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.

Where is he from?

Can you afford a flight to Gibraltar, there is probably not much point really if you are far from there. However, you can travel to Gibraltar with a UK indefinite leave to remain visa.

That's horrible. I had a nightmare with a visa once (going with my mum to USA and she needed a visa which we didn't realise. They refused to let her fly but we did manage to get one a few days later and we flew then, just missed a few days of the holiday). Anyway, it's very disappointing and I don't blame you for crying but try to make the best of things now, for the kids' sake. No point being miserable. You can still all have an OK/good time. It will be fine.

Poor you. I'm near Valencia if you are nearby?

OP, what a horrible thing to happen - really sorry.

It will be harder work without your DH, and you will miss him of course, but throw yourself into giving the kids a good holiday, and doing whatever you need to get some relaxation, and chalk it up.

How old are your children? Is there a kids club or activities that you can book them on to to give you some time and space?

Should have been given an entry visa on the spot europa.eu/youreurope/citizens/travel/entry-exit/non-eu-family/index_en.htm

Thank you so much everyone

DH is from North Africa.

We're currently in Lloret de Mar, I have been four times before thankfully I know it well!

DD is 13 and DS is 2. We've decided to have a pool day tomorrow with a light lunch then go out for a meal. Then the beach and to watch the football on Saturday! I work so much lately that I want to spend all the time with them, so couldn't think about kids club (this year anyway!)

I am so disappointed! He should be here, that man so deserved this holiday! However, I have guilted DM into having the kids for a long weekend and I will bring him just us and a nice present when we go home!

I will not cry anymore! I just miss him, we haven't spent a night apart for 4 and a half years! I will make this the best holiday ever for my babies!

I love Mumsnet, you guys are always so supportive! I have been on here for a while, namechanged last week and sometimes roll my eyes at the sarcy comments but tonight showed me that there's more good than bad on here!

That really sucks OP I'm so sorry for both you and your DH. I'm probably a bit shit at adulting but god I would feel absolutely lost in a foreign country without my DH. I was bad enough when I lost him for 10 minutes in the airport 😂😂

You sound really with it and positive though. I really hope you and the kids have a lovely holiday ❤️

Oh I love Loret. Went to tossa de mar last year. Well worth a bus trip over there and to walk up villa veya. (Sp?). Especially at night getting train up and seeing lighthouse, having an ice cream and a wander down in the dark!

Oh @StripyTShirt that’s awful!
I hope you have a good time regardless.

Ah, it's good that you relish spending time with the kids rather than needing a bit of a short break from them - as can be the case.

Sounds like you have a plan - enjoy yourselves.

That’s really shitty but I’m so glad you’re going to turn it around and make it a great holiday. Yes your DH should be with you and of course you miss him, but I bet anything he won’t want you to all be miserable and have a rubbish time .

Focus on this week and when you get back start planning a special long weekend for just you and DH.

Awww OP that truly is horrible .

I feel sorry for you, and DH.

However, I have guilted DM into having the kids for a long weekend and I will bring him just us and a nice present when we go home!

I was going to suggest this very thing! It will be great. You can concentrate on just the two of you, so you both have that to look forward to!!

A break just the 2 of you sounds perfect.

Celebrate the last 4 years of navigating the system.

We were looking ages ago but I seem to remember one of the shenglen countries (maybe France) practically gave away 10 year visas meaning you did it once and your partner would be British the next time.

You can starfish in the bed looking on the bright side