Travel with Residence Card - Success Stories

[mick5]

Hi just came back UK from Malta went with my Girl friend as i have (Family member of EEA national)
Went with Ryan air all went well i showed them my Girl friend European passport and my pakistani passport she checked my Residence card and asked where is our marriage certificate i said we are not married and i showed print out which i downloaded from Malta high commission site that EEA family member does not need visa if they are traveling along European family member she said thats fine and stamped on my boarding card,
when i reached in Malta i've been told i need to fill the landing card i filled up and he stamped entry on my passport,same as coming back he stamped Exit on my passport and in UK immigration officer did not asked any question just checked my passport and let me in. I asked him next time do i have to go other Passport or come to European Passport desk he said in future you always come to European Passport desk.
All i wanted to share my experience to People who get scared or hesitate to travel. as long as you have Residence Card which is issued from UKBA no need to worry.

[EUsmileWEallsmile]

Glad no real problem with the airline. That's always the first hurdle!

The Maltese should not have stamped your passport.

Glad to see the IO in the UK appeared to have understood.

I'm happy you enjoyed your trip!

[mick5]

EUsmileWEallsmile thanks for your reply.He was sitting behind the glass and his desk was so strange you hardly can see what he was doing with your passport. I've seen the entry stamp when he gave me my passport.
But to be honest it doesn't bother me as long as they didnt object.
I think non European passport they always stamp it.

[John G]

FYI below:!: Only took like over 20 e-mails for them (Italian consulate in London) to confirm what is EU Law:!:

Muppet's

Now I will print and keep that e-mail up my sleeve if the border guards are up for a battle:!:

---------- Forwarded message ----------
From: Ufficio Visti <visti.londra@esteri.it>
Date: 6 June 2012 15:21
Subject: R: I: Fwd: EEA rights under "Residence Card of a Family Member of a EEA national"
To: john


Dear Mr. Gargan,

I would like to confirm you that according to the italian Law "Decreto Legislativo 6 febbraio 2007, n. 30" (that implemented the European Union Directive 2004/38/CE), and according to artt. 2, 5 and 10, you do not need to have a visa to travel to Italy together with the EU family member as long as you hold the type of UK Residence card that enables you to enter Italy and other Schengen countries without visa.

Hope this satisfy your request

Regards

Antonio Caramadre
Deputy Head of Visa Section

[EUsmileWEallsmile]

Another success here...

http://www.immigrationboards.com/viewto ... 2&start=20

[alekos]

Hello again, I've just come back from holidays in Poland. Weather was lovely and the flights were "on time". Ta ta ta,ta ta ta, you guessed it, I flew Ryanair.

First flight in the morning out of Stansted, armed with everything I needed: Wife, check, Passports, check, print outs of the relevant Directive allowing us to travel visa-free with a UK issued RC, check.

I was politely asked at the check-in desk if I needed a visa to travel, I showed them the RC. The lady smiled, wished me a good flight an off we went.

Once we got to Krakow, we presented both passports together to the border guard, he looked at mine first and then my wife's followed by a just one question: Are you using the freedom of movement directive or does he have a visa? My wife replied, first option, he stamped my passport and off we left the airport in search of a coach to the city centre.

Interestingly once in Krakow, we went into a bank to exchange some money and we came out with a very good, IMO, savings account on both names. They were happy to accept my Colombian passport and UK RC to open and manage the account.

On the way back, my passport was stamped by the border guard. Once back in Stansted, both passports were scanned and then given back to us. No Stamp in the UK. Although I did complain once in Nov last year when they stamped it.

All in all, a hassle free journey, brilliant weather and yes, loads of cabbage and potatoes.

Wife-Polish
Husband-Colombian with a UK issued RC of Family member
Flight-Ryanair, No issues.

[EUsmileWEallsmile]

Hello again, I've just come back from holidays in Poland. Weather was lovely and the flights were "on time". Ta ta ta,ta ta ta, you guessed it, I flew Ryanair.

First flight in the morning out of Stansted, armed with everything I needed: Wife, check, Passports, check, print outs of the relevant Directive allowing us to travel visa-free with a UK issued RC, check.

I was politely asked at the check-in desk if I needed a visa to travel, I showed them the RC. The lady smiled, wished me a good flight an off we went.

Once we got to Krakow, we presented both passports together to the border guard, he looked at mine first and then my wife's followed by a just one question: Are you using the freedom of movement directive or does he have a visa? My wife replied, first option, he stamped my passport and off we left the airport in search of a coach to the city centre.

Interestingly once in Krakow, we went into a bank to exchange some money and we came out with a very good, IMO, savings account on both names. They were happy to accept my Colombian passport and UK RC to open and manage the account.

