UK musicians will no longer need visas for engagements of less than 90 days in Spain

“The UK’s music industry has welcomed the decision by the Spanish government to scrap post-Brexit visa requirements for UK artists on short-term tours, but warned significant issues still remain that will make many tours ‘impossible,’ ” writes Léonie Chao-Fong in Tuesday’s (11/16) Guardian (U.K.). “Spain’s announcement means UK musicians and their crew will no longer need visas for engagements of less than 90 days, a change in policy that came after months of lobbying from trade groups on both sides. The organization UK Music … described the move as a ‘big victory.’ Jamie Njoku-Goodwin, UK Music chief executive, said the decision was a first step in the right direction but added: … ‘It is important to remember that major issues still remain, particularly cabotage [the transport of goods or passengers between two places in the same country by a foreign operator], which makes many tours impossible.’ … During the Brexit negotiations, the UK government faced accusations that it had treated cultural industries as an afterthought.… Nadine Dorries, the culture secretary, said the decision was ‘really great news…. Twenty-one member states now offer visa and permit-free routes for touring performers. Six more to go.’ ”