The European Union has stated that it was the UK government's decision to end visa-free touring for musicians, following backlash from performers. EU officials told the BBC that the UK rejected a proposal that would have allowed musicians to tour without visas.
Michel Barnier, the EU's Brexit negotiator, said the outcome was an 'inevitable consequence' of Brexit. He expressed regret that the UK did not show more ambition for mobility, noting that the EU had made 'fairly ambitious proposals' for categories including musicians, but 'you need to be two to make a deal'.
Since Brexit, British musicians and crews are no longer guaranteed visa-free travel and may require work permits for certain EU countries. Tours in Germany and Spain now need extra visas for paid work, while France and the Netherlands do not. The Association of British Orchestras highlighted that truck drivers carrying equipment must return to the UK after visiting two EU member states.
A petition with over 250,000 signatures, including from artists like Laura Marling and Dua Lipa, calls for a 'free cultural work permit' and exemption for touring equipment. The UK government responded that the EU 'turned down proposals' but left scope for future negotiations. Musicians' Union general secretary Horace Trubridge urged Prime Minister Boris Johnson to support UK artists, calling for a reciprocal agreement with the EU.
An EU spokesperson clarified that the UK chose to end free movement and refused a chapter on mobility in the agreement. They added that the UK also refused a commitment on visa-free short stays, leaving each member state to decide visa requirements for paid activities. The EU would not confirm if it would reopen talks on music touring visas.
