Does a Stamp 4 eliminate the need for UK/EU travel visas?

radha

I don't know if there is a more appropriate forum to answer this query but possibly someone here might know.

I'm getting married this year to a non-EEA citizen. He is currently legally entitled to live here as he came here to do a post-grad and has a student visa. I can't find any information in relation to the Stamp 4 which refers to travel regulations. Will a Stamp 4 automatically confer him with Common Travel Area entitlements for travel between the UK, and similarly for travel within the EU?

Also is the application for a Stamp 4 generally a smooth process in straight forward cases? If anyone has any experience / knowledge that would be great. Thanks in advance.

Decorus

Will need visa still, but it is going to be free of charge.
If he gets Stamp 4 Fam this will let him to travel together will you without visa. Only will need to show marriage cert.

tonymill

This is not correct. Holders of Stamp 4 still need a Visa to travel, AND also a re-entry visa to come back in to Ireland.

Supercell

tonymill wrote: »

This is not correct. Holders of Stamp 4 still need a Visa to travel, AND also a re-entry visa to come back in to Ireland.

What visa does a Stamp 4 holder need to re-enter Ireland?

If the non EU (EEA??) holder of a stamp 4 goes on holidays to Paris or wherever (I know they need a visa for that) then what visa do they need to get back into Ireland assuming they are travelling with their Irish husband (in my case). I thought their GNIB identity card covered that?
I'm finding this an insanely complicated minefield

tonymill

Supercell wrote: »

What visa does a Stamp 4 holder need to re-enter Ireland?

If the non EU (EEA??) holder of a stamp 4 goes on holidays to Paris or wherever (I know they need a visa for that) then what visa do they need to get back into Ireland assuming they are travelling with their Irish husband (in my case). I thought their GNIB identity card covered that?
I'm finding this an insanely complicated minefield

Supercell

It is normal to include the word "please" in a request.

Croc

You do not need a visa to re-enter Ireland if you are on a Stamp 4, you just produce your GNIB Card.


As to travelling to other country's according to this
http://www.irishstatutebook.ie/2006/en/si/0656.html “qualifying family members" Under "Entitlements" 18. (1) Subject to the other provisions of these Regulations, a person to whom these Regulations apply shall be entitled -
(a) to the same rights of travel in or to or from the State as those to which Irish citizens are entitled.

I am not 100% sure but looks to me like that can travel within the EU subject to the same conditions as an Irish Person (I may be wrong and am open to correction) but I am 100% sure about my first stament about not requiring a Visa to renter the country.

Supercell

Thanks Croc, I hope it is as easy as that, would take a weight off my mind.
I'm going to call Inis when the phone line is open again and ask their opinion, but i was hoping someone here would have some experience of this too.

tonymill

Croc wrote: »

You do not need a visa to re-enter Ireland if you are on a Stamp 4, you just produce your GNIB Card.


As to travelling to other country's according to this
http://www.irishstatutebook.ie/2006/en/si/0656.html “qualifying family members" Under "Entitlements" 18. (1) Subject to the other provisions of these Regulations, a person to whom these Regulations apply shall be entitled -
(a) to the same rights of travel in or to or from the State as those to which Irish citizens are entitled.

I am not 100% sure but looks to me like that can travel within the EU subject to the same conditions as an Irish Person (I may be wrong and am open to correction) but I am 100% sure about my first stament about not requiring a Visa to renter the country.

Croc,

I respectfully beg to differ.
My understanding is that you DO need a Re-Entry Visa if you are a non EU Citizen.

Check here .... http://www.inis.gov.ie/en/INIS/Pages/Re-entry%20Visa%20Information

Regarding your second point, non EU Citizens need a Visa for most EU countries, even if they have Stamp 4 GNIB card here.
Even holders of Stamp 4 EU FAM still need a visa for many countries.

I would thoroughly recomend checking on each individual destination country's particular requirements.

For instance, the UK (Including Northern Ireland) always require a visa, wheras Italy do not (If you have Stamp 4 EU FAM - You must however be traveling with, or prove that you are meeting your EU family member).

Croc

Supercell wrote: »

Thanks Croc, I hope it is as easy as that, would take a weight off my mind.
I'm going to call Inis when the phone line is open again and ask their opinion, but i was hoping someone here would have some experience of this too.

