Travel with Residence Card - Success Stories

[EUsmileWEallsmile]

In terms of travelling without a Schengen visa, but with an EEA2 RC, we've had mostly positive experiences (although budget airlines do tend to make a call to their headoffice before the allow you to board... oh well). With border guards in France, Spain and Norway we've had no problems at all. Dutch border guards always hassle us a bit more (e.g. ask for our marriage certificate to prove we're familiy members), but I believe this is because I'm Dutch and they know there are stricter immigration regulations for Dutch citizens than EU citizens (since I live and work in the UK, I'm should be considered an "EU citizen").

Interesting feedback. When you use enter by the Dutch border do you have UK documentation (such as an registration certificate or document certifying permanent residence)? I know your wife does. Have you ever challenged the requirement for showing the marriage certificate?

[bdb303]

Interesting feedback. When you use enter by the Dutch border do you have UK documentation (such as an registration certificate or document certifying permanent residence)? I know your wife does. Have you ever challenged the requirement for showing the marriage certificate?

I always have my registration certificate - the blue card - with me but I've never been asked for it (and doubt the Dutch border guards even know what it is). When I challenged them about the marriage certificate, they said it's because my name isn't mentioned in my wife's EEA2 visa, (it just says spouse of EEA citizen). Because she hasn't changed her last name after our marriage they needed to see proof that I was actually her spouse, which is fair enough I guess.

[EUsmileWEallsmile]

I always have my registration certificate - the blue card - with me but I've never been asked for it (and doubt the Dutch border guards even know what it is).

Ok, but if they ever doubt that you are working in another EU country, you could show this to them. The card handily refers to the directive, but the residence card (non-EU) does not.


When I challenged them about the marriage certificate, they said it's because my name isn't mentioned in my wife's EEA2 visa, (it just says spouse of EEA citizen). Because she hasn't changed her last name after our marriage they needed to see proof that I was actually her spouse, which is fair enough I guess.

Perhaps

The main thing is that you and your wife are able to travel. Thanks for the feedback.

[rlobo]

Folks,

As promised, here's an account of my trip with my partner to Portugal.

Background: I am an Indian national, my unmarried partner of 3 years is Dutch, and we live together in the UK - the relationship based on which I now have a Residence card as family member of the EEA national.

Pre-requisites: Armed with printouts of the EU directive, the Border Guards' handbook, + proof of living together, such as bills, mail, joint bank account statement.

The trip: A wedding in Madeira Portugal, but trip via Faro, Portugal. Transport: Easyjet for onward journey from the new London- Southend Airport to Faro. Easyjet again from Porto, Portugal to London Gatwick.

The Experience: having tried easyJet before, we were fairly confident that we would not have had a problem at Southend Airport, but were quite concerned about the Portuguese authorities. As hoped, things went well at the easyjet counter, fairly quickly we were on our flight.
When we landed at Faro, we chose to go through the EU passport section, with fingers crossed, but armed with documentation. But we needn't have worried - the lady officer at the counter was really on top of her game. She did ask me a few standard questions like how long we were going to be there and what the plan was, etc. Had a bit of a chat about madeira as apparently she was born there. She asked if we were flying out of Faro as well, we said no, Porto. She said all good, but she stamped my passport. (Yes yes I know she isn't supposed to, but having read the portuguese version of the directive, I think they can if they choose to. And quite frankly, I was just happy there was no hassle, so I didn't care about a stamp on my passport.)
Especially after the Holland episode previously, we couldn't believe just how EASY it was!!! We were actually quite stunned. If only it was always like this!

Return Journey: At the passport control, it was just as easy as the entry session. Again, my passport was stamped by the officer, and he wished us a safe flight.

Not once did we have to refer or even mention the directive, proof of relationship, Eu laws or anything at all!

And really, anyone wanting a holiday should seriously consider Portugal - its such a beautiful country, especially in the Algarve and the shoreline - and we found the people in general to be quite chilled out and friendly.

[EUsmileWEallsmile]

Fantastic! Thanks for posting back.

