Touring Fundamentals

Arts Council England resources regarding Brexit.

Creative Scotland resources regarding exit from the EU



Visas: Check if you need a Visa.

Government guidance on visa waiting times

Under 30 days in the UK: no visa required for citizens of the EU, but need a Permitted Paid Engagement invitation is mandatory.  

Over 30 days in the UK: Artists (Temporary Worker - Creative and Sporting visa) require a T5 visa. The T5 visa costs £189 and requires a Certificate of Sponsorship before travel. 

Certificate of Sponsorship: these are issued by a registered sponsor in the UK e.g., promoters, festivals, clubs or a registered agent such as T & S Immigration.

CoS are valid for up to 3-months work in the UK. These can be assigned to allow multiple entries.

Note: Some festivals are permit free – check when going to contract. It is recommend that nationals requiring a visa use a CoS regardless of whether the Festival is permit-free or not. 



Gigging and Touring in the UK

Taxation:

Foreign Entertainers Unit (FEU): tax is currently withheld at 20% of annual fees above £12,500 (UK tax year is April – March)

A1 forms:  When travelling to work in countries in the EU, EEA or Switzerland self-employed UK taxpayers need an A1 form to prove that they pay taxation in their country of citizenship or residence.

Minimum wage: 

Musicians' Union has pay guidelines for rates of pay in all contexts.

Musicians' Union guide for touring etc for UK-based artists, post-Brexit.