Super you are taking the correct course of action by calling them as you can see in my post below i have personal experience with respect to re entry but not visiting other country's.

Croc

tonymill wrote: »

Croc,

I respectfully beg to differ.
My understanding is that you DO need a Re-Entry Visa if you are a non EU Citizen.

Check here .... http://www.inis.gov.ie/en/INIS/Pages/Re-entry%20Visa%20Information

Regarding your second point, non EU Citizens need a Visa for most EU countries, even if they have Stamp 4 GNIB card here.
Even holders of Stamp 4 EU FAM still need a visa for many countries.

I would thoroughly recomend checking on each individual destination country's particular requirements.

For instance, the UK (Including Northern Ireland) always require a visa, wheras Italy do not (If you have Stamp 4 EU FAM - You must however be traveling with, or prove that you are meeting your EU family member).

You are not incorrect but i think that link does not apply to the topic here, its more for students etc who would not be on a stamp 4 and decide to leave the country say e.g. to go home for holidays. Everyone in the country who is not a EU national has a card. I speak from person experience my Wife is from USA she was there a few weeks ago and has just returned to the country, she has traveled a number of times over the last few years and all she had to do was present her GNIB Card. I think the link is referring to soomeone from a country which requi

With regards to the 2nd matter i can't argue on that one other than what i posted earlier, but i was always of the opinion that someone on a stamp 4 enjoyed the same rights as Irish people as i said earlier i am open to correction

GerardKeating

Croc wrote: »

You are not incorrect but i think that link does not apply to the topic here, its more for students etc who would not be on a stamp 4 and decide to leave the country say e.g. to go home for holidays. Everyone in the country who is not a EU national has a card. I speak from person experience my Wife is from USA she was there a few weeks ago and has just returned to the country, she has traveled a number of times over the last few years and all she had to do was present her GNIB Card. I think the link is referring to soomeone from a country which requied.

The information (and application form) says that a "Re-Entry Visa" is free for "visa-required spouses" who would mainly be Stamp 4.

Since American do not required Visa to enter in the first place, they do not need re-entry visa's either.

Croc wrote: »

With regards to the 2nd matter i can't argue on that one other than what i posted earlier, but i was always of the opinion that someone on a stamp 4 enjoyed the same rights as Irish people as i said earlier i am open to correction

Stamp 4 have mostly the same employment rights in Ireland as Irish citizens, but have no rights to travel within the EU, unless as a spouse of EU/EFTA/Swiss citizen.

Also Stamp 4 can expire, be revoked. Irishness cannot.

GerardKeating

radha wrote: »

I don't know if there is a more appropriate forum to answer this query but possibly someone here might know.

I'm getting married this year to a non-EEA citizen. He is currently legally entitled to live here as he came here to do a post-grad and has a student visa. I can't find any information in relation to the Stamp 4 which refers to travel regulations. Will a Stamp 4 automatically confer him with Common Travel Area entitlements for travel between the UK, and similarly for travel within the EU?

Also is the application for a Stamp 4 generally a smooth process in straight forward cases? If anyone has any experience / knowledge that would be great. Thanks in advance.

As long as you get married while he is still legally here, it's mostly a formality to get a Stamp 4, if his status lapses (even for a short period) it's a six month application process to get sorted.

A lot depends on where you live, if you are in Dublin, Queues in Burgh Quay can be long due to the volume of people, but in other counties, it can be a five minute visit, we had an appointment for 10am once, turned up 10 minutes early and were out before 10am.


Stamp 4 gives NO rights with respect to the Common Travel Area and the EU, but status as a spouse of an EU national does.

Supercell

I got a reply from Inis (very quick service ) on this.

Here is the definitive answer for those wondering :-

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Original Message

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From: Visa Mail [mailto:visamail@justice.ievisamail@justice.ievisamail]
Sent: 28 October 2010 14:44
To: Supercell
Subject: Stamp 4 coming back to Ireland after holidays


Thank you for your enquiry.

Once you wife is in Ireland she must apply for a Re-entry Visa.

Re-entry Visa Information:

The initial visa issued to you is valid for a single entry to the State. If
you wish to leave the State for a short period of time you must apply, in
advance of making any travel arrangements, for a re-entry visa.
NOTE: Before a re-entry visa can be issued, you must be registered with the
Garda National Immigration Bureau (GNIB).

