Visa free EU travel for Unmarried Partners

[kiran2044]

Hi,

I am an unmarried partner of EU National and I have the standard UK Residence Permit which states "Residence Card of a Family Member of an EEA National".

I have travelled to Italy, Czech Republic and Spain using my Residence Card (without Schengen Visa). I did not have any problem getting through, even being asked a single question. Of course, I always email the relevant embassy to make sure I am okay to travel without schengen visa, as I am an unmarried partner.

Myself and my partner are planning to go to Poland this christmas to her parents, and we are planning to drive through Dover-Calais. As always, I emailed the TLSContact (French Visa Service) to make sure if I would be alright to travel without visa. But, they are insisting that I should get schengen visa as I don't have an official proof of my relationship. They said they only accept marriage certificate or birth certificate. I am in big dilemma. I am thinking to try travelling without schengen visa anyway as the border guards are the one who decide to let someone cross the border. And, I have read in this forum that someone (unmarried partner) travelled to France by Eurostar using their EEA Residence Card and they didn't have any problem. Also, I have heard that the french immigration officers in Dover don't even bother checking the passports most of the time.

Any thoughts/suggestions please.

Thank you.