Travel in EU with UK Spouse/Settlement Visa

[Rob180]

Could someone advise what the rules are for travel within the EU for UK Spouse/Settlement visas please?

Thanks

[7by7]

A UK spouse visa does not allow entry to other EU states.

If travelling to a Schengen state or states, then they should get a Schengen visa from the appropriate embassy.

• If travelling to just one country, the embassy of that country.
• If entering the Schengen area via one country to travel to one or more others, the country of your final destination or, if different, the one you will spend the most time in.
• If touring, the country you will enter first.

If travelling to a non Schengen state, then apply to that embassy.

Schengen or not, provided they are travelling with their EU national (e.g.British) spouse or other qualifying family member, then most of the requirements wont apply and the visa will be free.

[bobrussell]

A UK visa will allow travel to Ireland!

[Rob180]

Thanks, does that mean if travelling with spouse/EU National they still need to apply to the Embassy of the intended visit country for an entry visa, albeit it might be free?

[7by7]

A UK visa will allow travel to Ireland!

Sorry, Bob, no.

The Irish Short-stay Visa Waiver Programme allows certain nationalities, of which Thai is one, to enter the Republic without a visa if they hold a UK visit visa.

Those who hold a UK visa which is valid for longer than 180 days need a visa to enter the republic.

From the Information note

3. What type of UK visas are covered?

The categories of visitors covered by the programme are tourists, business persons (including holders of ‘C’ long-term, multi-entry business visas), sportspersons and academics who, as set out above, are in possession of the required UK visa type and who are the subject of a leave to remain in the UK. Other types of visitors to the UK, for example those with transit visas, long-term student visas, join spouse or family reunification visas, are not encompassed.

[7by7]

Thanks, does that mean if travelling with spouse/EU National they still need to apply to the Embassy of the intended visit country for an entry visa, albeit it might be free?

Strictly speaking; no. See "Arriving at the border without an entry visa" on this page.

But, as it says there, it is always best to have all the necessary documents, including a visa, before travelling as this will save delay and hassle at the border whilst establishing that she has the right to enter.

Especially if travelling by air as the airline is unlikely to allow her to board without a visa.

So my advice, get a visa in advance.

Edited April 12, 2014 by 7by7

[Rob180]

Thanks 7by7.

cheers

[mickmac]

Hi 7 by 7,

A quick question I hope you can shed some light on. My wife, Thai national, has a 5 yr, multiple entry, 180 day visitor visa for the UK, and we will be using this to go into the Irish republic. Do you know whether we will be able to come and go in the Irish republic as often as we want, (as would like to pop over to France, Spain, Uk etc. while we are there. When on the way back after a stay in France will we have to travel back to Ireland through the UK as well.

We intend to try for a Schengen visa from the French embassy, we have most the paperwork intact from earlier UK visa submission, the only thing that might be a stumbling block is that the wedding hasn't been notarized at the British embassy. We've been married 5 years and have the license and translation. Your thoughts would be appreciated.

Kind regards

[7by7]

The INIS information sheet linked to above is not worded very well; but as far as I can make out people covered by this waiver programme can enter, leave, re-enter the Republic as often as they wish; but cannot spend more than 90 days in total out of 180 days in the Republic.

The British embassy have never notarized foreign marriage certificates, so that you haven't had it done wont be a problem.

However, most Schengen countries do require you to provide a translation of your marriage certificate (English will do) which has been notarised by the Thai MFA.

[mickmac]

The INIS information sheet linked to above is not worded very well; but as far as I can make out people covered by this waiver programme can enter, leave, re-enter the Republic as often as they wish; but cannot spend more than 90 days in total out of 180 days in the Republic.

The British embassy have never notarized foreign marriage certificates, so that you haven't had it done wont be a problem.

However, most Schengen countries do require you to provide a translation of your marriage certificate (English will do) which has been notarised by the Thai MFA.

Thanks for the prompt reply 7 by 7, will have to try to get into the MFA to get translation notarized on Thursday afternoon, as have appointment on Friday morning.

[bobrussell]

A UK visa will allow travel to Ireland!

Sorry, Bob, no.

The Irish Short-stay Visa Waiver Programme allows certain nationalities, of which Thai is one, to enter the Republic without a visa if they hold a UK visit visa.

Those who hold a UK visa which is valid for longer than 180 days need a visa to enter the republic.

From the Information note

3. What type of UK visas are covered?

The categories of visitors covered by the programme are tourists, business persons (including holders of ‘C’ long-term, multi-entry business visas), sportspersons and academics who, as set out above, are in possession of the required UK visa type and who are the subject of a leave to remain in the UK. Other types of visitors to the UK, for example those with transit visas, long-term student visas, join spouse or family reunification visas, are not encompassed.

I stand corrected!

It seems that long-term residents still require an Irish visa but it seems (last part of page 4) the fee will be waived during the trial period!

http://www.inis.gov.ie/en/INIS/Visa%20Waiver%20Programme%20Information%20Note%20March%202012.pdf/Files/Visa%20Waiver%20Programme%20Information%20Note%20March%202012.pdf