Stuck in Spain on my own with two kids :(

[StripyTShirt]

Firstly, I know it's our own fault I just want to vent!

DH was given Leave to Remain in December last year after 4 years and thousands of pounds!

We've had a lot going on so I booked this week in Spain for the four of us.

Gets to the airport this morning, bags checked and customer service told DH he can't travel with his BRP, he needs a Schengen Visa 😭😭

So no chance of DH coming with us but insists I should go with the kids as DD hasn't had a holiday abroad for a few years!

Reluctantly, we have come but I feel so guilty and haven't stopped crying all day! He should be here, I didn't even know what a Schengen Visa was until today! There was no information that he needed a visa when we entered his details on the holiday booking or flights!

I thought he could travel Europe freely as long as he was with me. Lesson learnt.

Just feeling sorry for myself really.

Oh god
That's awful. But unless he's a British citizen (which he isn't) he doesn't have the same travel rights as you. Schengen visas are fairly easy and cheap to get (well they were, not sure what Brexit will do to that)

Aww no that's the pits

You poor thing. You'll have to put a really brave face on it for the kids.

Had a quick look today and it doesn't seem too complicated. Will know for next time. Just can't believe it, he was so excited today too, dancing in the car (which is absolutely not him at all 🤣), he's never been to Spain before 😭

That sucks but it should have been on the flight information.

My DH has ILR and when we book flights it says he needs to show his visa at check in.

Visa mishaps are shitty.
I'm sorry you've had a bad day. Tomorrow is a new day. Yes, your DH isnt with you, but your kids are. Do the best you can to give them the best holiday you can

Sad and horrid for you. Have a cry today and maybe tomorrow you could start to enjoy the rest of the holiday with the kids.

Is there no way of sorting out the visa issue and getting him out there with you?

Oh no, I've never heard of that! Where is he from?

Thanks everyone! I am trying for the kids!
I've spoke to DH, he's fine just chilling at home without me nagging

It's too late to try and sort something as it takes 10 working days to send the visa from application being received

Is there no way of sorting out the visa issue and getting him out there with you?

Unlikely in my experience. With DHs visa you need an appointment which can sometimes take a couple weeks. They send your passport away to get the visa.

I’m not sure if there’s a fast track system like for passports.

As wowfudge says. Can you get something fast tracked? How long are you out there for?

Ah - I have no experience/knowledge of this so didn't know why the OP wasn't trying to get her DH to Spain with them.

That is really shit.

You should have fun tho. Shame for both of you to waste your holiday and the kids will have been looking forward to it.

You can't get a fast tracked Schengen visa. You have to apply via an agency and go to an appointment in London - it takes minimum 2 weeks ime

I’m confused

He’s from a country in the EU but not allowed to travel from UK to an EU country?

Sorry this happened OP.

That's a shame OP but it's not the end of the world. He'll be relaxing at home and you'll be together again soon.
So...what can you do to have fun with the kids while you're there?
Holidays are only for enjoying so hopefully you can!

I don't think he is from an EU country Rosa

This happened to my SA cousin in law. I’d enjoy the holiday as much as you can.

Argh how annoying and disappointing.

Where about safe you in Spain? I’m sure we can all give you some suggestions of things to do to make the week go quicker.

I just got back from Spain yesterday with ds and I’m knackered. So dh will be refreshed to do all your washing and childcare while you recover!

@RosaWaiting
The OPs DH cannot be from the EU. For one, he would not have spent 4yrs getting ILR as EU citizens did not need a visa to live here and for Brexit can apply free for Settlement Status.
Her DH is from a third country...and furthermore not one with a visa-free tourist agreement with the EU. For example, tourists from the US or Brazil do not need a Schengen visa to visit the EU for short trips.
Here is a list of countries where travellers need a Schengen visa
www.axa-schengen.com/en/schengen-visa-countries

It’s a shame but you slap a smile on and give the dc a good holiday. Why should the dc miss out? Your dh will be fine at home, it’s not the end of the world.

Find a few things to do with the dc, it is what it is so sitting crying isn’t going to achieve anything.

OP- that sucks but he was right to send you on without him. He will want you to make the most of it & have a fun time. Just make sure you get him a nice gift for when you get back.
Also, if he is your partner, he should be able to apply immediately for British citizenship. The 1yr wait between ILR and naturalisation is waived for partners of British citizens.

Sorry things haven’t gone as planned. You now have an opportunity to show your children how to handle disappointment and make the best of things.

Sorry to hear this op. Try and make the most of it for the sake of dc. It’s really not the end of the world. I think my dh would love us all being gone for a week so he can have to house to himself! I can imagine coming home to him lounging on the sofa with beer and snacks, watching sky sports on two tv’s!!! No one to moan at home to turn it down and unlimited sports! Your dh will be fine