Directive 2004/38/EC thread

I have a PR EU residence card from the Home Office as a family member of an Austrian national. We wanted to travel to Italy with Ryanair and I took a copy of the Italian Embassy in London saying they have implemented the directive. However, Ryanair says they are not sure they will allow me to board!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Airlines are not state organisations and can have whatever rules they like (that are legal).

ensalmo wrote:I have a PR EU residence card from the Home Office as a family member of an Austrian national. We wanted to travel to Italy with Ryanair and I took a copy of the Italian Embassy in London saying they have implemented the directive. However, Ryanair says they are not sure they will allow me to board!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

What exactly did you show to whom? What did you ask Ryanair?

86ti wrote:So my guess is probably the same as yours: the interpretation and implementation may vary in the countries (just look at Austria's recent 'residence law').

What is interesting about Austria's new residence law?

Directive/2004/38/EC wrote:

86ti wrote:So my guess is probably the same as yours: the interpretation and implementation may vary in the countries (just look at Austria's recent 'residence law').

What is interesting about Austria's new residence law?

The goverment's argument is centered around the right to freely move within the EEA. Only those who exercise this treaty right fall under the European regulations whereas the others are subject to the tougher Austrian law. This means that any EEA national can move with his/her non-EEA national family members to Austria subject to regulations that, I think, are similar to the ones here in the UK for EEA nationals.

The ones who lose out are Austrians (and some EEA nationals born there) who stay within the borders during their marriage or move in from outside the EEA. In this case you have to apply for a residence permit in intervals of 12 months, 12 months, 24 months, 24 months and then PR or maybe citizenship (I think minimum requirement here is six years now). As far as I understand you have to pay 100 Euros for every application, the non-EEA partner has to promise to learn language and culture, the EEA partner has to sign a declaration of liability, etc.

Had I moved directly from Japan to Austria I'd be subject to the Austrian law, should I decide to go back to Austria from the UK (the minimum requirement to stay in another EEA country is 3 months) I am subject to the EU regulations.

86ti wrote:

Directive/2004/38/EC wrote:What is interesting about Austria's new residence law?

The goverment's argument is centered around the right to freely move within the EEA. Only those who exercise this treaty right fall under the European regulations whereas the others are subject to the tougher Austrian law. This means that any EEA national can move with his/her non-EEA national family members to Austria subject to regulations that, I think, are similar to the ones here in the UK for EEA nationals.

Quite a few Eu member states now have put very harsh restrictions on their citizens and non-EU citizens arriving with a foreign spouse. The UK cost is about £1000 and a stupid test that must be passed before the spouse arrives (which makes it not very useful or meaningful to the spouse). The Netherlands has similar rules. And I guess Austria too.

As you point out, non of the applies to EU citizens from other countries and their families, and it also does not apply to citizens of the country who are returning from another EU country with their spouse.

86ti wrote:The ones who lose out are Austrians (and some EEA nationals born there) who stay within the borders during their marriage or move in from outside the EEA. In this case you have to apply for a residence permit in intervals of 12 months, 12 months, 24 months, 24 months and then PR or maybe citizenship (I think minimum requirement here is six years now). As far as I understand you have to pay 100 Euros for every application, the non-EEA partner has to promise to learn language and culture, the EEA partner has to sign a declaration of liability, etc.

I can not think of any way this could be applied to EEA nationals who are born in Austria. Can you explain?

Directive/2004/38/EC wrote:

86ti wrote:and some EEA nationals born there

I can not think of any way this could be applied to EEA nationals who are born in Austria. Can you explain?

Born and having lived all their lifes in Austria, thereby not exercising treaty rights.

86ti wrote:Born and having lived all their lifes in Austria, thereby not exercising treaty rights.

They don't have to be exercising their treaty rights to be covered by EU law. After their fifth birthday (5 years of residence - learning to walk and integrate by speaking baby-Austrian), they will get permanent residence. As with an adult, they are not required to work or exercise treaty rights once they have permanent residence.

Are EU citizens explictly included in this language of this law? Do you have any web references to the law or it's implications for EU citizens?

Directive/2004/38/EC wrote:

86ti wrote:Born and having lived all their lifes in Austria, thereby not exercising treaty rights.

