EU residence card holder travelling to Britain

[samar97]

Hi,

I need some advice on this issue,

I am a non EEA national and currently holding a 5 Years EU residence card as father of an Italian child.

My question is this, can I travel to Britain without getting a visa first like the holders of british residence card do not need a visa when they travel to Europe?

Many thanks

[Richard66]

In theory you can if accompanied by your family member. If you travel alone your Italian residence card is worthless.

Your big trouble will be convinicng the airline you won't be deported on arrival. I myself failed that part.

[samar97]

many thanks richard for your reply... I will keep this in mind

[VictoriaS]

In other words...best to apply for a visa.

Victoria

[Richard66]

In other words, just give in and don't do what EU law gives you the right to do, do what the British government would rather you did, just to please them! Don't worry about the hassle of going to Rome, have fingerprints taken (and pray you don't bruise you little finger before the date of the appointment, usually two weeks after you apply for it by Internet only, because they won't take your prints and will make you book another appointment) and having to answer an application form that doesn't quite ask you what time you brush your teeth on Friday but almost.

Or do what so many other Italians with non-EU family (that most dangerous category of people) are doing: travel somewhere else in the EU, where you might be more welcome and spend less in the bargain.

Or let the European Commission know about this. I'd vote for this option.

[vinny]

See also Travel rights for non-EU nationals closely defined.

[mym]

See also Travel rights for non-EU nationals closely defined.

That's a good succinct statement of the current rules.