[mick5]

Hi just came back UK from Malta went with my Girl friend as i have (Family member of EEA national)
Went with Ryan air all went well i showed them my Girl friend European passport and my pakistani passport she checked my Residence card and asked where is our marriage certificate i said we are not married and i showed print out which i downloaded from Malta high commission site that EEA family member does not need visa if they are traveling along European family member she said thats fine and stamped on my boarding card,
when i reached in Malta i've been told i need to fill the landing card i filled up and he stamped entry on my passport,same as coming back he stamped Exit on my passport and in UK immigration officer did not asked any question just checked my passport and let me in. I asked him next time do i have to go other Passport or come to European Passport desk he said in future you always come to European Passport desk.
All i wanted to share my experience to People who get scared or hesitate to travel. as long as you have Residence Card which is issued from UKBA no need to worry.

[EUsmileWEallsmile]

Glad no real problem with the airline. That's always the first hurdle!

The Maltese should not have stamped your passport.

Glad to see the IO in the UK appeared to have understood.

I'm happy you enjoyed your trip!

[mick5]

EUsmileWEallsmile thanks for your reply.He was sitting behind the glass and his desk was so strange you hardly can see what he was doing with your passport. I've seen the entry stamp when he gave me my passport.
But to be honest it doesn't bother me as long as they didnt object.
I think non European passport they always stamp it.

[John G]

FYI below:!: Only took like over 20 e-mails for them (Italian consulate in London) to confirm what is EU Law:!:

Muppet's

Now I will print and keep that e-mail up my sleeve if the border guards are up for a battle:!:

---------- Forwarded message ----------
From: Ufficio Visti <visti.londra@esteri.it>
Date: 6 June 2012 15:21
Subject: R: I: Fwd: EEA rights under "Residence Card of a Family Member of a EEA national"
To: john


Dear Mr. Gargan,

I would like to confirm you that according to the italian Law "Decreto Legislativo 6 febbraio 2007, n. 30" (that implemented the European Union Directive 2004/38/CE), and according to artt. 2, 5 and 10, you do not need to have a visa to travel to Italy together with the EU family member as long as you hold the type of UK Residence card that enables you to enter Italy and other Schengen countries without visa.

Hope this satisfy your request

Regards

Antonio Caramadre
Deputy Head of Visa Section

[EUsmileWEallsmile]

Another success here...

http://www.immigrationboards.com/viewto ... 2&start=20

[alekos]

Hello again, I've just come back from holidays in Poland. Weather was lovely and the flights were "on time". Ta ta ta,ta ta ta, you guessed it, I flew Ryanair.

First flight in the morning out of Stansted, armed with everything I needed: Wife, check, Passports, check, print outs of the relevant Directive allowing us to travel visa-free with a UK issued RC, check.

I was politely asked at the check-in desk if I needed a visa to travel, I showed them the RC. The lady smiled, wished me a good flight an off we went.

Once we got to Krakow, we presented both passports together to the border guard, he looked at mine first and then my wife's followed by a just one question: Are you using the freedom of movement directive or does he have a visa? My wife replied, first option, he stamped my passport and off we left the airport in search of a coach to the city centre.

Interestingly once in Krakow, we went into a bank to exchange some money and we came out with a very good, IMO, savings account on both names. They were happy to accept my Colombian passport and UK RC to open and manage the account.

On the way back, my passport was stamped by the border guard. Once back in Stansted, both passports were scanned and then given back to us. No Stamp in the UK. Although I did complain once in Nov last year when they stamped it.

All in all, a hassle free journey, brilliant weather and yes, loads of cabbage and potatoes.

Wife-Polish
Husband-Colombian with a UK issued RC of Family member
Flight-Ryanair, No issues.

[EUsmileWEallsmile]

Hello again, I've just come back from holidays in Poland. Weather was lovely and the flights were "on time". Ta ta ta,ta ta ta, you guessed it, I flew Ryanair.

First flight in the morning out of Stansted, armed with everything I needed: Wife, check, Passports, check, print outs of the relevant Directive allowing us to travel visa-free with a UK issued RC, check.

I was politely asked at the check-in desk if I needed a visa to travel, I showed them the RC. The lady smiled, wished me a good flight an off we went.

