Pearle* welcomes the proposal of the European Commission on a new EU common visa policy. The proposal to submit applications already 6 months in advance is a welcome step forward in accommodating the needs of the sector in preparing artistic tours.For artists regularly performing in Schengen countries it will also be an improvement that they will be able to obtain a multiple entry visa valid for up to five years in future, whilst the option for short-term visa at the external border may also respond to the need to be able to invite a third-country national artist for example in the case of a replacement for a specific role in a performance. Pearle* deplores the fact that the Commission proposes to increase the visa fee from 60 Euros to 80 Euros and calls upon the co-legislators to foresee an exemption in the case of visa application by touring groupsas it would put an important financial pressure on the alrea dy vulnerable financial situation of the live performance sector.
In in response to the Commission consultation on the modernisation of EU visa Schengen policy, Pearle* has called in February to improve the visa procedures so that third country national artists and cultural professionals can travel more easily to and in-out the Schengen zone.

Source: Pearle*-Live Performance Europe