Is French (Schengen) visa required?

[nainishb]

Husband - UK resident
Spouse - has UK visa which says "Given leave to remain in the United Kingdom for an indefinite period" since 1999
Child - UK resident

Does the spouse actually require a French visa, even though the UK visa is not endorsed "family member of EEA national"?

The French Embassy is trying its level best to keep tourists away so no visa appointments available until mid-October 2009!!

Thanks

[charles4u]

Husband - UK resident
Spouse - has UK visa which says "Given leave to remain in the United Kingdom for an indefinite period" since 1999
Child - UK resident

Does the spouse actually require a French visa, even though the UK visa is not endorsed "family member of EEA national"?

The French Embassy is trying its level best to keep tourists away so no visa appointments available until mid-October 2009!!

Thanks

YES...you all still require a VISA to visit France (including the spouse).

[Plum70]

The French Embassy is trying its level best to keep tourists away so no visa appointments available until mid-October 2009!!

Doubt that to be one of their tactics for "keeping tourists away...". France is a popular destination so you need to secure an appointment well in advance.

[Rozen]

even though the UK visa is not endorsed "family member of EEA national"?


Thanks

All the more reason to apply for a schengen visa! Visa free is only for those who have this actual endorsement in their passport!
Any other visa obtained under the normal UK immigration rules will require the holder to apply for a schengen visa. Upside, it should be issued free of charge.
If you're in a hurry to go, and France appointments are choc-a-block, you could try another Embassy. As long as it's a schengen state, you're good to go to France with it! Just be mindful that if you don't visit that (issuing) country at all, they may not be too willing to grant you another visa the next time you apply for one from them.