How to get a Russian visa in France

How to obtain an e-visa to Russia?

Going to Russia for tourism, business, cultural or sporting purposes? Keep in mind that citizens of France (as well as citizens of 64 other countries, including EU member states, Japan and China) can visit Russia with a single entry electronic visa that is very easy to obtain. 

You do not need an invitation or hotel reservation. There are only requirements for the passport: it must be machine-readable and there should be at least six months left before its expiration. A photo in JPEG format is also required.

You can apply for an e-visa on the website of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation no earlier than 40 days and not later than four days before your planned trip to Russia. 

With the e-visa, you can stay in the country for up to 16 days. 

Please note that you can only enter and exit with an e-visa via the checkpoints that are listed on the website of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. 

If you need to stay in Russia for a longer period of time or for other purposes (for example, to work or to study), you will have to apply for a regular visa to enter.

What other kinds of visas are there?

Russia also issues regular visas: (read more about them here) 

- Private (for visiting relatives)

- Business

- Tourist  

- Work

- Student

- Humanitarian (to take part in sports competitions, cultural events, etc.)

- Shared values private visa (for those who would like to apply for a Temporary Residence Permit in Russia) 

- Transit  

Russian visas can be single or double-entry, that are issued for up to three months, as well as multiple-entry visas (issued for up to six months). Transit visas can also be single or double-entry and are issued for up to three days if travelling by air and up to 10 days if travelling by train, bus or car. 

Where to apply for a Russian visa in France?

Visas are issued at:

- the Consular Section of the Russian Embassy in France, which is located in Paris. Address and opening hours can be found on the website  

- the Consular General in Strasbourg 

- the Consular General in Marseille 

- the Consular Chancellery in Villefranche-sur-Mer  

What documents do you need for a Russian visa?

- You will need a valid passport for traveling abroad that has two free blank pages. The passport must expire at least six months after the proposed visa expiration date. If the passport expires earlier, the visa period will also be shortened.  

- A copy of your passport's ID page

- Two 3.5 x 4.5 cm color photos (not older than six months) without eyewear. 

- An application form must be filled out on the website of the Consular Department of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Russia and printed out. Other questionnaires are not accepted by Russian consular offices. 

- Depending on the type of visa, you will also need to provide documents that confirm the purpose of your trip. For example, for a tourist visa, you will need a hotel booking; for business, work and humanitarian visas, you will need an invitation from an organization; for a private visa, you will need a notarized invitation from a relative or friend; and, for a transit visa, you will need proof of airline tickets (other visas do not require them).

- If you are applying for a multiple entry private visa for more than three months, you will also need a HIV-free certificate. 

How much does a Russian visa cost?

A single-entry – 80 euro

A double-entry – 128 euro

A multiple-entry – 240 euro

An e-visa costs approximately $52 – you will need to pay the fee on the website (you can find more details here).

How long does it take to get a visa to Russia?

10 business days – if you are applying for multiple-entry visas. 

5 business days – if you are applying for single- and double-entry visas.