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Classical Music: The Immigration Hurdles Facing UK Orchestras in Europe

May 23, 2025

Classical Music: The Immigration Hurdles Facing UK Orchestras in Europe

Countries / Territories

  • IrelandIreland
  • United KingdomUnited Kingdom
  • BelgiumBelgium

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Louise Collins

Director

Fragomen in Dublin, Ireland, Ireland

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[email protected]

T:+353 1 265 4313

Photo of Sean Rhodes

Sean Rhodes

Senior Manager

Fragomen in London, United Kingdom

Email

[email protected]

T:+44 (0) 207 090 9180

Andreia Ghimis - Porthole

Andreia Florina Ghimis

Senior Manager

Fragomen in Brussels, Belgium, Belgium

Email

[email protected]

T:+32 (0) 2 250 4879

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  • Fragomen in Dublin, Ireland
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Related contacts

Louise Collins

Director

Fragomen in Dublin, Ireland, Ireland

Email

[email protected]

T:+353 1 265 4313

Photo of Sean Rhodes

Sean Rhodes

Senior Manager

Fragomen in London, United Kingdom

Email

[email protected]

T:+44 (0) 207 090 9180

Andreia Ghimis - Porthole

Andreia Florina Ghimis

Senior Manager

Fragomen in Brussels, Belgium, Belgium

Email

[email protected]

T:+32 (0) 2 250 4879

Related offices

  • Fragomen in London
  • Fragomen in Dublin, Ireland
  • Fragomen in Brussels, Belgium

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Share

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Related contacts

Louise Collins

Director

Fragomen in Dublin, Ireland, Ireland

Email

[email protected]

T:+353 1 265 4313

Photo of Sean Rhodes

Sean Rhodes

Senior Manager

Fragomen in London, United Kingdom

Email

[email protected]

T:+44 (0) 207 090 9180

Andreia Ghimis - Porthole

Andreia Florina Ghimis

Senior Manager

Fragomen in Brussels, Belgium, Belgium

Email

[email protected]

T:+32 (0) 2 250 4879

Related offices

  • Fragomen in London
  • Fragomen in Dublin, Ireland
  • Fragomen in Brussels, Belgium

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By: Louise Collins, Sean Rhodes, Andreia Florina Ghimis

British orchestras continue to encounter a range of immigration and logistical considerations when planning tours in Europe post-Brexit.

In an article published in Classical Music, Senior Immigration Programme Manager Louise Collins, Senior Manager Sean Rhodes and Manager Andreia Ghimis explore the evolving visa requirements, Schengen restrictions and varying local regulations that can present challenges for ensembles. While some countries including France and Germany offer short-term visa exemptions, the rules are not always applied consistently, prompting some orchestras to scale back or reconsider tours. Louise, Sean and Andreia suggest potential national solutions such as a Cultural Mobility Deal or bilateral agreements, alongside practical steps to support planning and compliance. As the UK looks to strengthen cultural ties, easing touring barriers may play an important role in supporting the creative sector.

Read more here.

Countries / Territories

  • IrelandIreland
  • United KingdomUnited Kingdom
  • BelgiumBelgium

Related contacts

Louise Collins

Director

Fragomen in Dublin, Ireland, Ireland

Email

[email protected]

T:+353 1 265 4313

Photo of Sean Rhodes

Sean Rhodes

Senior Manager

Fragomen in London, United Kingdom

Email

[email protected]

T:+44 (0) 207 090 9180

Andreia Ghimis - Porthole

Andreia Florina Ghimis

Senior Manager

Fragomen in Brussels, Belgium, Belgium

Email

[email protected]

T:+32 (0) 2 250 4879

Related offices

  • Fragomen in London
  • Fragomen in Dublin, Ireland
  • Fragomen in Brussels, Belgium

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Related contacts

Louise Collins

Director

Fragomen in Dublin, Ireland, Ireland

Email

[email protected]

T:+353 1 265 4313

Photo of Sean Rhodes

Sean Rhodes

Senior Manager

Fragomen in London, United Kingdom

Email

[email protected]

T:+44 (0) 207 090 9180

Andreia Ghimis - Porthole

Andreia Florina Ghimis

Senior Manager

Fragomen in Brussels, Belgium, Belgium

Email

[email protected]

T:+32 (0) 2 250 4879

Related offices

  • Fragomen in London
  • Fragomen in Dublin, Ireland
  • Fragomen in Brussels, Belgium

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Related contacts

Louise Collins

Director

Fragomen in Dublin, Ireland, Ireland

Email

[email protected]

T:+353 1 265 4313

Photo of Sean Rhodes

Sean Rhodes

Senior Manager

Fragomen in London, United Kingdom

Email

[email protected]

T:+44 (0) 207 090 9180

Andreia Ghimis - Porthole

Andreia Florina Ghimis

Senior Manager

Fragomen in Brussels, Belgium, Belgium

Email

[email protected]

T:+32 (0) 2 250 4879

Related offices

  • Fragomen in London
  • Fragomen in Dublin, Ireland
  • Fragomen in Brussels, Belgium

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

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Important Updates
Important Updates
May 28, 2026 | United StatesBusiness Insider: Trump’s Green Card Memo Dropped Before a Holiday Weekend. Immigration Lawyers Say Clients Panicked.
May 29, 2026 | BermudaBermuda: New Work Permit Policy to Prolong Processing Times
May 29, 2026 | FranceFrance: EU Blue Card Rules Relaxed
May 29, 2026 | IrelandIreland: Occupation Lists Changes Published,“50:50” Rule Modification Proposed
May 29, 2026 | United Arab EmiratesThe National: Companionship Scheme Addresses Loneliness Among Elderly as UAE Population Ages
May 28, 2026 | United StatesBusiness Insider: Trump’s Green Card Memo Dropped Before a Holiday Weekend. Immigration Lawyers Say Clients Panicked.
May 29, 2026 | BermudaBermuda: New Work Permit Policy to Prolong Processing Times
May 29, 2026 | FranceFrance: EU Blue Card Rules Relaxed
May 29, 2026 | IrelandIreland: Occupation Lists Changes Published,“50:50” Rule Modification Proposed
May 29, 2026 | United Arab EmiratesThe National: Companionship Scheme Addresses Loneliness Among Elderly as UAE Population Ages
May 28, 2026 | United StatesBusiness Insider: Trump’s Green Card Memo Dropped Before a Holiday Weekend. Immigration Lawyers Say Clients Panicked.
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