Non-EEA Family Member Final Checklist for Solo DE Trip

[Plum70]

I am leaving for Berlin this Thursday and have put together a checklist of the docs I will + might need to take with me (wouldn't be doing this if I wasn't travelling solo). So far:

Mandatory
My passport and Schengen visa of course
Return ticket
Marriage Certificate
Travel Insurance
Hotel booking

Optional but advisable
Proof of income - three months worth of my payslips OR bank statements
Photocopy of my husband's UK PR card
Copy of the UK Border Force Operational Manual
Copy of the EU Directive

One of the 'perks' I have found of being married to a Swiss is that one becomes overly prepared for absolutely anything! So, I have therefore thought up every possible scenario both at the Schengen border and the UK border - often darting up at night in cold sweats - and reckon that all of the above docs should satisfy any (rational) form of interrogation. Yes?

Someone let me know if I have left anything out besides my sanity.

Danke schon!

[ca.funke]

Hi Plum70,

"unfortunately", I think your list is pretty complete.

"Unfortunately", because it´s a joke, but I guess that´s what you might be realistically asked for.

I wouldn´t know what to add to the list. Should be a pretty smooth journey.

Let us know how it went!

Rgds, Christian

[Plum70]

Hi Plum70,

"unfortunately"...

Oh no! (takes a shaky drag from nebuliser).

I wouldn´t know what to add to the list.

Relax and have fun? Seriously, think i'm more concerned about my quick temper which is usually doused when hubby is with me. Partially why i'm going uber-prepared.

My plan: Stay calm, bite on a piece of fruit and shove documents at whoever is asking.

Let us know how it went!

Sure will, once i've sobered up.

[Plum70]

My trip was wunderschon and i'm already itching to be back asap! What a city, Berlin...

In terms of border entry at both DE and the UK, no real issues.

The DE border guard was pleasant and efficient. He asked the purpose of my trip, whether I lived in the UK and what I did. That was that.

The UK border guard was a little annoying. This was the dialogue:
(Bear in mind that I arrived back late at night so I was well knackered and my nerves quite raw.)

Me: Good evening (handed over my passport)
BG: Hello (looks at RC). What are you doing in the UK?
Me: I live here.
BG: What nationality is your husband?
Me: He is Swiss.
BG: Where is he?
Me: Probably in bed!
BG: Oh...so he is not here?
Me: No
BG: What was the purpose of your trip? Business or pleasure?
Me: (deep breath) Pleasure.
BG: Without your husband?
Me: (decided enough time wasting) Don't you ever do the same?
BG: (looked embarrassed and quickly handed back my passport. but not before stamping it.)

Wasn't able to prevent the stamp at the time as he did it mid-conversation. Also too tired to care challenging after!

All in all, a smooth and fantastic trip from start to finish.

Everyone: Visit Berlin!!!

[EUsmileWEallsmile]

Me: (decided enough time wasting) Don't you ever do the same?

Great answer.

BG: (looked embarrassed and quickly handed back my passport. but not before stamping it.)

Complain?

Glad your trip went well. Did you complete landing card (hope not)?

[Plum70]

Me: (decided enough time wasting) Don't you ever do the same?

Great answer.

BG: (looked embarrassed and quickly handed back my passport. but not before stamping it.)

Complain?

Glad your trip went well. Did you complete landing card (hope not)?

No, I didn't fill one and he didn't ask. I will not bother complaining about the stamp this time as I did nothing to stop it. The next time round I will expressly demand against it and complain if despite this the border guard still proceeds.

[EUsmileWEallsmile]

No, I didn't fill one and he didn't ask.

Well at least that's something. Cheers!