Problems for US spouse living in UK travelling to Europe?

Hi y'all,

I'm sure plenty of people have done this, but I can't find any posts. My new US hubby is moving to the UK to settle with me in the coming weeks, he has his spousal visa already. I'd like to take him on holiday to somewhere in mainland Europe this summer. Are there any issues with that? I know he's fine getting back in to England after being on holiday, but what about getting entry in the first place into France or Spain or wherever we go? We'd probably be flying somewhere.

Many thanks

Most of Europe is Schengen Area which allows up to 90 days visiting for US Citizens.

But you really need to check the US Department of State website as to if he will need a visa before entering certain countries.

Gosh WebyJ, you get everywhere! 

Thanks for the advice, I figured that was the case, I just wasn't sure if his UK residency would "do something". I feel a summer trip to the south of France coming on - and maybe a long weekend in Barcelona. 

Many thanks

V

Thanks for the advice, I figured that was the case, I just wasn't sure if his UK residency would "do something".

Unfortuantely no...a UK visa/residence wouldn't change any entrance requirements for any other country. Only a British Passport would do that. 

Only a British Passport would do that. 

Maybe one day in the years to come he'll get there... 

I was actually worried that UK residency might cause complications, lol. We knew he'd have no problems travelling USA - Schengen, but we weren't so sure about 3rd party country - Schengen. Good to know that there's nothing to worry about.

(Crazy Americans, not living in their own country, coming 'round here, stealing our wimmin, what's this world coming to?)

I've travelled quite a lot around Europe with no problem on my UK Spouse visa.  However, when I return to the UK I usually have to wait for a special computer to scan my passport...uugh.  This usually happens on the cheap flights because their not expecting any non-UK passengers.  I actually got held up in Prestwick for about 20 minutes waiting...all the other passengers thought I was in trouble!   

Just a minor inconvenience, though!
 

It's always a good idea to look up what the entry requirements are to that country for the country that you're a citizen of, before planning a holiday, but I've traveled to several other countries via the UK (I'm an American citizen, currently in the UK on a fiancee visa, but spent the past five years coming here 2 or 3 times a year on a visit visa) and never had any problems. Most countries I've been to didn't even ask questions upon entry, they just stamp your passport and let you move on!