They don't have to be exercising their treaty rights to be covered by EU law. After their fifth birthday (5 years of residence - learning to walk and integrate by speaking baby-Austrian), they will get permanent residence. As with an adult, they are not required to work or exercise treaty rights once they have permanent residence.

Are EU citizens explictly included in this language of this law? Do you have any web references to the law or it's implications for EU citizens?

I stand corrected! Rereading the guidelines for Austrian immigration officers (though probably an older version) I now see that what I said earlier is wrong: citizen of A living in B means that EU regulations are in effect.

See (but only in German)
http://www.gruene.at/uploads/media/nag_02.pdf
on page 182. The text refers to EuGH / RS C-200/02 (Chen). (EuGH = EuJ?)

EDIT:
here (multi-lingual) is something about EEA nationals/Suisse/Austrians who "do not demand their right of
unrestricted mobility"

The http://www.bmi.gv.at/downloadarea/niederlassung/ translation is really bad. But nice to see in writing!

Thanks for both of these!

Was just punching in the nationality of a visa national for the EU/EEA and Switzerland with residency in the UK on the IATA timatic web visa requirement tool, used by airlines, and came up with the following: 14 of the countries allow family members of EU/EEA/CH citizens holding a "family member" residence permit issued to a family member of an E.E.A. or Swiss national entry providing they join or accompany the EU/EEA/CH national, and the airlines oviously will allow them to board.

From the information below, the countries accepting the residence permit instead of a visa are Bulgaria, Cyprus,Czech rep, Estonia, Finland, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Liechtenstein, Malta, Netherlands, Poland, Slovenia and Switzerland.

National ALBANIA (AL)
Residence UNITED KINGDOM (GREAT BRITAIN) (GB)
Destination AUSTRIA (AT) /Destination BELGIUM (BE)
Destination BULGARIA (BG) /Destination CYPRUS (CY)
Destination CZECH REPUBLIC (CZ) /Destination DENMARK (DK)

AUSTRIA (AT)


Passport and visa required.

Minors: for information relating to infants aged up to 6
months, see: For details, click here .

Passengers are allowed to travel on a one way ticket provided
holding sufficient funds to:
- buy return/onward tickets; and
- cover their intended stay.

----- VISA ARRANGEMENT FOR THE UEFA EURO 2008 TOURNAMENT -----
For those who require a visa and wish to attend matches in both
Austria and Switzerland, please see TINEWS/N7 for details on
visa and visa application.
--------------------------------------------------------------

---------------------------------------------------------------
WARNING! Austria is a Schengen member state, however, in
connection with the UEFA Euro 2008 Tournament (TINEWS/N7 ),
Austria will reinstate passport control with the other Schengen
member states from 00:01 June 2, 2008 to 23:59 July 1, 2008.
---------------------------------------------------------------


BELGIUM (BE)


Passport (must be valid for at least 3 months beyond period of
intended stay) required.

Visa required.

Minors:
passport and visa not required for children under 16 years
provided:
- their names are registered in passport of accompanying
(grand)parent/guardian which bears the required visa. Unless
specifically otherwise stated the visa is also valid for the
child(ren) concerned; and
- they possess same nationality as passport holder.

Recommended to hold:
- sufficient funds;
- return/onward ticket;
- all documents required for next destination.

BULGARIA (BG)


Passport (must be valid for at least 3 months beyond period of
intended stay) required.

1. Visa not required for a max. stay of 90 days within a 6
month period, provided holding a "family member" residence
permit issued to a family member of an E.E.A. or Swiss
national and travelling:
- with the E.E.A. or Swiss national; or
- to join the E.E.A. or Swiss national.

2. In all other cases: visa required.



CYPRUS (CY)


Passport required (must be valid at least 3 months beyond
period of intended stay). However, it is advised to hold a
passport valid for 6 months beyond period of intended stay.

1. If being a spouse or dependent of an E.E.A. (TIRGL/EEA )
or Swiss national and holding a residence permit clearly
stating relationship or proof of relationship (such as a
marriage certificate) together with a copy of the passport
of the E.E.A or Swiss national:
visa not required for a max. stay of 90 days.