If you apply for a multi-entry visa it will be valid from the date of issue
until the expiry date on the Registration Card issued to you by the GNIB,
or the expiry date of your passport, whichever is earliest.
This will allow you to leave and re-enter the State any number of times
within the dates shown on your visa.
If you apply for a single-journey visa, this will only be valid for one
entry to the State within 90 days from the date of issue. (It will not be
valid for the duration of your GNIB card).
NOTE: If you travel to Northern Ireland (Counties Antrim, Armagh, Derry,
Down, Fermanagh or Tyrone) you will require a visa to re-enter the Republic
of Ireland.


HOW TO APPLY FOR A RE-ENTRY VISA:

Please fully complete and sign a Re-Entry Visa Application Form
Submit this completed application form, along with ALL the required
documentation by registered post to:

Re-entry Visa Processing Office
Irish Naturalisation & Immigration Service
13-14 Burgh Quay
Dublin 2.


The Visa Office will endeavour to process your application as speedily as
possible, within 4 working days of receipt, and will return your documents
to you by registered post.
Please ensure your address on the application form is complete and clearly
legible.
You may also apply in person to the Visa Office at the above address.
(ONLY re-entry visa applications can be dealt with by the public office)
Please have your application form fully completed and ALL documentation
with you when you call to this office.
The opening hours are:

8.30am to 2.30pm – Monday to Friday (excluding Public Holidays)


At busy holiday periods throughout the year, e.g. Christmas/Easter/National
Holidays, the volume of people calling to the office may exceed the numbers
to whom we can offer a same-day service.
You should apply well in advance of such periods as late applications or
last minute callers may experience some delays.
We will of course accept your application and return your documents to you
within 4 working days, by registered post.
YOU SHOULD APPLY FOR YOUR RE-ENTRY VISA BEFORE MAKING ANY TRAVEL
ARRANGEMENTS
If, at these busy periods, there are circumstances whereby you need to
travel at short notice, and cannot wait for 4 working days to receive your
visa, please show evidence of your travel details, and we will assist you
in any way we can.


FEES
Single Entry: €60
Multi Entry €100

A number of people are exempt from payment of fees – please see
details on application form.


METHOD OF PAYMENT:

NO CASH OR PERSONAL CHEQUES WILL BE ACCEPTED
This applies to all applications, whether lodged in person or by post.
There will be no exceptions to this policy under any circumstances.
BANK DRAFTS OR POSTAL ORDERS ARE THE ONLY METHODS OF PAYMENT THAT CAN BE
ACCEPTED
These should be made payable to:

The Department of Justice & Law Reform

Kind Regards
Visa Office
Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service
13-14 Burgh Quay,
Dublin 2
**********************************************************************************
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Anja A

My husband is Algerien and I`m german.
It used to be that he needed a reentry visa for Ireland, this is free to people maried to someone from the EU, you have to bring your marriage certificate.

But as he renewed his citizienship the last time he got a letter written with it that he doesn`t need a reentry visa anymore. Firstly he still asked for a reentry visa as it makes travelling easier because when travelling back to Ireland the border controls were still looking for it. But last time he went to get a reentry visa they refused to give him one as he doesn`t need one. I copied the letter and let him bring this when he travels with me or our daughter.

When you check in they will check your passport and the one from your spouse. For example with ryan air there is a special check in desk for non EU citizien have to get there visas checked and they stamp the boarding pass. At the beginning they used to double check with there superviser but now all the staff seem to know that they don`t need a visa when traveling with your eu spouse.

We mostly travel between germany and Ireland and that is no problem. But I know that if you travel to other european countries they might not know about this rule, so it is better to enquire at the embassy of the country first and ask them to give you in writing that you don`t need a visa to enter the country. He has travelled with our daughter to france without problem too.

As my husband travelled the last time to Algeria threw spain with his european daughter they didn`t want to let him enter spain to get his luggage. He argued with the guy at the passcontrol who let him eventually enter but also threatened him to break his GNB card during the process.

abdelhamoud

hi There please am ask if am can travel to UK by GNIB card l have hearing they get know issue For this way thanks

Pro Hoc Vice

tonymill wrote: »

This is not correct. Holders of Stamp 4 still need a Visa to travel, AND also a re-entry visa to come back in to Ireland.

Unless it's EU fam4.

