Bectu responds to DCMS claim of visa free travel for short term tours in 19 EU member states

National Secretary Noel McClean says: “The recent DCMS claim that the government have secured visa and work permit free access to 19 EU members states for musicians and crew for short term tours, should be seen for what it is; confirmation of what was already in place and a modest improvement at best. 

Bectu have been continuously lobbying alongside other unions, performers and industry professionals, and welcome any genuine progress. However, this announcement appears to have a very limited impact and is very short on detail.

Back in May 2021, DCMS made a similar claim about 17 EU member states. At the time, this claim was severely lacking in detail in a number of areas including which professions were covered, the definition of a short tour, the aggregation of time spent in EU member states, movement between member states and details on the transportation of equipment and tour vehicles.

DCMS has since provided no detail or clarity on these matters. This latest announcement only serves to add a further 2 member states to what was already a confusing and administratively tortuous process.

Visa free access for short term tours may be a very small step in the right direction, but there is still a long way to go to guarantee free movement for touring professionals across all EU member states, for both long and short term tours. This is what the industry and our members really need.

The industry is facing a crisis and DCMS appear more concerned about managing the headlines, consistently over-hyping very modest improvements that do little to alleviate the situation. 

The Government now needs to put in place a comprehensive touring framework that provides clear information on the details of the arrangements, giving confidence and clarity to the industry whilst continuing to work towards an EU wide visa waiver agreement and sensible arrangements for the transportation of touring equipment.”