Brexit: Visa-Free Travel for Short Term Tours Allowed in 20 EU Member States

The UK government announced that British musicians and performers will be able to enter the EU Member States through a free route work visa permit.

As the United Kingdom successfully exited the European Union (EU), British nationals have been subject to more stringent EU entry rules as third-country nationals. Just like any other third-country national, British nationals have to apply for a permit if they want to work, study or just stay in the EU for more than 90 days.

This has affected the Creative Sector who is not able to move freely across EU borders. This means that touring artists and bands may need a work visa for each individual country that requires it. Something that leads to more administrative work and costs if you want to take a tour within the European Union.

According to a press release on 11 October, the British Department for Digital, Culture, Media, and Sport (DCMS) stated that the following countries have confirmed offering free route work visa permits for British performers and creative professionals:

Austria
Belgium
Czech Republic
Denmark
Estonia
Finland
France

Germany
Hungary
Ireland
Italy
Latvia
Lithuania
Luxembourg

Netherlands
Poland
Romania
Slovakia
Slovenia
Sweden

Last August, DCMS advised that 19 EU countries have allowed visa-free travel to musicians and creatives. Poland is the new addition on the list.

British Government Supporting Creatives

“We are now actively engaging with the remaining EU Member States that do not allow visa and permit free touring, and calling on them to align their arrangements with the UK’s generous rules, which allow touring performers and support staff to come to the UK for up to 3 months without a visa,” the press release reads.

Moreover, the British officials have approached their counterparts in Spain, Croatia, Greece, Portugal, Malta, Bulgaria, and Cyprus regarding the matter, and the discussions are still ongoing.

Concerns on Short Term Visa Free Tours

Last August, when the Department of Digital, Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) announced that 19 EU countries are allowing visa-free short-term touring, the music industry cautiously welcomed the announcement.

Concerns were raised as major territories such as Spain, where British musicians have issues, are not included on the list. The announcement also does not address issues regarding crew, drivers, carnets or fees for moving equipment.

The Carry On Touring campaign has sent an open letter to ministers, demanding a retraction of the claim that performers can tour easily in 19 countries. The letter points out that far from offering 90 days of permit-free touring as suggested, many offer very few days.

What are your thoughts on this issue? Talk to us in the comment section below.

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