Malaga airport scenario

NoodleDoodleMan

I'd be grateful if anybody passing through AGP in the next few weeks could feedback observations of the arrival and departure procedures experienced.

I now have an Irish passport which will allow me entry through the EU lane queue, however my better half is ineligible for such and will require to follow the non EU citizen rules.

I suspect she'll have to register her identity/passport using the recently introduced scanner system.

She should then be able to accompany me through the EU passport lane as immediate family.

That's the theory, how it pans out in practice may be another story of course.

flaneurs_lobster

I similarly can travel on Irish passport with Brit-only spouse.

Is this "immediate family through the EU lane" an actual rule of travel or just some convention that's generally followed at border control points?

Having my partner shooed away to the back of the "All Others" queue while I sail through to the sunshine would not make for good day one of holiday.

daveyjp

From my Malaga experience in December once she is registered (which was a faff), she will be able to miss the huge queues, go via the egates and be through in seconds, so unless she needs to go theough with you assess the queues before deciding.

However it will be busier now and the situation changes on an almost daily basis!

NoodleDoodleMan

"Is this "immediate family through the EU lane" an actual rule of travel or just some convention that's generally followed at border control points?"

I've trawled through various rules, regulations and directives. This official directive appears to be the most relevant.

EU directive 2004/38/EC.

Advice I've read is to carry a copy of your marriage certificate - and as far as Malaga is concerned one traveller indicated placing the UK passport under the EU one and presenting both together at the EU passport control desk - they both passed through without any issues.

I take such anecdotal experiences as a maybe yes or no - reports vary.

flaneurs_lobster

and as far as Malaga is concerned one traveller indicated placing the UK passport under the EU one and presenting both together at the EU passport control desk - they both passed through without any issues.

Ah yes, the old "slip one passport inside the other - they'll never notice" trick.

Maybe sweeten the deal with a 50 Euro note?

Would need that marriage cert, my spouse and I did not change our names on marriage.

Grumpy_chap

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/81947563#Comment_81947563

For the benefit of the forum, what does that referenced directive actually say?

NoodleDoodleMan

From Google

Question

Can UK passport holder accompany spouse with EU passport through EU control lane

Yes, as the spouse of an EU citizen, a UK passport holder is generally entitled to accompany their partner through the "EU/EEA/Swiss citizens" lane when traveling together, according to Schengen border regulations. It is crucial to bring proof of the relationship (e.g., marriage certificate) and travel together, as individual border guard interpretation can vary. Key Points:

• Family Rights: The non-EU spouse is considered a "person enjoying freedom of movement" when traveling with an EU citizen.
• Lane Access: While entitled to the EU line, the UK spouse might not be able to use automated eGates if they are not available for UK citizens at that specific location.
• Preparation: Carry a copy of your marriage certificate/civil partnership documentation.
• Documentation: You may be asked to show evidence of your relationship at the border, according to this EU Travel document page

Yes, as a UK passport holder, you are legally entitled to use the EU/EEA/Swiss citizens lane when travelling together with your EU-passport-holding spouse. Under the Schengen Borders Code, non-EU family members accompanying an EU citizen are considered "persons enjoying the right of free movement under Union law" and have the right to use these designated lanes to reduce waiting times. Key Guidelines for Border Control

• Use Staffed Desks Only: You cannot use the automated e-gates. You must go to a staffed "EU/EEA/CH" booth.
• Approach Together: Hand both passports to the border official at the same time to clearly demonstrate you are a family unit.
• Carry Proof of Relationship: While often a simple verbal statement is enough, it is strongly recommended to carry your marriage certificate (or a clear copy) as evidence if challenged.

flaneurs_lobster

Thanks for that clarification, genuinely useful.

Although our next planned EU trip is via a small airport where you are lucky if both Border Control booths are manned and if there's segregation of EU/non-EU punters I've never seen it.

NoodleDoodleMan

The double passport approach mentioned above was not an attempt to palm an underhand bung to the passport booth staff - just intended to indicate that a EU passport holder was accompanied by spouse.

The are Policia Nacional - so I wouldn't think they'd be impressed with a nice little earner on the side !!!😁

user1977

Do we know that there is a separate EU queue at all? I think my last visits to Alicante and Madrid both involved everyone going through the same e-gates (after dealing with EES registration if necessary). Which also means individuals being sent to the next available e-gate, so no presenting yourself together at all - I think that's only an option for those who can't cope with e-gates (e.g. parties with young children).

Falkirkgal

There is an Eu queue at Alicante. It’s the right hand side of the hall.