UK spouse, South African wife, Schengen visa
There seems to be conflicting info if you are a non-EU or UK citizen but are married to one. What are the European laws (that even the Embassies and airline staff get wrong apparently) and requirements if you are with your UK partner and want to travel to Europe with them? Is a visa needed? Or is just a marriage certificate and return travel ticket sufficient?
Best Answer
As you are the spouse of an EU national but do not hold an EU residence card, you will need an entry visa to enter the Schengen states.
An entry visa can certainly be issued to you at the border, but there is a small possibility of it being denied if border officials are not satisfied with your paperwork. You will in any case be subject to delays and possible questioning as your documents are verified.
For that reason, it's advisable to simply apply for a Schengen visa in advance; given your husband's status as an EU citizen, you will be exempt from the visa fee, and will generally need to provide your travel documents and marriage certificate as supporting documentation for your application (you will usually not need to provide proof of hotel reservations, health insurance etc.). Your visa should be processed within 15 days, and will allow you smooth entry and transit within the Schengen area.
Official EU guidance on this topic is available here. The documents required for an entry visa for non-EU family members do vary slightly by country, so make sure you contact the consulate of the Schengen country you want before you apply.
Happy travels!
Pictures about "UK spouse, South African wife, Schengen visa"
Do I need a Schengen visa if I am married to a British citizen?
Yes, the non-EU spouse of a UK national requires a visa to travel to the Schengen Area.Does the spouse of a EU national with UK permanent residence need a Schengen visa?
If you have a residence card as an EU national family member and you are not accompanying or joining your EU spouse / partner in the Schengen country, you must apply for a visa to enter that country.Which countries can I visit with UK spouse visa?
Both these visas are long-term visas. These visas offer VISA-FREE travel to quite a few countries. But if you happened to have a UK visa or applying for one, then it is still better than not having any visas at all....- Albania.
- Georgia.
- Gibraltar (British Territory)
- Ireland.
- Montenegro.
- North Macedonia.
Can a South African apply for a Schengen visa in Ireland?
A key requirement of the Schengen visa for South Africa citizens and residents is the Schengen visa appointment, which most applicants will need to schedule in advance. If you are applying online (i.e. through a country-specific visa portal) you will probably be able to schedule your visa appointment when you apply.How To Apply For A Schengen Visa | South African Youtuber
Sources: Stack Exchange - This article follows the attribution requirements of Stack Exchange and is licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0.
Images: Pixabay, saifullah hafeel, Ketut Subiyanto, William Fortunato