Once we got to Krakow, we presented both passports together to the border guard, he looked at mine first and then my wife's followed by a just one question: Are you using the freedom of movement directive or does he have a visa? My wife replied, first option, he stamped my passport and off we left the airport in search of a coach to the city centre.

Interestingly once in Krakow, we went into a bank to exchange some money and we came out with a very good, IMO, savings account on both names. They were happy to accept my Colombian passport and UK RC to open and manage the account.

On the way back, my passport was stamped by the border guard. Once back in Stansted, both passports were scanned and then given back to us. No Stamp in the UK. Although I did complain once in Nov last year when they stamped it.

All in all, a hassle free journey, brilliant weather and yes, loads of cabbage and potatoes.

Wife-Polish
Husband-Colombian with a UK issued RC of Family member
Flight-Ryanair, No issues.

What a great story, thanks for posting it.

[John G]

Hello again, I've just come back from holidays in Poland. Weather was lovely and the flights were "on time". Ta ta ta,ta ta ta, you guessed it, I flew Ryanair.

First flight in the morning out of Stansted, armed with everything I needed: Wife, check, Passports, check, print outs of the relevant Directive allowing us to travel visa-free with a UK issued RC, check.

I was politely asked at the check-in desk if I needed a visa to travel, I showed them the RC. The lady smiled, wished me a good flight an off we went.

Once we got to Krakow, we presented both passports together to the border guard, he looked at mine first and then my wife's followed by a just one question: Are you using the freedom of movement directive or does he have a visa? My wife replied, first option, he stamped my passport and off we left the airport in search of a coach to the city centre.

Interestingly once in Krakow, we went into a bank to exchange some money and we came out with a very good, IMO, savings account on both names. They were happy to accept my Colombian passport and UK RC to open and manage the account.

On the way back, my passport was stamped by the border guard. Once back in Stansted, both passports were scanned and then given back to us. No Stamp in the UK. Although I did complain once in Nov last year when they stamped it.

All in all, a hassle free journey, brilliant weather and yes, loads of cabbage and potatoes.

Wife-Polish
Husband-Colombian with a UK issued RC of Family member
Flight-Ryanair, No issues.

What a great story, thanks for posting it.

Yeah thanks alekos, good to know!

I fly out with Ryan Air to Spain on the 22 Aug, so let's hope it goes smoothly too!

BTW, Me - Italian and my Mrs - Colombian! Our daughter - English

Good to know you didn't have issues being Colombian and all, I know from experience with my Mrs that the Colombian's get a massively hard time every time they travel!

Thanks for the post

John

[mick5]

I've been to Malta with my RC without visa now going to Poland staying there for 3 days then back to London next day traveling to Greece.

[EUsmileWEallsmile]

I've been to Malta with my RC without visa now going to Poland staying there for 3 days then back to London next day traveling to Greece.

Great, let us know how you get on.

[Jersey]

Just came back from France, travelled with my wife and she didn't have a Schengen visa and was allowed in without any problems. We were not asked a single question, just turned together at the Passport control , showed our passports and enjoyed our holiday

[AngieD]

Just been to Amsterdam for a short break with my husband who is the holder of a Uk Residence Card - FAmily member of EEA National. He is Nepalese.

Travelled from Liverpool to Amsterdam with Easyjet. Easyjet check - no particular problems - checkout just checked with supervisor.

Arrived at Amsterdam and at passport control the following happened. Arrived a desk together with me stating we are travelling together. Border guard (female) then started to bombard me with loads of questions - where are you staying? how long? where are your return flight tickets? I said to her "you cannot ask these questions" To which she replied "I don't like your attitude and I can ask you anything I like!" She then said "anyway I am not asking you I am asking your husband" bearing in mind she did not even look at him and was speaking to me directly.

Anyway she then scuitinised my husband's Residence permit and wanted proof of our relationship. Luckily I had a certified copy of our marriage certifcate with us and showed it to her.

My husband also happened to have a German Schengen Visa in his passport as well (still valid) so she had a good look at that too. She then said, if your husband was travelling on the Schengen Visa alone I would be asking him for proof of funds, hotel etc.

She was really rude and made us feel really uncomfortable. Anyway eventually she stamped my husband's passport (I had given up trying to assert our EU rights by this time so just let it go) and let us pass.

