It can be thrilling traveling within Europe together with your partner.This is particularly true when one is an EU citizen and the other is not.However, one must be knowledgeable about the schengen visa for eu spouse and the regulations to avoid complications, refusals, or other problems when traveling at the borders.Here, we will dissect each aspect, cover eligibility criteria, detail the required documents, outline the application process, and analyze particular cases, including the schengen visa for spouse of british citizen and the british citizen spouse schengen visa application.We will also answer the questions, does eu spouse need schengen visa, and does spouse of british citizen need schengen visa, to bring you clarity and confidence when preparing your trip.
A schengen visa for eu spouse is the short stay visa that non EU spouses are required to have when traveling, or are joining their EU spouses when their spouse does not have visa waiver access to the Schengen zone.The Schengen zone consists of a majority of EU countries, plus Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, and Switzerland.In these countries, border control is removed and free movement is allowed among member states.
Who needs this visa?
Generally speaking, a non EU partner would require a Schengen visa to enter the Schengen Area for a stay of not longer than 90 days in a 180 day period.This is most salient for couples, one of whom is a non visa exempt Schengen zone applicant. For example:
1. An EU citizen married to a non EU partner may require a visa to enter the Schengen Area if the non EU partner does not hold an EU residence card.
2. In the case of a Schengen visa for a British national’s spouse or a British spouse visa, if you are travelling with your EU partner will determine the applicable rules, as will the point of departure.
The situation with British citizens is somewhat more complicated due to the changes that took effect with Brexit. British citizens, in and of themselves, are exempt from the requirement to obtain a visa to enter the Schengen Area, and may stay for short stays of up to 90 days within a 180 day time frame.However, for the spouse of a British citizen, whether they need to obtain a Schengen visa is most often determined by the following factors:
– Their own nationality and the visa requirements that may apply to them.
– If the spouse is an EU national and is travelling with them.
– If the non EU spouse holds an EU residence card.
If your spouse is not in possession of any EU issued family residence document, then yes the non EU partner would, in most cases, have to apply for a Schengen visa, either under the family member category or the general short stay category, depending on the country’s policies.
Spouse of EU citizen family member visa
This is a special category for non EU spouses of EU/EEA/Swiss citizens.If the marriage is legit, and the EU spouse is traveling with or joining the applicant, the visa is supposed to be issued promptly and is usually free or issued for a nominal fee.
Regular short stay schengen visa
If you do not qualify for the family member status (e.g. your marriage is not legit, or the EU spouse is not accompanying you), then you will have to apply for a standard short stay Schengen visa.For this, you will need:
1. A passport that is valid at least 3 months beyond the intended stay
2. Travel insurance
3. Proof of accommodation and a travel itinerary
4. Evidence of family relationship, i.e. marriage certificate
Some of this documentation may be different from country to country, so be sure to check with the respective embassy or consulate where you will be submitting the application.
When applying for a schengen visa for spouse of British nationals or other situations, you typically need:
1. A passport that is valid for at least another three months after your intended return date, with at least two blank pages.
2. A completed visa application.
3. Two recently taken passport sized photos.
4. A proof of marriage your EU or British spouse.
5. A photocopy of your EU spouse’s passport or national ID, if he/she is EU.
6. An itinerary of your trip, including flight bookings.
7. Travel insurance that covers at least €30,000.
8. Evidence that you will travel together with or after your EU spouse.
The required documentation may vary by country, so be sure to confirm with the relevant embassy or consulate to which you will be submitting your application.
If the spouse is a citizen of an EU country, they do not need a visa to enter or travel within the Schengen Area.EU nationals can travel freely within the Schengen countries. If the spouse of the EU citizen is a third country national whose country of origin typically requires a visa to enter the EU, also known as a non EU spouse, they will need to obtain a family member’s visa, unless the non EU spouse has an EU issued family member residence card.If the non EU spouse has the family member residence card, they can travel with a valid passport and the residence card.
Visas for spouses of EU members may, under EU facilitation rules, be issued at no cost or a reduced cost.Applications should be processed without delay, and in no case should the processing time exceed 2 weeks, barring exceptional circumstances.For the other categories, the regular visa fees apply.
Yes, provided the dependent spouse Schengen visa is part of the same travel itinerary, both may be included in the same family member visa application.Evidence of dependency (financial, social, etc.) and the relationship is necessary. Supporting documents are often requested to demonstrate a joint household or financial support.
While British nationals have unrestricted access to Schengen Area countries, their non EU spouse may not.When the British spouse is a Schengen Visa applicant, specify:
1. Whether you are contributing under the family member of an EU citizen or the general short stay visa regulations.UK nationals do not enjoy the same free movement as EU nationals; thus, the facilitation provisions of Directive 2004/38/EC do not apply as a matter of course.
2. If the spouse is also an EU or EEA citizen, your application as their spouse may qualify under the family member visa category.
A Schengen visa allows:
1. Travel to any of the Schengen member states.
2. A maximum of 90 days in a 180 day cycle for short stay visa holders.
3. Visas issued under the family category may allow for expedited entry and processing at border control.
When applying for a Schengen visa for your EU spouse, the process can be simple, as long as you know what you are entitled to and what documents are needed.This guide is meant to help you answer the British citizen spouse Schengen visa, Schengen visa for spouse of British national, and the EU spouse need Schengen visa questions, to help clarify your concerns.For up to date visa application timelines and process, check the embassy and consulate websites.Being prepared is key to a successful application and a wonderful trip with your partner.Travel safely!
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