Touring in Europe
Before 2021, UK artists could tour within the EU without most of the administrative requirements described in this guide, however touring in Europe now requires substantial planning and documentation.
Since the UK left the European Union UK musicians are treated as non-EU performers when working in EU countries. This means customs procedures apply when transporting equipment or merchandise and touring vehicles can be affected by EU transport regulations.
It also means different countries may have different visa or work permit rules, and many countries apply withholding tax to performance fees paid to foreign artists.
A quick summary
- UK artists can usually travel within the Schengen Area for up to 90 days in any 180-day period.
- Many European countries allow short cultural performances without visas or work permits, although the rules vary by country.
- If you travel with instruments, equipment or merchandise you may need an ATA Carnet and customs declarations.
- Most European countries apply withholding tax on performance fees paid to foreign artists.
- Tax paid abroad can usually be credited against UK tax under double taxation agreements.
Touring arrangements vary widely, so this guide explains the main practical considerations and the most common issues UK artists encounter when performing in Europe.
Please Note: Laws, procedures, forms and fees can change year on year so please always check the official notes from the relevant government bodies for the most up to date information.
European touring guidance for UK artists
On this page you find detailed information on:
- Entry & Immigration
- Transporting Instruments, Equipment and Merchandise
- Driving and Transport Rules
- CITES rules for musical instruments
- Social security and A1 certificates
- Health Insurance
- Merchandise sales and VAT
- Taxation of performance fees in Europe
- Double taxation
- Checklist before touring Europe
- Top 5 things artists forget before touring Europe
- Further Guidance
1. Entry and Immigration
Passport requirements
Your passport must:
- be less than 10 years old on the date of entry, and
- have at least 3 months remaining after you leave the EU.
The Schengen 90/180 day rule
UK citizens can normally stay in the Schengen Area for up to 90 days in any rolling 180-day period.
Countries in the Schengen Area include:
Austria, Belgium, Croatia, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden and Switzerland.
Important points:
- The rule works on a rolling 180-day calculation.
- Time spent in any Schengen country counts towards the total.
- Exceeding the limit may lead to fines or entry restrictions.
Countries outside the Schengen Area
Ireland
Ireland operates a Common Travel Area with the UK, meaning UK artists can normally travel and perform there without affecting their Schengen allowance.
Cyprus
Cyprus is an EU country but not currently part of the Schengen Area, so time spent there does not count towards Schengen days.
Visas and work permits
According to UK government guidance, many EU member states provide visa-free or work-permit exemptions for short cultural performances, although the exact conditions vary.
Artists should always confirm requirements with the promoter or organiser before travelling.
For example, France regulates live performances through the “entrepreneur de spectacles” licence, which requires the organiser or promoter presenting the event to hold the appropriate licence.
Changes to Schengen border controls
The EU has introduced a new Entry/Exit System (EES) which digitally records the entry and exit of non-EU travellers.
The system began rolling out in October 2025 and is expected to be fully operational across all Schengen borders in 2026.
Travellers may be asked to provide biometric information such as fingerprints or facial scans when entering the Schengen Area.
A separate ETIAS travel authorisation system is expected to be introduced in late 2026, requiring travellers from visa-free countries, including the UK, to apply online before travelling.
Further information on the EU Entry/Exit System (EES)
2. Transporting Instruments, Equipment and Merchandise
EORI number
If you move goods between the UK and the EU (including instruments or merchandise), you may need an Economic Operator Registration and Identification (EORI) number.
Most VAT-registered businesses were automatically issued one.
ATA Carnets
An ATA Carnet allows professional equipment to be taken temporarily into another country and returned without paying import duties.
Carnets are commonly used for:
- musical instruments
- sound equipment
- stage gear
- lighting equipment
Important points:
- Carnets usually last 12 months from the date of issue.
- You must list all equipment with serial numbers and values.
- Customs officials must stamp the carnet when leaving and entering countries.
- Items cannot be added after the carnet is issued.
If the carnet is not stamped correctly at borders, customs authorities may assume equipment has been imported permanently and duties may be charged.
Carnets apply only to temporary professional equipment and cannot normally be used for merchandise intended for sale.
Applying for a carnet
ATA Carnets in the UK are issued through the London Chamber of Commerce and authorised regional Chambers of Commerce.
Applications require a detailed list of equipment including descriptions, serial numbers and values.
Apply here:
HMRC – Apply for an ATA Carnet
London Chamber of Commerce – Apply for an ATA Carnet
Customs declarations
If you are taking merchandise such as CDs, vinyl or clothing to sell, you may need to complete a customs declaration.
Many artists work with a freight agent or logistics company to manage customs paperwork.
Official Guidance Links:
Check if you need to declare goods
Get UK customs clearance when exporting goods: step by step
If you are travelling with equipment listed on a carnet, a separate customs declaration is usually not required.
3. Driving and Transport Rules
When travelling with a vehicle you should carry:
- your UK driving licence
- vehicle insurance documents
- a UK identifier sticker if not included on the number plate.
Cabotage rules
If touring with a UK-registered van or truck, EU transport rules limit how many stops can be made.
