ILR and Europe

[desertlord]

Hi guys,
Have a question, when you get ILR and BRP, do you need to apply for Visa to travel to EU countries? I heard once you got your BRP you make short trips to EU ie Italy, France etc with no visa!

[cs95tdg]

This is not true, unless the passport you hold allows you visa-free travel to the European countres you intend to visit. Additionally if you are a spouse of a British Citizen, you may also travel to Schengen states without a visa if travelling with your spouse.

The key point to note is that your UK immigration status is independent to the visa requirements to enter other European countries.

[desertlord]

Ok thanks,
Sorry I should have been more specific I am spouce of a British Citizen, after getting ILR and BRP, if we both wish to go for holiday together to Italy, do I need to apply for a visa?

[Casa]

Although you may technically be able to travel without a visa if you're accompanied by your British spouse, in practice you may well be refused boarding by airlines or other border entry points...especially Spain.
I would strongly advise you to apply for a Schengen visa.

[cs95tdg]

Yes, I agree with Casa. Having a Schengen visa will probably make life easier depending on the airline you fly with and the border(s) you intend to cross.

More information can be found on the sticky thread below: http://www.immigrationboards.com/viewtopic.php?t=102396