Just to clarify for people a stamp 4 can be given for many reasons a Irish citizen's spouse can get a stamp 4 a person granted leave to remain can be given stamp 4 etc. a EU Fam4 is a stamp 4 but granted to the family member of a EU citizen (not Irish) and because it is a EU right has different rules to the domestic legislation.

GerardKeating

abdelhamoud wrote: »

hi There please am ask if am can travel to UK by GNIB card l have hearing they get know issue For this way thanks

Depends.

Only UK and Irish citizens can travel to UK with out as passport (except if they fly Ryanair, whom required a passport for all passengers).

You might also need a Visa to enter the UK, depending on your nationality. Your Irish residence does not give you any rights/advantages in the UK.

You might also need a re-entry Visa for Ireland, if you your nationality needs a visa to enter the country in the first place.

Gerard

samtuga

hi everyone please i need help from you all.I and my wife have been separated but am having EU STAMP 4 FAM if i want to visit a friend in UK what type of visa do i need?Please help.thanks

FalconXV

Travelling from Ireland to the UK you don't go through immigration whether by road/bus/train to NI or via air. Travelling through the airports in the UK, passengers who have flown in from Ireland follow through the domestic directions when in the terminal. You usually end up in the luggage hall where the carousels are to collect your bag.

You go through immigration when arriving back in Ireland.

For piece of mind the British Irish Visa Scheme has been introduced. I think it is in full flow this October http://www.inis.gov.ie/en/INIS/Pages/British%20Irish%20Visa%20Scheme

Travelling to other EU countries other then the UK check whether you require a Schengen Visa (Ireland and the UK aren't signed up to that). Countries like Australia, US, NZ, Canada, etc are exempt for short term travel others aren't.

pxdf9i5cmoavkz

Short answer: NO, it does not eliminate the need for visas.

Long answer: It depends on which country you want to travel to. It is always in your best interest to call the countries embassy to confirm visa requirements.

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From my own personal experience, my wife has a Stamp 4 EUFam card. I am a Portuguese citizen.

Ireland: She can enter and use the EU Citizen queue if I'm with her. Otherwise she goes to the non EU Citizen queue.

Italy: She was required to get a Schengen visa from the Italian embassy. This was free on 01/11/2015.

Czech Republic: Did not require a Schengen visa but was questioned at immigration control.

ALI2020

I have the following questions, I would appreciate if you can kindly advice me on these;
1. My spouse has a Romanian Identity card her passport has been expired.Now ministry of Justice asked me in acknowledgement letter to provide her valid passport. Is is ok if we send the Ministry of Justice her valid Identity card as she has not yet applied for passport. Please note that we only send her expired passport with the application and forgot to attach her ID card.

2. They also requested to provide receipts of the services provided and Business Bank statement (as she is self employed).We have receipts but she has no business bank statement she has personal bank statement and all the payments received deposited in her personal account;

3.Now she is applying for a job and hopefully she will start from next 2 weeks or next month. What would be the impact of her job on my case.

The main issue with my acknowledgement letter is that they did not ask me to go for stamp 4 or give me temporary leave with right to work. Can I do job straight away as I have received my acknowledgement letter or I have to wait for them to issue me stamp 4.

pxdf9i5cmoavkz

Maximo Flabby Sloth wrote: »

Short answer: NO, it does not eliminate the need for visas.

Long answer: It depends on which country you want to travel to. It is always in your best interest to call the countries embassy to confirm visa requirements.

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From my own personal experience, my wife has a Stamp 4 EUFam card. I am a Portuguese citizen.

Ireland: She can enter and use the EU Citizen queue if I'm with her. Otherwise she goes to the non EU Citizen queue.

Italy: She was required to get a Schengen visa from the Italian embassy. This was free on 01/11/2015.

Czech Republic: Did not require a Schengen visa but was questioned at immigration control.

Netherlands: Did not require a Schengen visa but was questioned at immigration control. We also had to carry our marriage certificate.

Spain: We were given a letter from the embassy stating that we do not require a visa. We also had to carry our marriage certificate.

pxdf9i5cmoavkz

Portugal: This was a quick one. We were asked to present our marriage certificate and after 1 minutes we were let through.

pxdf9i5cmoavkz

UK: As expected, they checked everything and also phoned management to verify the card. We were there for a good 15 minutes before they let us through.

Luxembourg: Requested our marriage certificate.

Germany - Cologne: Requested our marriage certificate.

Spain - Malaga: No border control?!?