges are real, it’s important to be able to tour, and make money, in as many markets as you can, so you’ll need to understand the current regulations and explore strategies to continue touring in Europe.
The current key regulations fall into three categories:
- Visa Requirements: The most significant change is the introduction of visa requirements for UK musicians touring in the EU for more than 90 days. This means that UK artists will need to apply for a work permit or visa before embarking on their European tours.
- Carnets: To transport musical equipment across borders, UK musicians will need to obtain a carnet, a customs document that guarantees the temporary importation of goods.
- Work Permits: For longer stays or performances involving remuneration, UK musicians may need to obtain a work permit from the relevant EU country.
So, if you’re to tour successfully, and without you and your van being stranded at a border, you’ll need to plan ahead. The application process for visas and work permits can be time-consuming. Plan your tour well in advance to ensure that you have sufficient time to obtain the necessary documentation.
You’ll also need to familiarise yourself with the specific visa requirements of each EU country you plan to visit. The rules can vary, so it’s essential to do your research. If obtaining visas and work permits for longer tours is challenging, consider shorter trips to avoid the complexities of extended stays.
If you’re planning to transport musical equipment, apply for a carnet well in advance of your tour. This process can take several weeks, so it’s important to plan ahead.
Collaborating with European promoters, venues and agents can help streamline the visa and work permit application process. Promoters often have experience dealing with these requirements and can provide valuable guidance. Cultivate those relationships – strong connections can help you navigate the complexities of touring in the post-Brexit era.
You’ll also need to stay informed – the new UK government has talked of re-setting the agenda with the EU, so some things may change, so keep up-to-date with the latest regulations and changes. There are numerous online resources available to help UK musicians navigate the post-Brexit touring landscape. Websites and forums dedicated to touring can provide valuable information and advice.
You can, of course, tour in other places – though their visa requirements may also be problematic, but if you want to keep your music in front of large audiences and to build the revenues from live performances, since Spotify won’t make your rich, you may have to take the hard road to Europe.
We can help you plan, give guidance from our industry knowledge and help you judge if it’s all financially viable, so get in touch and let’s chat.