On the way back, my passport was stamped by the border guard. Once back in Stansted, both passports were scanned and then given back to us. No Stamp in the UK. Although I did complain once in Nov last year when they stamped it.

All in all, a hassle free journey, brilliant weather and yes, loads of cabbage and potatoes.

Wife-Polish
Husband-Colombian with a UK issued RC of Family member
Flight-Ryanair, No issues.

What a great story, thanks for posting it.

[John G]

Hello again, I've just come back from holidays in Poland. Weather was lovely and the flights were "on time". Ta ta ta,ta ta ta, you guessed it, I flew Ryanair.

First flight in the morning out of Stansted, armed with everything I needed: Wife, check, Passports, check, print outs of the relevant Directive allowing us to travel visa-free with a UK issued RC, check.

I was politely asked at the check-in desk if I needed a visa to travel, I showed them the RC. The lady smiled, wished me a good flight an off we went.

Once we got to Krakow, we presented both passports together to the border guard, he looked at mine first and then my wife's followed by a just one question: Are you using the freedom of movement directive or does he have a visa? My wife replied, first option, he stamped my passport and off we left the airport in search of a coach to the city centre.

Interestingly once in Krakow, we went into a bank to exchange some money and we came out with a very good, IMO, savings account on both names. They were happy to accept my Colombian passport and UK RC to open and manage the account.

On the way back, my passport was stamped by the border guard. Once back in Stansted, both passports were scanned and then given back to us. No Stamp in the UK. Although I did complain once in Nov last year when they stamped it.

All in all, a hassle free journey, brilliant weather and yes, loads of cabbage and potatoes.

Wife-Polish
Husband-Colombian with a UK issued RC of Family member
Flight-Ryanair, No issues.

What a great story, thanks for posting it.

Yeah thanks alekos, good to know!

I fly out with Ryan Air to Spain on the 22 Aug, so let's hope it goes smoothly too!

BTW, Me - Italian and my Mrs - Colombian! Our daughter - English

Good to know you didn't have issues being Colombian and all, I know from experience with my Mrs that the Colombian's get a massively hard time every time they travel!

Thanks for the post

John

[mick5]

I've been to Malta with my RC without visa now going to Poland staying there for 3 days then back to London next day traveling to Greece.

[EUsmileWEallsmile]

I've been to Malta with my RC without visa now going to Poland staying there for 3 days then back to London next day traveling to Greece.

Great, let us know how you get on.

[Jersey]

Just came back from France, travelled with my wife and she didn't have a Schengen visa and was allowed in without any problems. We were not asked a single question, just turned together at the Passport control , showed our passports and enjoyed our holiday

[AngieD]

Just been to Amsterdam for a short break with my husband who is the holder of a Uk Residence Card - FAmily member of EEA National. He is Nepalese.

Travelled from Liverpool to Amsterdam with Easyjet. Easyjet check - no particular problems - checkout just checked with supervisor.

Arrived at Amsterdam and at passport control the following happened. Arrived a desk together with me stating we are travelling together. Border guard (female) then started to bombard me with loads of questions - where are you staying? how long? where are your return flight tickets? I said to her "you cannot ask these questions" To which she replied "I don't like your attitude and I can ask you anything I like!" She then said "anyway I am not asking you I am asking your husband" bearing in mind she did not even look at him and was speaking to me directly.

Anyway she then scuitinised my husband's Residence permit and wanted proof of our relationship. Luckily I had a certified copy of our marriage certifcate with us and showed it to her.

My husband also happened to have a German Schengen Visa in his passport as well (still valid) so she had a good look at that too. She then said, if your husband was travelling on the Schengen Visa alone I would be asking him for proof of funds, hotel etc.

She was really rude and made us feel really uncomfortable. Anyway eventually she stamped my husband's passport (I had given up trying to assert our EU rights by this time so just let it go) and let us pass.

Coming home - at Amsterdam again Easyjet checkin staff wanted to clarify with supervisor - no problem and sent through. At security the officer again stamped my husband's passport!

At Liverpool, my husband filled in a Landing Card despite me telling him not to bother and he also insisted we use the non EU passport queue. He had had enough of the problems encountered at Amsterdam and didnot want to face more here - which I could understand. Anyway the IO at Liverpool just looked at our passports and waived us through with no stamp.

Husband says his experience at Amsterdam has put him off travelling again.

It is so annoying that this Directive is dated 2004 and yet still Border Guards still don't seem to have any clue.

[EUsmileWEallsmile]

Just been to Amsterdam for a short break with my husband who is the holder of a Uk Residence Card - FAmily member of EEA National. He is Nepalese.

Travelled from Liverpool to Amsterdam with Easyjet. Easyjet check - no particular problems - checkout just checked with supervisor.