Vehicles over 2.5 tonnes are generally limited to three stops within the EU after entering from the UK.
After the third stop the vehicle must normally return to the UK before undertaking further transport work.
4. CITES rules for musical instruments
Some instruments contain materials protected under the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES) such as certain rosewoods, ivory or tortoiseshell.
Artists travelling internationally with such instruments may require a Musical Instrument Certificate (MIC).
Applications are made through the Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA).
5. Social security and A1 certificates
Some promoters may ask UK artists for an A1 certificate.
An A1 certificate confirms that the artist continues to pay social security contributions in the UK rather than the country of performance.
Artists who are self-employed or working through a company can apply through HMRC.
Find out more and apply for a certificate
6. Health insurance
Before travelling ensure you have either:
- a UK Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC)
or - travel insurance covering medical treatment
Travel insurance is strongly recommended for touring musicians.
Financial and tax considerations
7. Merchandise sales and VAT
Selling merchandise in Europe can create local VAT obligations.
If you sell items such as:
- CDs
- vinyl
- clothing
- posters or other merchandise
VAT may be payable in the country where the sale takes place.
Artists sometimes manage this by:
- working with merchandise companies
- selling merchandise through venues
- seeking professional VAT advice
Shipping merchandise to customers in Europe
If an artist sells merchandise such as CDs, vinyl or clothing online to customers in the European Union, the items are treated as exports from the UK and imports into the EU.
This means shipments to EU customers may be subject to:
- import VAT in the destination country
- customs handling fees charged by the delivery company
These charges are often paid by the customer when the parcel arrives.
Artists selling directly from the UK should make this clear to customers.
Recommended wording artists can use on their website:
Orders shipped to EU countries may be subject to local import VAT or delivery handling charges, which are determined by the destination country and collected by the courier.
8. Taxation of performance fees in Europe
Most European countries apply withholding tax on payments made to foreign performers.
This tax is normally deducted from the gross performance fee by the promoter or organiser and paid directly to the local tax authority.
Rates vary widely but typically fall between 15% and 30% depending on the country and the structure of the engagement.
The exact treatment may depend on:
- whether the artist is paid personally or through a company
- whether expenses can be deducted
- whether tax treaty relief applies
- how the contract is structured
Because international touring taxation can be complex, artists should consider seeking advice from a professional tax adviser familiar with international touring.
France
France commonly applies around 15% withholding tax on payments to non-resident performers.
Spain
Spain normally applies 24% withholding tax to non-EU performers.
Netherlands
The Netherlands does not normally apply withholding tax to short-term visiting performers, although tax treatment can depend on the structure of the engagement.
Italy
Italy generally applies 30% withholding tax on payments to foreign performers.
Portugal
Portugal normally applies 25% withholding tax on payments to non-resident performers.
Germany
Germany applies withholding tax under Section 50a of the German Income Tax Act.
Federal income tax: 15%
Solidarity surcharge: 5.5% of the income tax
Norway
Norway applies around 15% withholding tax on foreign performers.
Sweden
Sweden operates the A-SINK system, applying a 15% flat tax to foreign performers.
Finland
Finland applies a 15% non-resident artist tax on performance income.
Denmark
Denmark can apply tax to payments made to foreign performers, but withholding tax is often not applied in practice for short engagements depending on the structure of the payment.
9. Double taxation
The UK has double taxation agreements with most European countries.
This means tax paid abroad can usually be credited against UK tax through Self Assessment.
10. Checklist before touring Europe
Travel
☐ Passport valid
☐ Schengen days checked
Documentation
☐ Contracts confirmed
☐ Work requirements confirmed with promoter
Equipment
☐ Carnet arranged
☐ Serial numbers recorded
Transport
☐ Driving licence and insurance documents
☐ Cabotage rules checked
Health
☐ GHIC or travel insurance arranged
Tax
☐ Withholding tax discussed with promoter
☐ Records kept for Self Assessment
Merchandise
☐ Customs declarations prepared
☐ VAT implications considered
Top 5 things artists forget before touring Europe
Before confirming a European tour, make sure you have checked the following:
1. Passport validity
Your passport must be less than 10 years old and valid for at least 3 months after you leave the EU.
2. Schengen travel limits
UK artists can normally spend 90 days in any rolling 180-day period within the Schengen Area.
3. Carnets for equipment
Professional instruments and equipment often require an ATA Carnet when travelling between the UK and the EU.
4. Withholding tax on performance fees
Many European countries deduct 15–30% tax from performance fees paid to foreign artists.
5. Transport rules for touring vehicles
UK vehicles over 2.5 tonnes are generally limited to three stops within the EU before returning to the UK.
Further guidance
Touring Artists’ mobility information website
This site provides guidance on visas, taxation, social security, customs and touring logistics for internationally mobile artists.
Disclaimer
This guide is for general information only and does not constitute legal or financial advice. Rules for visas and taxation can change, and individual circumstances (tour length, number of gigs, payment arrangements, residency status, etc.) can affect what applies to you. Always check the latest official guidance and consider seeking professional advice for your specific situation.
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