2. In all other cases: visa required.
Valid visa in an expired passport is accepted provided
holding valid passport of the same nationality.

Visitor must hold:
-ticket and entry documents required for next destination; and
-sufficient funds.
Hotel reservation is advisable.

------------------------- WARNING! ---------------------------
This information is only applicable for the part of Cyprus that
is controlled by the government of Cyprus, therefore, is not
applicable to flights landing at Ercan(ECN) and Gecitkale(GEC).
---------------------------------------------------------------

CZECH REPUBLIC (CZ)


Passport required.

1. Visa not required for a max. stay of 3 months, if holding:
- residence card issued to a family member of an E.E.A. or
Swiss national; or
- residence permit with the annotation long term resident's
EC residence permit" (which can be issued in the form of a
sticker or a separate document).

2. In all other cases: visa required.

Visitor must hold:
- all documents required for next destination; and
- return/onward ticket or sufficient funds to buy one; and
- sufficient funds to cover intended stay.

DENMARK (DK)


Passport and visa required.

Visitor must hold:
- confirmed onward or return tickets;
- all documents required for next destination;
- at least USD 30.-, or DKK 300.- per day of intended stay.
Exemption on requirement to hold USD 30.- per day if written
statement available from person residing permanently in
Denmark, vouching for visitor. Statement has to be signed at
the airport in Denmark by the resident.

National ALBANIA (AL)
Residence UNITED KINGDOM (GREAT BRITAIN) (GB)
Destination ESTONIA (EE) /Destination FINLAND (FI)
Destination FRANCE (FR) /Destination GERMANY (DE)
Destination GREECE (GR) /Destination HUNGARY (HU)
Destination ICELAND (IS)

ESTONIA (EE)


Passport required.

1. If holding a "family member" residence permit, issued to a
family member of a national of an EEA member state (see
TIRGL/EEA ) or Switzerland, provided travelling with, or
travelling to join the E.E.A. national or national of
Switzerland:
visa not required for a max. stay of 90 days in a half year
period.

2. In all other cases: visa required.

All passengers are requested to hold valid proof of health
insurance.

Minors: between 7 and 15 years must either have their own
passport or parent's passport must contain photo of child(ren).


FINLAND (FI)


Passport (must ve valid for the period of intended stay)
required.

1. If holding a:
- long term residence permit; or
- family member residence permit, issued to a family member
of an national of an EEA member state or Switzerland and
provided travelling with or to join the national of an EEA
member state or Switzerland:
visa not required, for a max. stay of 90 days.

2. In all other cases: visa required.

Visitor must hold:
- return or onward ticket or sufficient funds; and
- other documents for next destination.

FRANCE (FR)


Passport and visa required.

Minors up to/incl. 17 years of age may be included in parent's
passport, provided travelling with parents.
Minors born and residing in France, and included in their
parents' non-French passport, must hold a 'Titre d'Identite
Republicain'.

Passenger must hold:
- return/onward ticket; and
- sufficient funds; and
- documents for return/onward journey.

Visa for France is also valid for French Guiana, French West
Indies and Reunion.

GERMANY (DE)


Passport required.

1. If holding a:
- long term residence permit; or
- family member residence permit, issued to a family member
of an national of an EEA member state or Switzerland and
provided travelling with or to join the national of an EEA
member state or Switzerland:
visa not required, for a max. stay of 90 days.

2. In all other cases: visa required.

Passenger must hold:
- sufficient funds; and
- return or onward ticket; or
- in the case of transiting through the Schengen area, onward
ticket or other evidence of continuing journey; and/or
- other documents required for next destination.

GREECE (GR)


Passport required.

1. If holding a:
- long term residence permit; or
- family member residence permit, issued to a family member
of an national of an EEA member state or Switzerland and
provided travelling with or to join the national of an EEA
member state or Switzerland:
visa not required.

2. In all other cases: visa required.
Note: valid visas in expired passports are accepted provided
holding valid passport of the same nationality.

Visitor must hold medical travel insurance.

Visitor must hold visible means of support.
It is recommended to hold return/onward ticket.
If arriving with one-way ticket, passenger may be asked for
sufficient funds for return/onward journey.

HUNGARY (HU)


Passport required.