Arrived at Amsterdam and at passport control the following happened. Arrived a desk together with me stating we are travelling together. Border guard (female) then started to bombard me with loads of questions - where are you staying? how long? where are your return flight tickets? I said to her "you cannot ask these questions" To which she replied "I don't like your attitude and I can ask you anything I like!" She then said "anyway I am not asking you I am asking your husband" bearing in mind she did not even look at him and was speaking to me directly.

Anyway she then scuitinised my husband's Residence permit and wanted proof of our relationship. Luckily I had a certified copy of our marriage certifcate with us and showed it to her.

My husband also happened to have a German Schengen Visa in his passport as well (still valid) so she had a good look at that too. She then said, if your husband was travelling on the Schengen Visa alone I would be asking him for proof of funds, hotel etc.

She was really rude and made us feel really uncomfortable. Anyway eventually she stamped my husband's passport (I had given up trying to assert our EU rights by this time so just let it go) and let us pass.

Coming home - at Amsterdam again Easyjet checkin staff wanted to clarify with supervisor - no problem and sent through. At security the officer again stamped my husband's passport!

At Liverpool, my husband filled in a Landing Card despite me telling him not to bother and he also insisted we use the non EU passport queue. He had had enough of the problems encountered at Amsterdam and didnot want to face more here - which I could understand. Anyway the IO at Liverpool just looked at our passports and waived us through with no stamp.

Husband says his experience at Amsterdam has put him off travelling again.

It is so annoying that this Directive is dated 2004 and yet still Border Guards still don't seem to have any clue.

Well, the good thing is that you got there and back again. You were not denied boarding.

It is a pity that you appeared to have been treated badly at the Dutch border. Did you take note of the IO's name? Did you consider making a complaint? It is not too late to do so. You could perhaps open a new thread and ask if there is someone who can help you complain.

(I have since looked up this for you, it may not the correct place to make a complaint, but it's a good start http://english.ind.nl/contact/Klachten_ ... estelling/ Note that if you do not complain, nothing will change, so please do take this further).

It can be worth taking a copy of the border guards handbook, which specifies that a minimum check is to be conducted on EU citizens and their family members. You can even print it in your own language and the language of the country you are visiting.

http://register.consilium.europa.eu/pdf ... 0.en06.pdf

http://register.consilium.europa.eu/pdf ... 0.nl06.pdf

Also as you already know, your husband's passport should not have been stamped.

[bluecole2]

http://www.immigrationboards.com/viewto ... 3&start=20

bluecole2. Please add your experiences here...

When? AUG- SEPT 2012
What airline? EASYJET
What document did you hold? RESIDENCE CARD
What country issued it? UK
What destination? FRANCE (SPOUSE IS FRENCH)
Traveling with EEA national or not? YES
Redress (if any)?

Or did you have no problem whatsoever? PASSPORT STAMPED ON EXIT

[mick5]

Hi Iam going to Poland with my Polish partner(girl friend )on 8th of September couple of months ago we've been to malta with my Uk Residence card no visa just residence card and no problem in malta or with Ryan air.

I like to know do i have to print Directive or go without Directive like i went to Malta just with my Passport? and on 11th iam coming back to london going on 12th to Greece same with UK residence Card with my partner. iam asking just to be on a safe side do i have to take some other documents with me?

Please Reply

[EUsmileWEallsmile]

Hi Iam going to Poland with my Polish partner(girl friend )on 8th of September couple of months ago we've been to malta with my Uk Residence card no visa just residence card and no problem in malta or with Ryan air.

I like to know do i have to print Directive or go without Directive like i went to Malta just with my Passport? and on 11th iam coming back to london going on 12th to Greece same with UK residence Card with my partner. iam asking just to be on a safe side do i have to take some other documents with me?

Please Reply

In general, your UK issued article 10 residence card is all you need, but as a contingency...

(For your own peace of mind, bring evidence that are partners (bills, lease perhaps) and your partner's documentation. Print the directive in Polish and English. Keep these aside in case of problems. The only other complication is that your partner is entering home country, it would be useful for them to present evidence of what they are doing in the UK).

[mick5]

I can take my Partner's letter of Job contract myself and my partner has permanent job here in London.
or anything else comes in your mind please let me know so i can arrange it actually we are going to attend my partner's brother's wedding.

Thanks for quick reply.

