Entering UK on EEA residence card

johannf · Post by **johannf** » Tue Jun 19, 2012 8:12 pm

Hi all. Wasnt sure where to post, so giving it a go here.

I currently have a 5-year EEA residence card issued by the UKBA. I want to go back to my home country, South Africa, for 2 weeks. Will there be any problems for me re-entering the UK on my EEA Residence card again? I am travelling on my own, so wont be travelling with my wife(EU national/British national).

Can anyone help?

Post by **Jambo** » Wed Jun 20, 2012 9:23 am

You should have no problem entering the country. You don't need to travel with your EEA partner. The RC acts like a visa in this sense.

johannf · Post by **johannf** » Wed Jun 20, 2012 9:35 am

Thanks Jambo. With no info about this on the UKBA website, one never knows. And I really dont like leaving such things to chance.

Now I just hope the border control ppl on the South African side knows what an EEA residence card is, lol.

Post by **Directive/2004/38/EC** » Wed Jun 20, 2012 12:12 pm

johannf wrote:I currently have a 5-year EEA residence card issued by the UKBA. I want to go back to my home country, South Africa, for 2 weeks. Will there be any problems for me re-entering the UK on my EEA Residence card again? I am travelling on my own, so wont be travelling with my wife(EU national/British national).

Not only can you reenter the UK as often as you want, but Border Guards are prohibited from stamping your passport when you reenter. You also do NOT have to fill out a Landing Card and can use the EU lanes (if they are shorter than the foreigner lanes).

Which member state were you living with your wife before she returned to the UK?

johannf · Post by **johannf** » Wed Jun 20, 2012 12:22 pm

Well that is good to know, thanks for confirming Directive!

We didnt live in any member state, but we lived together in South Africa for many years, before we came over.

Post by **Directive/2004/38/EC** » Wed Jun 20, 2012 1:21 pm

What is the citizenship of your wife?

johannf · Post by **johannf** » Wed Jun 20, 2012 1:22 pm

She was born in Belfast, so she has dual citizenship. british/irish.

Post by **Directive/2004/38/EC** » Fri Jun 22, 2012 6:54 am

When you travel, it is always a good idea to carry a photocopy of your EU spouses passport page and of your marriage certificate. Tucked deeply away but there in case you really need them.

johannf · Post by **johannf** » Fri Jun 22, 2012 9:06 am

Very good advice, thanks Directive. !

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Entering UK on EEA residence card

Entering UK on EEA residence card

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