1. If holding a "family member" residence permit, issued to a
family member of a national of an EEA member state (see
TIRGL/EEA ) or Switzerland, provided travelling with, or
travelling to join the E.E.A. national or national of
Switzerland:
visa not required for a max. stay of 90 days.

2. In all other cases:
passport (valid at least 6 months after expiry date of visa)
and visa required.


ICELAND (IS)


Passport (must be valid at least 3 months beyond period of
intended stay) and visa required.

Visitor must hold:
- return/onward ticket; and
- all documents required for next destination; and
- sufficient funds.

/ 16MAY08 / 1439 UTC
National ALBANIA (AL)
Residence UNITED KINGDOM (GREAT BRITAIN) (GB)
Destination IRELAND (REPUBLIC OF) (IE)
Destination ITALY (IT) /Destination LATVIA (LV)
Destination LIECHTENSTEIN (LI) /Destination LITHUANIA (LT)
Destination LUXEMBOURG (LU) /Destination MALTA (MT)
Destination NETHERLANDS (NL)

IRELAND (REPUBLIC OF) (IE)


Passport (valid for the period of intended stay) required.

Visa required.

Minors:
if minor is under 16 years old and registered in parent's
passport:
visa not required, provided accompanied by (one of) the
parents.

Visitor:
- is recommended to hold return/onward ticket;
- must have sufficient funds.

If passport of passenger bears a British inadmissable stamp,
the Irish immigration officer must be convinced that the
passenger is not travelling to the United Kingdom otherwise
entry will be refused.

All visitors to the Irish Rep. must contact the Garda National
Immigration Bureau (GNIB), if stay exceeds visa-free period, or
is longer than the period for which their visa is valid.

Non-compliance with entry regulations for travel from outside
the common travel area with the United Kingdom may lead to
refusal of passenger and fines of EUR 3,000.- per passenger for
the carrier.


ITALY (IT)


Passport and visa required.

Visa is valid only for passport holder, unless otherwise
specified on visa.

Visitor can extend length of stay by applying to the local
authorities.

Visitor must hold:
- return/onward tickets and all documents required for next
destination; and/or
- sufficient funds, unless a sponsor can guarantee for
passenger at the airport upon arrival.

Non-compliance with entry regulations will result in fines
between EUR 3,500.- and EUR 5,500.- per person and deportation
of the passenger to country of origin at carrier's expense. In
case of severe non-compliance license/permission concerning
landing rights can be suspended or revoked.


LATVIA (LV)


Passport (must be valid at least 3 months beyond period of
intended stay) required.

Visa required.
Visas are valid only in valid passports.

However (effective up to/incl June 21, 2008), if passenger is:
- in transit through Latvia; and
- continuing their journey (incl. other modes of transport)
to a third country; and
- holding a national visa for Czech Rep., Estonia, Hungary,
Lithuania, Malta, Poland, Slovak Rep. or Slovenia:
visa not required for a max. transit period of 5 days.

Passenger must hold health and life insurance policy that
guarantees covering health care expenses in Latvia, including
the return to the host country in case of severe illness or
death.
It is possible to obtain policy before Immigration control on
arrival at Riga International airport.

Non-compliance with entry requirements will result in the
deportation of the passenger. Air carriers may be subjected to
a fine of between LVL 1,750.- (approx. USD 3,400.-) and LVL
2,800.- (approx. USD 5,600.-); and passengers a fine of between
LVL 10.- (approx. USD 20.-) and LVL 250.-. (approx. USD 500.-).


LIECHTENSTEIN (LI)


The regulations for Switzerland apply also to Liechtenstein.

LITHUANIA (LT)


Passport (must be valid at least 3 months beyond period of
stay) required.

Visa required.

Visitor must hold:
- return/onward ticket; and
- all documents required for next destination; and
- sufficient funds for maintenance.

Visitor must hold sufficient health/travel insurance to cover
any medical expenses.


LUXEMBOURG (LU)


Passport required (must be valid for at least 3 months after
period of intended stay).

Visa required.

Minors:
passport and visa not required for children under 16 years
provided:
- their names are registered in passport of accompanying
parent/guardian, which bears the required visa. Unless
specifically otherwise stated the visa is also valid for
the child(ren) concerned; and
- they possess same nationality as passport holder.