[mick5]

Here iam back from Corfu (Greece) just arrived today back in london.
Went with Ryan air they didnt ask or said anything just stamped on my Boarding card.
Reached in Corfu airport IMO officer said i cant let you in because we dont believe girl friend/ boy friend we believe married couple i said we are not married and i showed to them the print out from their Greek embassy website where it says " Family member of EEA national" do not need visa if the are traveling together" he said i agreed with you its not your fault but this time i let you in next time better have visa or marriage certificate and make sure on your way back show same thing to IMO if they ask you how you get in?
Today IMO did not ask anything but did not stamp Exit on my passport i was about to board on Plane boarding pass checker woman stopped me and took my passport back to Immigration office and said where is you Exit stamp i said IMO did not stamped after 20 minutes one officer came and took me back to his office and women there asked me same question where is our marriage certificate i said we are not married and she asked where is exit stamp i went mad i said why every one asking me ask you IMO he did not stamp it its not my fault. then she said you can not goback to Uk on this residence stamp its not visa i said its not your problem i want my Passport back plane was about to fly, She said make sure next time get visa i said i wont come here again anyway.

Back here on Stansted airport no question ask no stamp just got in.
I was shocked that how so many European countries need to Educate their staff about this residence card and they really need to educate their staff how to treat their visitors.
One thing for sure next time i will get visa rather being embrace or going through hassle.

[EUsmileWEallsmile]

Here iam back from Corfu (Greece) just arrived today back in london.
Went with Ryan air they didnt ask or said anything just stamped on my Boarding card.
Reached in Corfu airport IMO officer said i cant let you in because we dont believe girl friend/ boy friend we believe married couple i said we are not married and i showed to them the print out from their Greek embassy website where it says " Family member of EEA national" do not need visa if the are traveling together" he said i agreed with you its not your fault but this time i let you in next time better have visa or marriage certificate and make sure on your way back show same thing to IMO if they ask you how you get in?
Today IMO did not ask anything but did not stamp Exit on my passport i was about to board on Plane boarding pass checker woman stopped me and took my passport back to Immigration office and said where is you Exit stamp i said IMO did not stamped after 20 minutes one officer came and took me back to his office and women there asked me same question where is our marriage certificate i said we are not married and she asked where is exit stamp i went mad i said why every one asking me ask you IMO he did not stamp it its not my fault. then she said you can not goback to Uk on this residence stamp its not visa i said its not your problem i want my Passport back plane was about to fly, She said make sure next time get visa i said i wont come here again anyway.

Back here on Stansted airport no question ask no stamp just got in.
I was shocked that how so many European countries need to Educate their staff about this residence card and they really need to educate their staff how to treat their visitors.
One thing for sure next time i will get visa rather being embrace or going through hassle.

I'm disappointed that your trip was not as smooth as it should have been. Your passport should not have been stamped. Was it the airline that insisted you go back for exit stamp?

[mick5]

I think it was not only Ryane air staff they were dealing easy jet passengers as well, who know were they from airline staff or not but they were speaking Greek if its Ryane air staff they should've speak proper English, But they were not helpful at all they way they speak very straight forward.

[Schengener]

Hello,

I have been reading the entire thread with great interest and learned a lot. A lot of the entries have been about spouses with marriage certificates as family members of EEA nationals. But what about unmarried family members of EEA nationals?

Can EU countries reject entry if a Schengen visa is not presented, because their domestic legislation may not recognize unmarried partnerships in the same way as married partnerships? Does anyone know more details about legislation in France?

I am experiencing some difficulties with the French embassy in London, who I have emailed for permission for him to travel through France coming from Dover ferry, in order to travel to Germany - as main destination, to visit my family for a few days. Germany (and NL where I drive through as well) have already given me green light, that we do not need a Schengen visa, just the French make trouble.

[pinkpanter]

Many people ask the question, can I travel with article 10 residence card with my EU family member without an additional visa. What are people's recent experiences? Did you get on the plane or not?

When?
What airline?
What document did you hold?
What country issued it?
What destination?
Traveling with EEA national or not?
Redress (if any)?

Or did you have no problem whatsoever?

What if you have UK PR (eea) in your passport. Can you still travel with your EEA family member???

[ca.funke]

...BTW, Me - Italian and my Mrs - Colombian! Our daughter - English...

Hi John G,

bit of a late remark, but better late than never:

In this >>post<< I outline the difference between "nationality" and "passport".

I assume your daughter in British because she was born in Britain?

However, since her father is Italian, I assume your daughter is also Italian (whether she possesses a passport or not...). In order to proof this, I recommend getting her registered with the Italian authorities and maybe obtain (another) passport.

For Columbia I don´t know any specifics, but your daughter might well also already be Columbian!

Sorry for being off-topic in this thread...

Rgds, Christian

[sum1]

What if you have UK PR (eea) in your passport. Can you still travel with your EEA family member???

If you go with this Handbook (PDF, page 91), for instance, the answer is yes. The practical problems are that 1) airlines may entirely rely on their database/handbook (the Timatic web page only refers to 'residence permits of EEA family members'); 2) embassy web pages list only the RC; 3) national legislation does not provide for it (I know of only one country which does).

[EUsmileWEallsmile]

@guido, this thread may interest you.