Coming home - at Amsterdam again Easyjet checkin staff wanted to clarify with supervisor - no problem and sent through. At security the officer again stamped my husband's passport!

At Liverpool, my husband filled in a Landing Card despite me telling him not to bother and he also insisted we use the non EU passport queue. He had had enough of the problems encountered at Amsterdam and didnot want to face more here - which I could understand. Anyway the IO at Liverpool just looked at our passports and waived us through with no stamp.

Husband says his experience at Amsterdam has put him off travelling again.

It is so annoying that this Directive is dated 2004 and yet still Border Guards still don't seem to have any clue.

[EUsmileWEallsmile]

Just been to Amsterdam for a short break with my husband who is the holder of a Uk Residence Card - FAmily member of EEA National. He is Nepalese.

Travelled from Liverpool to Amsterdam with Easyjet. Easyjet check - no particular problems - checkout just checked with supervisor.

Arrived at Amsterdam and at passport control the following happened. Arrived a desk together with me stating we are travelling together. Border guard (female) then started to bombard me with loads of questions - where are you staying? how long? where are your return flight tickets? I said to her "you cannot ask these questions" To which she replied "I don't like your attitude and I can ask you anything I like!" She then said "anyway I am not asking you I am asking your husband" bearing in mind she did not even look at him and was speaking to me directly.

Anyway she then scuitinised my husband's Residence permit and wanted proof of our relationship. Luckily I had a certified copy of our marriage certifcate with us and showed it to her.

My husband also happened to have a German Schengen Visa in his passport as well (still valid) so she had a good look at that too. She then said, if your husband was travelling on the Schengen Visa alone I would be asking him for proof of funds, hotel etc.

She was really rude and made us feel really uncomfortable. Anyway eventually she stamped my husband's passport (I had given up trying to assert our EU rights by this time so just let it go) and let us pass.

Coming home - at Amsterdam again Easyjet checkin staff wanted to clarify with supervisor - no problem and sent through. At security the officer again stamped my husband's passport!

At Liverpool, my husband filled in a Landing Card despite me telling him not to bother and he also insisted we use the non EU passport queue. He had had enough of the problems encountered at Amsterdam and didnot want to face more here - which I could understand. Anyway the IO at Liverpool just looked at our passports and waived us through with no stamp.

Husband says his experience at Amsterdam has put him off travelling again.

It is so annoying that this Directive is dated 2004 and yet still Border Guards still don't seem to have any clue.

Well, the good thing is that you got there and back again. You were not denied boarding.

It is a pity that you appeared to have been treated badly at the Dutch border. Did you take note of the IO's name? Did you consider making a complaint? It is not too late to do so. You could perhaps open a new thread and ask if there is someone who can help you complain.

(I have since looked up this for you, it may not the correct place to make a complaint, but it's a good start http://english.ind.nl/contact/Klachten_ ... estelling/ Note that if you do not complain, nothing will change, so please do take this further).

It can be worth taking a copy of the border guards handbook, which specifies that a minimum check is to be conducted on EU citizens and their family members. You can even print it in your own language and the language of the country you are visiting.

http://register.consilium.europa.eu/pdf ... 0.en06.pdf

http://register.consilium.europa.eu/pdf ... 0.nl06.pdf

Also as you already know, your husband's passport should not have been stamped.

[bluecole2]

http://www.immigrationboards.com/viewto ... 3&start=20

bluecole2. Please add your experiences here...

When? AUG- SEPT 2012
What airline? EASYJET
What document did you hold? RESIDENCE CARD
What country issued it? UK
What destination? FRANCE (SPOUSE IS FRENCH)
Traveling with EEA national or not? YES
Redress (if any)?

Or did you have no problem whatsoever? PASSPORT STAMPED ON EXIT

[mick5]

Hi Iam going to Poland with my Polish partner(girl friend )on 8th of September couple of months ago we've been to malta with my Uk Residence card no visa just residence card and no problem in malta or with Ryan air.

I like to know do i have to print Directive or go without Directive like i went to Malta just with my Passport? and on 11th iam coming back to london going on 12th to Greece same with UK residence Card with my partner. iam asking just to be on a safe side do i have to take some other documents with me?

