Thai Travelling to Europe (With UK BRP)

[nick123999]

Hey Everyone

I am wanting to go on holiday later in the year to europe with my wife but I can't seem to figure out what visa (if any) she needs.

She has a UK spouse visa with a BRP, but does she need to apply for a schengen visa to go to the continent. I saw somewhere that you can get a schengen visa free of charge if you are married to an EU national but it's all rather confusing.

Any advice would be much appreciated.

Cheers,

Nick

[Donutz]

Last tim I checked GB was part of Europa.

But yes, you are correct. To visit mainland Europa, of which most members are Schengen members, your wife will need to get a visa. Assuming you're going to visit cutries like France, Spain, Switerland etc. and not Bulgaria you will need a Schengen visa for her. Such a visa will indeed be issued for free and with minimum hassle or paperwork, ASAP.

BRP is a residence permit not? Thus it's a UK permit rather then a visa that she has. But for the Schengen visa it matters not, as your spous she will be able to apply from any relevant embassy in the world, be in in London, BKK or wherever you and she happen to be when you desire to get the visa.

More information can be found in the Schengn sticky:

- http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/724180-schengen-visa-faq-when-applying-from-thailand/

Recent topics on this,for some examples or if for any reason the content of the sticky and the link there confuse or overwelm you:

- http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/912068-uk-and-france-visa/

- http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/911351-schengen-visa-from-german-embassy/

- http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/899969-german-schengen-visa-requirements-to-translate-thai-documents/

For some official reading material I advice:

- http://europa.eu/youreurope/citizens/travel/entry-exit/non-eu-family/index_en.htm

- the PDF documents on http://ec.europa.eu/dgs/home-affairs/what-we-do/policies/borders-and-visas/visa-policy/index_en.htm

- The information from whichever embassy you are going to apply. Note that some instructions may technicall not always be asthe Freedom of Movement directive dictates. Usually best to cooperate and complain later so pay close attention to their instructions.