Question to the Department for Digital, Culture, Media & Sport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, with reference to her Department's publication of 11 October 2021 entitled Visa-free short term touring allowed in 20 member states, whether any additional countries offer visa and work permit free routes for UK musicians and performers.

The Government is committed to supporting touring artists and the wider music industry to adapt to new arrangements following our departure from the EU, and we have worked with the sector and directly with Member States to provide clarity and support.

24 out of 27 Member States, the vast majority, have clarified arrangements to confirm that they allow visa and work permit free routes for UK performers for some short-term touring. This includes most of the UK’s biggest touring markets such as France, Germany, and the Netherlands, and it includes Spain and Greece who have introduced easements for third country touring professionals.

We continue to engage with the few remaining Member States to improve arrangements or clarify guidance, and we have worked closely on this with the sector. Most recently, we raised the issue of Touring with the EU at the Services Investment and Digital Trade Committee on 9 October. Ultimately however, it is up to Member States to align their requirements more closely with the UK’s generous rules.

The Government has also launched an Export Support Service where UK businesses, including touring professionals, can access advice and guidance. We will continue to engage with industry to understand challenges facing the live music sector and options to address these issues.