Visa-Free Short-Term European Touring Announced For UK Musicians

The government’s Department for Digital, Culture, Media And Sport has announced measures to allow short-term touring across selected EU countries for British musicians without the need to obtain appropriate vias and work permits.

In an announcement from the Department today, The DDCMS has confirmed that its recent negotiations with the EU regarding the easing of travel restrictions for touring musicians have been successful.

The Department has confirmed its commitment to touring and other creative professionals who have been severely hit by restrictions imposed to combat the Corona virus.

The Government is now pleased to confirm that UK musicians and performers will not require visas or work permits for short-term tours, opening up an opportunity for musicians to finally get back out on the road and tour on the continent.

To date, 19 EU Member States have confirmed their relaxation of permit and visa requirements, they are – Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Netherlands, Poland, Slovakia, Slovenia, and Sweden.

Encouraged by the positive response from the EU nations complying with the new regulation relaxation request, the government has approached eight remaining countries to try and gain their co-operation. These countries are – Spain, Croatia, Greece, Portugal, Bulgaria, Romania, Malta and Cyprus.

Agreement with these remaining nations will ensure free access for touring artists, which will mirror the UK Government’s own relaxation of regulations, allowing non-British artists to tour here for up to three months without the need for vias.

The government is determined to underline its commitment to creative arts across the country, and to support the easing of official restrictions to travel and work, as the world begins the process of easing out of Covid restrictions.

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