Recommended to hold:
- return/onward ticket; and
- all documents required for next destination; and
- sufficient funds.

Non-compliance with the entry regulations may result in
deportation of passenger to his point of origin and in costs
for both transporting airline and passenger.

MALTA (MT)


Passport required.

1. If holding a "family member" residence permit, issued to a
family member of a national of an EEA member state (see
TIRGL/EEA ) or Switzerland, provided travelling with, or
travelling to join the E.E.A. national or national of
Switzerland:
visa not required for a max. stay of 90 days.

2. In all other cases: visa required.

Visitor must hold:
- onward/return ticket; and
- documents required for next destination; and
- sufficient funds.

NETHERLANDS (NL)


Passport required.

1. If holding a "family member" residence permit, issued to a
family member of an EEA national (see TIRGL/EEA ) or
national of Switzerland:
visa not required for a max. stay of 90 days.

2. In all other cases: visa required.

Visitor must hold:
- sufficient funds to cover stay; and
- onward/return tictets or funds to purchase a ticket; and
- all documents required for next destination.


National ALBANIA (AL)
Residence UNITED KINGDOM (GREAT BRITAIN) (GB)
Destination NORWAY (NO) /Destination POLAND (PL)
Destination PORTUGAL (PT) /Destination ROMANIA (RO)
Destination SLOVAK REPUBLIC (SK)
Destination SLOVENIA (SI) /Destination SWEDEN (SE)
Destination SWITZERLAND (CH)

NORWAY (NO)


Passport (must be valid at least 2 months beyond expiry date
of the visa).

Visa required.

Visitor must hold:
- sufficient funds or return/onward tickets; and
- all documents required for next destination.

POLAND (PL)


Passport required (must be valid at least 6 months after
arrival. However, up to the discretion of the Immigration
Authorities a validity of 3 months may be applied).

1. Visa not required for a max. stay of 3 months, provided
holding a residence permit issued to a family member of an
E.E.A. or Swiss national.


PORTUGAL (PT)


Passport and visa required.

Visitor must hold:
- ticket and documents required for return/onward journey; and
- at least EUR 74.82 plus EUR 39.90 per day of stay, unless
holding proof of paid accommodation.
Equivalent in convertible currency accepted.

Minors: foreign minors under 18 years and travelling alone may
be refused entry if they do not have anyone in Portugal taking
responsibility for their stay.

ROMANIA (RO)


Passport (must be valid for period of intended stay) required.

Visa not required for a stay of max. 90 days, provided holding
proof of permanent residence.

Visitor must hold:
- onward/return ticket; and
- all documents for next destination; and
- sufficient funds (for maintenance during stay in Romania);
and
- proof of reserved accommodation.

SLOVAK REPUBLIC (SK)


Passport (must be valid at least 3 months beyond expiry date
of visa) required.

Visa required.

However (effective up to/incl June 21, 2008), if passenger is:
- in transit through Slovak Rep.; and
- continuing their journey (incl. other modes of transport)
to a third country; and
- holding a national visa for Czech Rep., Estonia, Hungary,
Latvia, Lithuania, Malta, Poland or Slovenia:
visa not required for a max. transit period of 5 days.

Passenger must hold:
- health insurance covering the period of stay; and
- sufficient funds of at least USD 50.-, or equivalent per
day of stay (travellers checks accepted).
Credit cards are not accepted.

SLOVENIA (SI)


Passport (must be valid for at least the period of intended
stay) required.

Visa required.

However, if holding a "family member" residence permit:
visa not required for a max. stay of 90 days, provided
residence permit clearly states relationship.

Visitor is recommended to hold:
- all documents required for next destination; and/or
- sufficient funds (adults at least EUR 70.- and minors under
18 years of age at least EUR 35.- or equivalent in any hard
currency per day of stay).

SPAIN (ES)


Passport required (must be valid at least 3 months beyond
expiry date of visa).

Visa required.

Visitor must hold:
- visible means of support during stay (EUR 57.- per day of
stay with a minimun of EUR 514.- or equivalent in other
freely convertible currency, except for students); and
- onward or return ticket and documents required for next
destination.

