Visit France from the UK

[NCFC]

Want to take the wife for a short holiday to Paris this spring. Checking out the French consulate website it states that Family Members (Thai wife) of EU nationals don't need a visa if

"their UK residency states "Family Member of an EEA national" or “permanent residence card”

The wife's settlement visa says her visa type is SPOUSE/CP while her BRP says Resident Permit. So while she is a family member of an ee national the wording off her documents are different. Is this likely to cause a problem at the border-check, or should I get a visa to be safe, anyway? Anybody done this efore?

Thanks

[7by7]

The following assume that you are British.

The UK is not a member of the Schengen area, so non EEA nationals holding a UK visa or residence permit need a visa to enter the area; unless the words you quote appear on their visa or residence card.

Unfortunately, UK visas and residence cards issued under the UK's immigration rules do not contain this wording (those issued under the EEA regulations; e.g. the Thai wife of a Frenchman living with him in the UK, do contain this wording).

However, strictly speaking your wife does not need a visa to enter another EEA state; provided she is travelling with or to join you and can prove that she is your wife.

See 'Arriving at the border without an entry visa' at Travel documents for non-EU family members.

However, to avoid problems and potential delays at the border, or more likely your carrier refusing to board her because she doesn't have a visa, then, like that page, I'd recommend getting a visa.

As she is the spouse of an EEA national most of the questions on the application form and most of the requirements wont apply to her and the visa should be free and issued with the minimum of delay.

[wilbs]

Had the same issue with going to Germany went and applied for visa in London on Friday took originals and copies of marriage certificate, letters from bank with address got visa back on Wednesday 3 month visa

[Richard W]

Had the same issue with going to Germany went and applied for visa in London on Friday took originals and copies of marriage certificate, letters from bank with address got visa back on Wednesday 3 month visa

What sort of marriage certificate? I think a British certificate is OK, but an old Thai certificate could be iffy.

[rockingrobin]

Had the same issue with going to Germany went and applied for visa in London on Friday took originals and copies of marriage certificate, letters from bank with address got visa back on Wednesday 3 month visa

What sort of marriage certificate? I think a British certificate is OK, but an old Thai certificate could be iffy.

Took 20 yr old Thai certificate with english translation (and copies of each ) , to the Norwegian VFS office in London 2 yrs ago , accepted with no problems . The agent looked at and returned original certificate making a note on the photocopy of the original seen . Visa issued 3 days later.

Woulld assume similiar in other shenghen countries

[Richard W]

Took 20 yr old Thai certificate with english translation (and copies of each ) , to the Norwegian VFS office in London 2 yrs ago , accepted with no problems . The agent looked at and returned original certificate making a note on the photocopy of the original seen . Visa issued 3 days later.

Woulld assume similiar in other shenghen countries

You might assume so, but it varies from country to country. Some countries require 'legalisation' of the translation at least, and it gets more complicated when one needs to get residence cards when residing rather than merely visiting.

[NCFC]

The following assume that you are British.

The UK is not a member of the Schengen area, so non EEA nationals holding a UK visa or residence permit need a visa to enter the area; unless the words you quote appear on their visa or residence card.

Unfortunately, UK visas and residence cards issued under the UK's immigration rules do not contain this wording (those issued under the EEA regulations; e.g. the Thai wife of a Frenchman living with him in the UK, do contain this wording).

However, strictly speaking your wife does not need a visa to enter another EEA state; provided she is travelling with or to join you and can prove that she is your wife.

See 'Arriving at the border without an entry visa' at Travel documents for non-EU family members.

However, to avoid problems and potential delays at the border, or more likely your carrier refusing to board her because she doesn't have a visa, then, like that page, I'd recommend getting a visa.

As she is the spouse of an EEA national most of the questions on the application form and most of the requirements wont apply to her and the visa should be free and issued with the minimum of delay.

Thankyou 7by7