Travelling To Spain Without Schengen Visa

[yumster]

Hi

Looking for some advice please.

I am a Britsh & Irish passport holder living in the Isle of Man, my wife is from Laos and has is about to apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain.

I was hoping that as I have an Irish Passport, my wife could apply for EEA residence card. When I attempted to apply for this today I was told by Immigration that if went down this route my wife would be lose the qualifying time that she has spent here (british immigration) and would then have to wait 6 years to qualify for a British passport whereas if she doesnt go down the EEA she can get a British passport in 1 year.

The reason we wanted to apply for the EEA card is because its so difficult to apply and a shengen visa to Spain. She would have to apply in person and living in Isle of Man this is neither convenient or cheap.

My question is, do you think she will be ok travelling to Spain with me using my Irish passport and taking our marriage certificate with us?

Thanks

[fvw53]

If your wife still has Laotian passport she will need a Schengen visa before she enters Spain : your marriage certificate will be of no value.

Better speak to the Spanish Embassy visa section before spending money on airplane ticket (I guess she will not be allowed to board a plane to a Spanish airport without a Schengen visa)

[edcv2007]

Could you PM with more details? I had some problems at the start with Visa to Spain. Where is that island? Do you want to go for holidays to Spain? Sorry but need a little more info to help you.

[Jay Sata]

I'm afraid without the Schengen visa the airline will not allow her to board.

If the trip to Spain is so important why not spend a few days in the UK and get the visa in London.

You'll have to route via the UK or Dublin to Spain in any case.