Non-compliance with the entry regulations may result in fines
between EUR 6,025.- and EUR 60,240.-.


SWEDEN (SE)


Passport and visa required.

Visitor must hold:
- all documents required for return or onward journey; and
- sufficient funds.

SWITZERLAND (CH)


Passport required.

Visa not required for a stay of max. 3 months provided holding:
a. residence permit or right of residence; or
b. "Right of Abode", "Leave to Enter" or "Leave to Remain"
stamps contained in the passport, provided for an
indefinite period; or
c. Entry Clearance for multiple entries (MULT) and provided
endorsed "indefinite leave to enter the U.K." also accepted
without regard to the expiry date; or
d. temporary entry permits which must be valid for at least 6
months upon date of entry provided:
- stamped "leave to enter the United kingdom is hereby given
until (date) ; or
- containing "The holder is required to register at once
with the police" at the end of the stamp.

If you go to Germany with the EEA family member permit, can you then go to France afterwards?

ensalmo wrote:If you go to Germany with the EEA family member permit, can you then go to France afterwards?

EEA family permit is an initial entry visa for the UK. It is not the same as a UK issued Residence Card.

Sorry I meant the EU residence card for a family member of an EEA national of course.

Dear flyboy,
where did you get all these informations from please.

Ensalmo, here's a link:

http://www.emirates.com/english/plan_bo ... ments.aspx

Is the following legal, concerning the UK informing carriers that they should not allow anyone to board claiming to be an EEA family member, who is not in possession of a U.K. issued EEA Family Permit.

What if one travels with the EEA family member and have proof of relationship, etc..


National ALBANIA (AL) /Residence SWITZERLAND (CH)

Destination UNITED KINGDOM (GREAT BRITAIN) (GB)

UNITED KINGDOM (GREAT BRITAIN)


Passport (must be valid for the period of intended stay)
required.

Visa required. For information on minors holding Child
Visitor visas, see: For details, click here .

However, visa not required provided holding a valid "EEA Family
Permit" issued by the U.K., provided that the holder is
travelling with, or to join the E.E.A. (TIRGL/EEA ) or Swiss
national.

Minors:
children registered in parent's or guardian's passport:
- may not travel without holder of passport; and
- visa in passport (if required) must indicate that it is
also valid for the child(ren).

Flights from/to United Kingdom to/from Channel Islands,
Ireland (Rep. of) and the Isle of Man are domestic flights.
Therefore, there is no Immigration control.

Note to carriers: carriers should not allow anyone to board
claiming to be an EEA family member, who is not in possession
of a U.K. issued EEA Family Permit. Authority to board can be
obtained through the immigration office at the airport of
arrival, or though a U.K. Airline Liaison Officer, where
available.

Non-compliance with entry requirements (incl. forged documents)
will result in fines for carrier of GBP 2,000.- per visitor
and either deportation or indefinite delay for visitor at
point of entry (detention costs at carrier's expense).

A person may be considered committing an offence upon arrival
in the United Kingdom, if failing to produce to an Immigration
Officer a document, which satisfactorily establishes identity,
nationality, or citizenship. A person guilty of this offence
may be liable to up to 2 years in prison, or a fine, or both.

flyboy wrote:Was just punching in the nationality of a visa national for the EU/EEA and Switzerland with residency in the UK on the IATA timatic web visa requirement tool, used by airlines, and came up with the following: 14 of the countries allow family members of EU/EEA/CH citizens holding a "family member" residence permit issued to a family member of an E.E.A. or Swiss national entry providing they join or accompany the EU/EEA/CH national, and the airlines oviously will allow them to board.

From the information below, the countries accepting the residence permit instead of a visa are Bulgaria, Cyprus,Czech rep, Estonia, Finland, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Liechtenstein, Malta, Netherlands, Poland, Slovenia and Switzerland.

Interesting but the Estonians say that they would only accept Swedish residence cards
(see above) and the Latvians say that you are entitled to enter Latvia if you hold a valid EU citizen’s family member resident permit (see above).

flyboy wrote:Is the following legal, concerning the UK informing carriers that they should not allow anyone to board claiming to be an EEA family member, who is not in possession of a U.K. issued EEA Family Permit.
What if one travels with the EEA family member and have proof of relationship, etc..

