Shengen question for European members married to FSU ladies

[acrzybear]

I thought some of the European members might be able to help out. As a U.S citizen I can travel freely throughout Europe, however my wife is still a Russian citizen and needs visas.  I have acquired a S.O.F.A (the agreement between governments) for her, so entering and staying in Germany is not a problem. The problem is if we decide to go away for a weekend to another E.U country.
 I was wondering if a 1 or 2 year multi entry shengen visa is possible? From the research I've done I have not been able to find an answer about the long term shengen visa, only short term.  Any help on this would be appreciated
 
Thanks 
 

[ecr844]

Congrats on getting married Bro!

[Ade]

I thought some of the European members might be able to help out. As a U.S citizen I can travel freely throughout Europe, however my wife is still a Russian citizen and needs visas.  I have acquired a S.O.F.A (the agreement between governments) for her, so entering and staying in Germany is not a problem. The problem is if we decide to go away for a weekend to another E.U country.
 I was wondering if a 1 or 2 year multi entry shengen visa is possible? From the research I've done I have not been able to find an answer about the long term shengen visa, only short term.  Any help on this would be appreciated
 
Thanks

Are you sure she needs one? My wife, now that she has a Norwegian residence permit, can travel within Schengen without a visa.

But yes, I've seen a reference to multi-entry schengen visas but apparently not all countries issue them or only issue them for specific reasons. And there is always a 90 day stay limit in any 6 month period.

http://www.al-norwige.org.sa/Embassy/visas/visatonorway/

A visa is generally granted for a single entry. If you plan to travel outside the Schengen area and return within the period covered by the visa, you must tick the ‘two or multiple entries’ box when you apply for a visa. You must also explain why you require multiple entries.
If you have a special need, you can be issued a visa that is valid for multiple entries during a period for up to five years. Such visas are only available for certain categories of applicants, e.g. business persons, truck drivers, seafarers, family members of persons with a valid residence permit in Norway, family members of Norwegian citizens living abroad, etc.

[acrzybear]

Ade
The problem is that she does not have a resident visa, she is here under a Status Of Forces Agreement, which is only valid while I am in Germany on orders and we are married to each other.  Since we are already in the EU there shouldn't be much of a problem traveling with free borders and all, but I like to keep things legal so I don't have to worry about immigration problems when we travel. 

[Faux Pas]

Bear


I don't know if this is helpful but, I'll toss it out anyway. Recently the wife and I traveled the Schengen zone. We applied at the Italian consulate (in person) in Houston for the 90 day tourist. The consulate rep there said we could make application for an extended visa if we thought we would need it. We passed as we only needed a week. I mention this because, I believe there is another Schengen visa other than the 90 day tourist. The consulate offered the information. I would suggest talking to your local German consulate

[BC]

Bear,

Remember there are no 'real' borders.. so I would not worry that much.  Her ID card will suffice for most, if not all situations.

- In practical terms she is 'in' EU and will simply not be messed with. The ID card will be 'in lieu' of residency permits etc.  Think of it like a national ID card.. I think even most airlines will accept it for flights within EU.  Might want to check with the airline before you fly though.  Just consider the ID card as her visa.

Similar example is your drivers licence....  The military has issued you one and it's good everywhere.. LOL

Driving, train etc, bez problem!  Feel free to come on down for dinner!

Cheers!

[Faux Pas]

Bear,

Remember there are no 'real' borders.. so I would not worry that much.  Her ID card will suffice for most, if not all situations.

- In practical terms she is 'in' EU and will simply not be messed with. The ID card will be 'in lieu' of residency permits etc.  Think of it like a national ID card.. I think even most airlines will accept it for flights within EU.  Might want to check with the airline before you fly though.  Just consider the ID card as her visa.

Similar example is your drivers licence....  The military has issued you one and it's good everywhere.. LOL

Driving, train etc, bez problem!  Feel free to come on down for dinner!

Cheers!

This makes sense. We traveled 3 different Schengen countries all by flight and were never checked again after entering the first one

[Ade]

Ade
The problem is that she does not have a resident visa, she is here under a Status Of Forces Agreement, which is only valid while I am in Germany on orders and we are married to each other.  Since we are already in the EU there shouldn't be much of a problem traveling with free borders and all, but I like to keep things legal so I don't have to worry about immigration problems when we travel.

As BC said, I don't think you need a "residence visa" as such, just legal residence which she has and, AFAIK, she should then be able to traverse the remainder of schengen. I would certainly check it out with some consulates just to make sure though.