I just got a call from the Italian Embassy in D.C. today.
They are insisting that I need an "accompanying spouse visa" before I enter Italy.
I've also called the Philidelphia consulate and the Italian Embassy in the UK. They all say I need one.
I believe this is against my rights as a spouse of an EU citizen.
(1)
According to the European Commission,
"It is not allowed to require any other type of visa, such as residence or family reunification visa." when a family member enters an EU country.
http://ec.europa.eu/youreurope/nav/en/c ... ex_en.html
also according to EU directive 2004/38
(2)
It also saying NOTHING about me needing a specific visa when I am in Italy applying for residency. (only if I'm from a nation the requires an entrance visa...which I'm not; I'm from the US)
http://ec.europa.eu/youreurope/nav/en/c ... ex_en.html
I've asked for advice from the Signpost service and am waiting for a response.
-What do you all make of this?
-Am I right or is the Italian Embassy?
-If I am right, is there anywhere I can make an official complaint?
-Also, what do I do if I run into trouble when applying for residency (if I decided not to get this visa)?
Sorry, lots of questions but I'm REALLY angry right now because I feel as though Im going to run into a lot of problems and I feel I'm right!