From 2 April 2025, all EU citizens, including musicians, travelling to the UK to play concerts, write music, perform at festivals or other short-term stays will need to apply for an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA).

The ETA is an electronic entry authorisation that will now be mandatory for all EU citizens, even if the stay is short-term or only involves a stopover at a UK airport. It costs £10 to apply and should take a maximum of three weeks to process.

The ETA does not replace a work visa, but must be applied for by anyone entering the UK for any purpose.

New name for work visas for creatives

For musicians or others who will be working in the UK, the work visa rules still apply. The conditions are the same as before, but the visa is renamed Temporary Work - Creative Worker visa.

Apply for ETA and visa in good time

A dedicated website has been set up with detailed information on rules, application procedures and deadlines. Musicians and other artists are advised to check the requirements well in advance, especially if they have a tour planned.

Get all the information at Gov.uk.