Please Reply

[EUsmileWEallsmile]

Hi Iam going to Poland with my Polish partner(girl friend )on 8th of September couple of months ago we've been to malta with my Uk Residence card no visa just residence card and no problem in malta or with Ryan air.

I like to know do i have to print Directive or go without Directive like i went to Malta just with my Passport? and on 11th iam coming back to london going on 12th to Greece same with UK residence Card with my partner. iam asking just to be on a safe side do i have to take some other documents with me?

Please Reply

In general, your UK issued article 10 residence card is all you need, but as a contingency...

(For your own peace of mind, bring evidence that are partners (bills, lease perhaps) and your partner's documentation. Print the directive in Polish and English. Keep these aside in case of problems. The only other complication is that your partner is entering home country, it would be useful for them to present evidence of what they are doing in the UK).

[mick5]

I can take my Partner's letter of Job contract myself and my partner has permanent job here in London.
or anything else comes in your mind please let me know so i can arrange it actually we are going to attend my partner's brother's wedding.

Thanks for quick reply.

[mick5]

Here iam back from Corfu (Greece) just arrived today back in london.
Went with Ryan air they didnt ask or said anything just stamped on my Boarding card.
Reached in Corfu airport IMO officer said i cant let you in because we dont believe girl friend/ boy friend we believe married couple i said we are not married and i showed to them the print out from their Greek embassy website where it says " Family member of EEA national" do not need visa if the are traveling together" he said i agreed with you its not your fault but this time i let you in next time better have visa or marriage certificate and make sure on your way back show same thing to IMO if they ask you how you get in?
Today IMO did not ask anything but did not stamp Exit on my passport i was about to board on Plane boarding pass checker woman stopped me and took my passport back to Immigration office and said where is you Exit stamp i said IMO did not stamped after 20 minutes one officer came and took me back to his office and women there asked me same question where is our marriage certificate i said we are not married and she asked where is exit stamp i went mad i said why every one asking me ask you IMO he did not stamp it its not my fault. then she said you can not goback to Uk on this residence stamp its not visa i said its not your problem i want my Passport back plane was about to fly, She said make sure next time get visa i said i wont come here again anyway.

Back here on Stansted airport no question ask no stamp just got in.
I was shocked that how so many European countries need to Educate their staff about this residence card and they really need to educate their staff how to treat their visitors.
One thing for sure next time i will get visa rather being embrace or going through hassle.

[EUsmileWEallsmile]

Here iam back from Corfu (Greece) just arrived today back in london.
Went with Ryan air they didnt ask or said anything just stamped on my Boarding card.
Reached in Corfu airport IMO officer said i cant let you in because we dont believe girl friend/ boy friend we believe married couple i said we are not married and i showed to them the print out from their Greek embassy website where it says " Family member of EEA national" do not need visa if the are traveling together" he said i agreed with you its not your fault but this time i let you in next time better have visa or marriage certificate and make sure on your way back show same thing to IMO if they ask you how you get in?
Today IMO did not ask anything but did not stamp Exit on my passport i was about to board on Plane boarding pass checker woman stopped me and took my passport back to Immigration office and said where is you Exit stamp i said IMO did not stamped after 20 minutes one officer came and took me back to his office and women there asked me same question where is our marriage certificate i said we are not married and she asked where is exit stamp i went mad i said why every one asking me ask you IMO he did not stamp it its not my fault. then she said you can not goback to Uk on this residence stamp its not visa i said its not your problem i want my Passport back plane was about to fly, She said make sure next time get visa i said i wont come here again anyway.

Back here on Stansted airport no question ask no stamp just got in.
I was shocked that how so many European countries need to Educate their staff about this residence card and they really need to educate their staff how to treat their visitors.
One thing for sure next time i will get visa rather being embrace or going through hassle.

I'm disappointed that your trip was not as smooth as it should have been. Your passport should not have been stamped. Was it the airline that insisted you go back for exit stamp?

[mick5]

I think it was not only Ryane air staff they were dealing easy jet passengers as well, who know were they from airline staff or not but they were speaking Greek if its Ryane air staff they should've speak proper English, But they were not helpful at all they way they speak very straight forward.