Travelling In Europe Whilst On A Uk Settlement Visa

[davos09]

Hi guys,

My wife is on a settlement visa in the UK and I'd like to take her on a surprise trip to Paris for her birthday. Could someone advise of the procedure regarding a visa for this? It would only be a trip for a long weekend.

Many thanks

[7by7]

You basically have two options.

Under the EEA freedom of movement regulations as she is traveling with her EEA national spouse (assuming you are) then the two of you could just turn up at the French border with your passports and proof of your marriage.

Note that if you married in Thailand then they will want to see a translation of the marriage certificate which has been authenticated by the Thai MFA; either in Bangkok or at the RTE in London. An English translation is fine, it doesn't have to be a French one.

The problem with doing this is that the officials at your entry point to the Schengen area may not be fully aware of the regulations and so you may be in for a long argument with them before she is allowed in!

Furthermore, if you are flying then the airline may refuse to carry her if she does not have a visa.

Therefore, I would recommend that you obtain a Schengen visa for her.

As she is the spouse of an EEA national (again assuming you are) then most of the questions on the application form wont apply to her and the visa will be free. Although they may make a 'service' charge!

Again, if you married in Thailand they will want to see an English or French translation of your marriage certificate which has been authenticated by the Thai MFA.

See How and where to apply for a visa?

The problem is that as they will need to take biometrics she will have to attend in person to make the application; which will spoil the surprise!

Edited April 25, 2013 by 7by7

[davos09]

Thanks very much 7by7, I'll investigate those two options and post an outcome in the near future.

[bobrussell]

Another option is to make the trip to London a surprise! Perhaps a night away with a trip to the office dealing with French Schengen visa applications and break the news of the visit at that point!

Should get just as many brownie points (or more!)for doing it this way!

I suppose there is nothing to be lost by contacting the airline in advance to check that they know the rules and will allow her on board without a visa. Take a translation of the Schengen rules to show the immigration officer if necessary.

Edited April 25, 2013 by bobrussell

[hotwinter]

@7by7

if i want to apply for a schengan in the future for my wife i need to have a translated copy of our marriage certificate?

it is generally easy to get a schengan once you have settlement in the uk?

sorry for hijacking the thread

[wooloomooloo]

if i want to apply for a schengan in the future for my wife i need to have a translated copy of our marriage certificate?

Yes.

My wife applied for Schengen last September by post and didn't require any biometrics from the German Embassy. You could always apply to German Embassy and your wife would never know unless she keeps a close eye on her passport and documents.

We could have gone to any EU country with no problem. Plans can always change.

[7by7]

it is generally easy to get a schengan once you have settlement in the uk?

If you are an EEA national then it is easy and free to get a Schengen visa for your wife no matter where she lives; Thailand, the UK , anywhere.

Note, though, that she needs to apply in her country of residence, which if she has a settlement visa or other permission to remain in the UK for longer than 6 months would be the UK.

wooloomooloo,

All applicants to Germany now have to make an appointment to submit their application in person. See here.

[wooloomooloo]

Thanks, 7by7.

It was last September that my wife applied and glad to hear of updates to the rules.

[7by7]

I should have gone further down the page!!!

Spouses of EU and German nationals and certain categories of travellers can also apply by post.