France Schengen Visa
Short-Stay Visa (Type C) · For Russia citizens
Planning a trip to France as a Russian citizen? This guide covers everything you need for the Schengen Visa application: required documents, current fees of €90, processing times of 3-6 weeks, and strategies to improve your chances. With increased scrutiny following the suspension of the EU-Russia visa facilitation agreement, proper preparation is essential.
France Schengen Visa for Russian Citizens (2025) - Document Checklist
For Russia citizens · VisaBeat.com
Document Checklist
Your passport must be valid for at least 3 months beyond your planned departure from the Schengen area
Complete the Schengen visa application form online through France-Visas
Recent passport-sized photographs meeting Schengen requirements
Travel insurance covering medical emergencies and repatriation throughout the Schengen area
Round-trip flight reservation showing entry and exit from the Schengen area
Evidence of where you will stay during your visit to France
Bank statements proving sufficient funds for your trip
Documentation proving your employment status and ties to Russia
Fingerprints and photograph taken at VFS Global visa application centre
Important Notice for Russian Applicants
Since the suspension of the EU-Russia Visa Facilitation Agreement in September 2022 and subsequent restrictions implemented in November 2025, Russian citizens face significant changes to the Schengen visa process.1 Key changes include:
- Single-entry visas only: Multi-entry visas are no longer available to Russian nationals
- Increased fees: Standard fee raised from €35 to €90
- Extended processing: Wait times of up to 45 days
- Enhanced scrutiny: Additional documentation and security checks required
The France Schengen Visa grants access to all 29 Schengen member states for up to 90 days within any 180-day period.1
Application Process
All applications must be submitted through VFS Global centers in Russia or directly at the French Consulate in Moscow.1
1. Complete Online Application
Create an account on France-Visas and fill out the application form.1 You will need details about your travel plans, accommodation, employment, and financial situation.
2. Gather Required Documents
Prepare all mandatory documents including biometric passport, confirmed flight tickets, hotel reservations, travel insurance, and financial evidence.13 Documents not in French or English require certified translations.
3. Book Biometrics Appointment
Schedule an appointment at one of the 18 VFS Global centers across Russia.2 Centers operate in Moscow, St. Petersburg, Yekaterinburg, Novosibirsk, Rostov-on-Don, Kazan, Samara, Krasnodar, Nizhny Novgorod, Krasnoyarsk, Vladivostok, Irkutsk, Kaliningrad, Omsk, Perm, Saratov, Ufa, and Khabarovsk.2
4. Attend Appointment
Submit your documents and provide biometric data (fingerprints and photograph).1 Bring all original documents plus copies.
5. Wait for Decision
Processing takes 3-6 weeks, with potential extension to 45 days for complex cases.1 Track your application through VFS Global’s online portal.
Fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Adult Visa (12+ years) | €90 |
| Child (6-11 years) | €45 |
| Child (under 6) | Free |
| VFS Service Fee | €36 |
Payment is accepted in rubles at the current exchange rate.2 Additional optional services such as SMS updates and courier delivery are available for extra fees.
What You Need to Prove
French authorities assess your application based on several criteria:13
- Genuine purpose: Clear and justified reason for visiting France
- Sufficient funds: Minimum €65/day with accommodation, €120/day without
- Return intention: Strong ties to Russia ensuring you will leave the Schengen area
- Valid documents: Current biometric passport and complete supporting documents
- Travel insurance: Coverage of at least €30,000 for medical emergencies
Processing Times
Current processing times from Russia:1
| Application Type | Processing Time |
|---|---|
| Standard | 3-6 weeks |
| Complex Cases | Up to 45 days |
Apply at least 6 weeks before your intended travel date. Applications can be submitted up to 6 months before travel.1
After Your Visa is Approved
Your visa will be placed in your passport. Verify the validity dates and number of entries (single-entry for Russian applicants). You may enter France any time during the validity period.
At the French border, be prepared to show:
- Return flight tickets
- Hotel reservations or host contact details
- Proof of funds
- Travel insurance documentation
If Your Visa is Refused
If refused, you will receive written notification with the reasons.1 You can:
- Reapply addressing the specific issues raised in the refusal
- Appeal through French administrative courts within 2 months
- Seek legal advice for complex cases
A refusal does not permanently bar you from future applications, but you must demonstrate changed circumstances.
Common Rejection Reasons
Based on official refusal data for this corridor
Insufficient Financial Means
Bank statements do not demonstrate sufficient funds or show suspicious activity such as large recent deposits.
How to avoid: Show consistent income over 6 months with balance exceeding €65-120 per day of stay. Avoid lump sum deposits before applying.
Weak Purpose of Travel
Unable to demonstrate a convincing and justified reason for the trip, especially given current geopolitical restrictions.
How to avoid: Provide detailed itinerary, hotel bookings, and clear explanation of travel purpose. Business, family, or educational purposes are viewed more favorably.
Insufficient Ties to Russia
No compelling evidence of reasons to return to Russia after the visit.
How to avoid: Include property documents, employment contracts, family certificates, and business registrations to prove strong ties.
Incomplete Documentation
Missing required documents or inconsistencies between submitted materials.
How to avoid: Use the checklist on France-Visas website and ensure all documents are complete, translated if necessary.
Previous Immigration Issues
History of visa overstays or refusals in Schengen or other countries.
How to avoid: Be transparent about past issues and explain changed circumstances.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can Russian citizens still get a Schengen visa to France in 2025?
Yes, Russian citizens can still apply for Schengen visas to France. However, since November 2025, only single-entry visas are issued. Tourist visas face increased scrutiny, and processing times have extended significantly.
How much does a France Schengen visa cost for Russians?
The visa fee is €90 for adults and €45 for children aged 6-11. This is higher than the previous €35 fee due to the suspended EU-Russia visa facilitation agreement. VFS Global charges an additional €36 service fee.
How long does France visa processing take for Russian applicants?
Standard processing takes 3-6 weeks from your biometrics appointment. Due to enhanced security checks, processing can extend to 45 days. Apply at least 6 weeks before your planned travel date.
Can I get a multiple-entry Schengen visa as a Russian citizen?
As of November 2025, the EU no longer issues multiple-entry Schengen visas to Russian nationals residing in Russia. You will receive a single-entry visa and must apply anew for each trip.
What is the approval rate for France visas from Russia?
Approval rates have declined significantly since 2022. Russian applicants face stricter scrutiny, with tourist visa applications being particularly challenging. Applications for family visits, business, or education purposes have higher success rates.
Do I need a biometric passport for a France visa?
Yes, as of May 2025, France requires biometric passports for all new visa applications from Russia. Non-biometric passports issued before this date with existing valid visas are still accepted for entry.