Question for non-EU nationals

[nmeyrick]

I have a query here and I'd really appreciate input from anyone who has experience of the issue.

I'm currently working to pay for my Rival 38 and build a cruising kitty, with the hope of taking a sailing sabatical around the med then accross the pond 2-3 years from now.

Whilst building my kitty I have been very fortunate to meet and fall for a wonderful lady, who shares my dream and is almost as keen as I am to accompany me on the trip.

The only potential complication is that she is American. This is not a problem in many of the ways you might think - she hates George Bush, disagrees with people carrying hanguns, is intelligent with an interest in world affairs, and even has a finely developed sense of humour and appreciation of irony.

My concern would be regarding what difficulties if any we may have whilst cruising, in the first instance around Europe. She currently has a UK Work Permit, but would therefore lose the right to reside in the UK once she has quit her job.

Are there any other non-EU passport holders around there who have experience of sailing around Europe? If so what immigration or visa issues did you face, and how did you handle them?

Thanks

 

[Moscowman100]

An obvious (if a bit drastic) solution is to marry her! My wife has retained her non-EU passport and so needs to obtain a Schengen visa to cruise in Europe. Generally we have had no trouble getting her a long term multi-entry visa which covers 90% of the Med. As an EU spouse, she gets the visa for free but I doubt there would be any difficulties for a Yank.

The UK is of course not part of Schengen and has some weirdly capricious rules. IIRC, once you have left the UK, they can refuse her entry on the grounds that she 'might' marry you! Without knowing your circumstances, I cannot help further other than if you singly or jointly ever plan to return to the UK as residents, I would suggest you get some advice from an immigration lawyer and a good accountant BEFORE you go.