The logistics of international touring are infinitely more complex than domestic touring.

Some of the many variables include:

• Visa requirements and taxes
• Language – you may need to contract interpreters
• Immunizations
• Medical/travel insurance

A myriad of small things can go awry. Someone could lose their passport or wallet, get ill or get lost on a dinner break. Equipment could break or get lost in transit. You need to be able to think on your feet, be flexible, and keep a sense of humour.

Production/Technical

Crossing borders and large distances adds more complexity to the production aspects of your tour. All experienced road managers have near-disaster stories to tell of cargo caught up in customs or equipment that didn’t arrive on time. Here are a few suggestions:

• Do a pre-tour to find out the technical limitations of the venue and local working conditions.
• Weigh the costs of transporting certain types of equipment versus the costs of acquiring locally. Excess baggage fees can be very high and transporting equipment by sea-crate takes lots of time and paperwork. But, it may be your best option if what you need is not readily available locally or is very expensive to rent.
• Expect that not all things will run smoothly. Plan at least a 20% contingency for your production/technical budget.

For information on specific regions, see Regions of the World.

New to touring? Want to tour within Canada?
Find out the basics on touring in the general Touring Handbook.

 Artist insights

The Carnet is essentially a passport for your gear... – Jason Dubois, Eponymous
Read more.

Make a detailed list of everything you are carrying – guitars, pedals, stands, cables, strings and alike… – Wayne O’Connor, Jones and Co. Arts Management
Read more.

Always carry boxes of facial tissues and toilet tissue with you; depending on where you travel it may not be readily available. – Harry Paterson, Alberta Ballet
Read more.