Well, airlines are not state organisations and can have whatever rules they like (that are legal). Your recourse for them not allowing you to board would be to sue them afterwards.

Note that the note says that authorisation should be sought from an immigration officer *at the arrival airport* - how is that supposed to work? Presumably he would want to see the proof of relationship, I doubt he'd accept a fax, even if the airline was willing to go through with such a faff.

*OK, I know I should not post UK visa stuff in the Europe forum, but I think this is relevant here, isn't it?*

Hi Folks,

What a great thread!

My question would be:

I am a British citizen, living in Germany (> 8 years). My wife is Russian and has lived here in Germany for over 3 years.

We have not yet been back to the UK on a visit since the new regs in 2007 about Visa Application Centers and fingerprinting and all that crap since it was too much effort. (Quick calculations show that it would cost us over 1000 EUR to get a visa.)

HOWEVER: on reading this thread, I was intrigued. My wife has a residency permit (Schengen visa) for Germany and I have of course a British passport. We also have a marriage certificate in English (we married there, before the insane regulations came in last year).

So our question would be: if we want to visit the UK in September this year, can we maybe skip visa requirements based on the Directive? We obviously have no intention of settling - we would just be visiting friends for a few days.

Any infos - greatly appreciated!!

Cheers,


Ed

Just found this as well:

http://petitions.pm.gov.uk/VISA-SANITY/

nrubdarb wrote:Just found this as well:

http://petitions.pm.gov.uk/VISA-SANITY/

I'm not signing that xenophobic rant.

"when the UK is being flooded with non-Brit incomers of every other random kind"

I thought the tone matched the xenophobia of the UK authorities quite nicely actually.

But it's unlikely to have any effect anyway.

It was interesting though to read the huge number of rejected applications for Snoop Dogg's visa.

*OK, I know I should not post UK visa stuff in the Europe forum, but I think this is relevant here, isn't it?*

Hi Folks,

What a great thread!

My question would be:

I am a British citizen, living in Germany (> 8 years). My wife is Russian and has lived here in Germany for over 3 years.

We have not yet been back to the UK on a visit since the new regs in 2007 about Visa Application Centers and fingerprinting and all that crap since it was too much effort. (Quick calculations show that it would cost us over 1000 EUR to get a visa.)

HOWEVER: on reading this thread, I was intrigued. My wife has a residency permit (Schengen visa) for Germany and I have of course a British passport. We also have a marriage certificate in English (we married there, before the insane regulations came in last year).

So our question would be: if we want to visit the UK in September this year, can we maybe skip visa requirements based on the Directive? We obviously have no intention of settling - we would just be visiting friends for a few days.

Any infos - greatly appreciated!!

Cheers,


Ed

Welcome to the club! I'm in the very same situation, but I just didn't take it sitting down. Protest! Let the European Commission know about it! This is just what I did.

Richard66 wrote:

*OK, I know I should not post UK visa stuff in the Europe forum, but I think this is relevant here, isn't it?*

Hi Folks,

What a great thread!

My question would be:

I am a British citizen, living in Germany (> 8 years). My wife is Russian and has lived here in Germany for over 3 years.

We have not yet been back to the UK on a visit since the new regs in 2007 about Visa Application Centers and fingerprinting and all that crap since it was too much effort. (Quick calculations show that it would cost us over 1000 EUR to get a visa.)

HOWEVER: on reading this thread, I was intrigued. My wife has a residency permit (Schengen visa) for Germany and I have of course a British passport. We also have a marriage certificate in English (we married there, before the insane regulations came in last year).

So our question would be: if we want to visit the UK in September this year, can we maybe skip visa requirements based on the Directive? We obviously have no intention of settling - we would just be visiting friends for a few days.

Any infos - greatly appreciated!!

Cheers,


Ed

Welcome to the club! I'm in the very same situation, but I just didn't take it sitting down. Protest! Let the European Commission know about it! This is just what I did.

Maybe I am just blind or ignorant or both but people in this forum keep telling that they would complain to someone, doing this or that, etc.. Page 1 of this thread mentions things like Solvit and Citizen Sign post. But what other options do we have? Maybe we need a compilation of contacte addresses and procedures?