Visa for Spain holiday?

[ramayer]

Hi folks hope someone on here can clarify for me as there is so much conflicting information online.

I am a UK / EU citizen my wife is Thai and lives in the UK with a 2.5 year residence permit aprox 6months in.

 

We have a wedding to go to in June for 3 days in Spain so have been looking to see if we need the Shangan Visa and if so which type?

 

Some people are saying we do need the Spouse Shengan Visa but after asking the BLS helpline they sent me this reply....

 

"

Thank you for your email, we are glad to assist you.

 

As per your email, you wanted assistance on visa.

 

Kindly be informed that All EU passport holder can travel to Spain 

Without visa. Also if an applicant has BRP - BIOMETRICS RESIDENCE PERMIT 

CARD OR the visa is endorsed in the passport which says (FAMILY MEMBER 

OF EU NATIONAL) and Travelling together, Blue travel document holders 

they don’t need to apply.

 

For further more information please visit our website"

 

 

Can anyone shed any light on what we should do? 

[theoldgit]

Their advice is correct assuming you're wife is in possession of the appropriate ID. eea_eu_type_visa

 

A problem could however arise if airline check-in staff don't understand the rules and deny boarding because of the lack of a visa.

 

Hopefully a member might have used this route may be able to advise.

 

BLS said:

IMPORTANT NOTICE: Under Directive 2004/38/EC and according to Real Decreto 240/2007, 16 February, Family members of an EU/EEA National in possession of a valid 1*UK Residence Permit / 2* British Residence Permit card are not required of a visa to enter Spain if traveling with or intending to join the EEA family member. If the person travels without the family member, they would be required to apply under the Tourist visa category and provide all of the required documentation for the same, and would be required to pay the visa fee in addition to the service charge. Please note that the UK Residence Permit/BRP card must state the exact following wording

1* “Residence Card of a Family Member of an EEA/EU National”

2 * “Residence Card of a Family Member of a Union Citizen”

[ramayer]

Thanks for your reply I think i will sent photos of her card and passport to BLS and see if they agree we dont need one?.

[ramayer]

Just bumping this to see if anyone can help? thanks

[Donutz]

If your wife has a regular UK residence card (which she would have if you are a Briton and didn't to the SS/EU route by living in an other EU/EEA country together before you moved to the UK) she will need a visa. It will be issued ASAP, with minimum hassle and for free (excluding a service fee if you chose to usr the optional service of BLS -external service provider- rather than dealnig directly with the embassy).

 

The BLS answer seems a copy/paste and a bit confusing. At the very least a line about 'non EU/EEA nationals with a regular UK residence permit will need a visa. However if the applicant is a family member of an EU/EEA national such a visa will be issued without a visa fee and via an accelerated and simplified procedure" would have been nice...

 

 

(scroll down to the EU/EEA family member bit):

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

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

 

[rasg]

On 28/04/2017 at 9:08 AM, ramayer said:

Kindly be informed that All EU passport holder can travel to Spain 

Without visa. Also if an applicant has BRP - BIOMETRICS RESIDENCE PERMIT 

CARD OR the visa is endorsed in the passport which says (FAMILY MEMBER 

OF EU NATIONAL) and Travelling together, Blue travel document holders 

they don’t need to apply.

If your wife's BRP is the same as my wife's on FLR she will need a Schengen visa. It will have Residence Permit on it and not Residence Documentation. They are not the same.

 

You need to apply quite soon as it can take up to 15 days and Spain are particularly difficult and ask for paperwork that they shouldn’t.

Edited May 2, 2017 by rasg

[MaprangHolmes]

If you apply via the consulate in London they are fine and it will be free and processed very quickly, Last one I done there was turned around in 3 days. If you apply via BLS forget it complete idiots who really do not have a clue what they are taking about. If you do apply via BLS remember it is 15  calendar days not 15 working days which they try to insist is correct.

 

Being the way Spain is at the moment traveling without a visa is perfectly legal but expect a load of hassle from the Spanish that is if you even are allowed to board the plane.

Edited May 2, 2017 by MaprangHolmes