Family / spouse for UK citizens travelling to Schengen area
Visiting family or friends is covered by the visa-free 90-day rule if you are not settling or working. Joining a family member long term needs a national visa or residence route.
For a full UK citizen passport. Other British passport types can follow a different rule.
Key facts
| Fact | Detail |
|---|---|
| Who it's for | Visits to family or a partner within a short stay, or family reunification beyond 90 days. |
| Maximum stay | 90 days in 180 days for visits; longer stays need a national permit. |
| Cost | No visa fee for a qualifying short family visit. |
| Processing time | Short family visits use the visa-free rule. Long-term family routes are processed nationally — check the host country embassy before you apply. |
| How to apply | Short visits: travel with a qualifying passport. Long stays: national immigration authority. |
| Official link | Use the authority’s own website. Entry Visa Guide does not take applications. · GOV.UK France entry requirements (opens in a new tab) |
Apply only on the government website linked above. This site does not issue visas or travel authorisations and does not take applications. Other websites charge their own service fee on top of any government charge.
How to apply
- For a holiday-style visit, track Schengen days and carry return travel evidence.
- For marriage, partnership, or relocation, check the host country family visa rules before travel.
- Withdrawal Agreement residence documents have separate EU rules — read the EU ETIAS page if relevant.
FAQ
Can my EU spouse sponsor a visa-free stay?
British citizens use the general short-stay rule unless a separate EU residence document applies.
Is a wedding in Schengen allowed visa-free?
A short trip for a wedding can fit the 90-day visit if you do not work or overstay.
Sources
- GOV.UK: France entry requirements, including Schengen passport rules, the 90-day stay, and EES (opens in a new tab)
- European Union: countries using the Entry/Exit System (opens in a new tab)
- European Union: who should apply for ETIAS, including the note that it is not in operation (opens in a new tab)
- European Union: ETIAS questions, including the EUR 20 fee and three-year validity (opens in a new tab)
- European Union: UK nationals and ETIAS, news item dated 15 April 2026 (opens in a new tab)
Independent guide, not legal advice. Entry Visa Guide is an independent information site. It is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or run by any government or public authority. Always check official sources before you travel. Spotted something out of date? Report an error.