Traveling to Europe

[sashitaski 3]

Have any of you travelled to Europe with your Russian spouses? Is obtaining a visa from a European embassy in the U.S. a hassle? What is the likelihood of being turned down?

I know that in Russia unless you're very careful, especially for certain countries, obtaining a visa can be both a hassle and, after all your trouble, you could easily be turned down for silly reasons. This happened to my husband. Now he has a denial stamp in his passport (from the Czech embassy) and some people say that this could be a problem for future travel--i.e. now he will have trouble getting a visa to any European country.

However, I would assume that if he applies from the U.S., with his green card, his chances will be much better, because he is less of a risk for illegal immigration. Also, I would assume the embassies in the U.S. get much fewer applicants.

So how is the process? Anyone been through it?

[Neonred 3,562]

We did this last year. Went to Paris and Rome so got a visa from the French consulate in Miami. It did require a personal visit, but it was almost automatic and cheaper for Russians than for most others! All the info is available online from your nearest consulate. Depending on what countries you visit, one Schengen visa is probably all you need. You get that for the first country you travel to. Check it all out online. With a green card it is all very easy.

[chili74 0]

Good to know!

[sashitaski 3]

Great news! I am very glad to hear that! I would hate not being able to travel.

Edited April 15, 2009 by sashitaski

[Brad and Vika 129]

A friend of mine (an American) and his wife (Ukrainian) took a cruise to seven countries in Europe several months ago. For France, Italy, Spain, and other Schengen zone countries, the rule is apparently that you apply to the country where you will spend the most time. She did get a Schengen visa, and the Italian Consulate even allowed them to interview (in person) at a different regional office that was a closer drive than their designated consulate. She needed a paid itinerary for the trip, and a ticket to Italy/POE. He of course doesn't need a visa for the EU. The ship did stop for a day in Croatia, and they both got a visa for Croatia (by mail from New York I think).

[sashitaski 3]

A friend of mine (an American) and his wife (Ukrainian) took a cruise to seven countries in Europe several months ago. For France, Italy, Spain, and other Schengen zone countries, the rule is apparently that you apply to the country where you will spend the most time. She did get a Schengen visa, and the Italian Consulate even allowed them to interview (in person) at a different regional office that was a closer drive than their designated consulate. She needed a paid itinerary for the trip, and a ticket to Italy/POE. He of course doesn't need a visa for the EU. The ship did stop for a day in Croatia, and they both got a visa for Croatia (by mail from New York I think).

Thanks for adding your experience! It's good to hear from people it's worked out for.

[Brad and Vika 129]

A friend of mine (an American) and his wife (Ukrainian) took a cruise to seven countries in Europe several months ago. For France, Italy, Spain, and other Schengen zone countries, the rule is apparently that you apply to the country where you will spend the most time. She did get a Schengen visa, and the Italian Consulate even allowed them to interview (in person) at a different regional office that was a closer drive than their designated consulate. She needed a paid itinerary for the trip, and a ticket to Italy/POE. He of course doesn't need a visa for the EU. The ship did stop for a day in Croatia, and they both got a visa for Croatia (by mail from New York I think).

Thanks for adding your experience! It's good to hear from people it's worked out for.

My pleasure. Let us know how your trip planning works out.