The rules and procedures may vary, depending on individual circumstances and country-specific regulations for non-EU workers. It is essential to check the requirements for each country separately. To help you with this challenge, here are a few tips:

General advice

• If you are a freelancer and have been offered work in the EU, it is advisable to request that your engagers make arrangements for appropriate permits. In the case of large events, such as the Olympics, we believe that engagers should provide support to their freelance and staff crews in Europe, just as they would in any other part of the world.
• If you are a UK resident but hold an EU passport, it’s worth checking whether you can work in your destination country. Even if you are eligible, you should also check whether you need a carnet.
• There are restrictions on filming, touring and performing. Freelancers may need special permission in the form of a work visa or work permit. Requirements vary widely and there is no blanket EU work visa or permit. Some countries require a permit from day one, whilst others allow freelancers to work without a permit for a set number of days.
• You may need to apply for an A1 form, which proves you are paying National Insurance (NI) in the UK: A1 Self Employed EU Document
• Filming in, say, five different countries may require five different work permits.

France

• The France Diplomacy website has useful information for Filming in France, including whether permits are required.
• UK citizen artists, their technical production team for film, audio-visual content and shows, as well as those taking part in sporting, cultural, artistic and scientific events, do not require a visa or permit in France for under 90 days within 180 days. This is in line with the Schengen Visa Waiver. You need to be able to show the authorities proof that you’re exempt, on request. This could be in the form of an assignment letter, an employment confirmation letter, a contract, proof of required qualifications (diploma or professional certificate) or CV.
• If hiring a crew, this may be helpful.
• Advice for those filming during the Olympics can be found here.

Germany

• Journalists employed in the UK and living outside Germany and those working in special cultural or musical events or festivals, or film and television industry events, do not require a visa or permit in Germany, if they’re working for no more than 90 days within 180 days, in line with the Schengen Visa Waiver.
• Further UK government guidance on working in Germany can be found here.
• You need to be able to show proof that you’re exempt to the authorities on request. This could be an assignment letter, an employment confirmation, a contract or proof of required qualifications.

UEFA Championship in Germany 2024

• This exemption applies from 14 June to 14 July 2024.
• The following British citizens and nationals of all other countries with visa-free privileges do not require a visa for up to 90 days within twelve months:
  • Representatives, staff members and agents of federations or organisations, including referees and assistant referees.
  • Representatives of official federation partners and official licence partners.
  • Representatives of the media including technical staff and staff of media partners.
  • Athletes and paid staff of the participating teams.
• All individuals must have been accredited by the respective organising committee and hold a written confirmation by the organising committee to this effect.

Taking equipment for working to the EU

• Anyone travelling with kit for work may need a permit to take equipment in and out of the country in question. This is separate from any work permit and you are advised to check the rules with the country you are working in.
• For France and Germany, ATA Carnets are advised. These are temporary international customs documents for equipment, costing £360 plus a security deposit, which varies considerably in price, depending on the type and value of the equipment. Your carnet will, in most cases, be valid for 12 months. If you make multiple trips during that time, you can use the same documentation. Otherwise, you need to apply for temporary admission for equipment to customs authorities at the originating country’s embassy.
• There may be additional costs attached to acquiring permits.
• You will need to check your insurance coverage for equipment you take and use outside of the UK, whether personal or hired.