France to Russia tourist visa
Complete Russia tourist visa requirements, fees, processing times, and application guide for French citizens. Updated December 2025.
- Visa
- Russia e-Visa
- Fee
- ~$52
- Processing time
- 4 calendar days
- Length of stay
- Up to 30 days
Required documents
- Valid Passport — Machine-readable French passport valid for at least 6 months from the e-visa application date
- Digital Photograph — Recent digital photo meeting Russian visa specifications for online submission
- Passport Data Page Scan — Digital scan or clear photo of your passport’s biographical data page
- Travel Medical Insurance — Valid medical insurance covering your stay in Russia
- Online Visa Application — Electronic visa application completed on the official Russian MFA website
How to apply
- Present your printed e-visa notification — Present your printed e-visa notification (or show it on your mobile device) along with your passport to border officials
- Receive a migration card at — Receive a migration card at passport control and keep it safe throughout your stay
- The 16-day stay limit counts — The 16-day stay limit counts calendar days, including your arrival and departure days
- You have freedom of movement — You have freedom of movement throughout Russia, except for restricted areas requiring special permits
- Check for errors — Review the notification for specific reasons. Most refusals result from form errors or photo issues.
- No refund — The application fee is non-refundable regardless of outcome.
Common questions
- Do French citizens need a visa to visit Russia?
- Yes, French citizens need a visa to enter Russia for tourism. However, France is one of 64 countries eligible for the simplified unified e-visa, which can be applied for entirely online without visiting a consulate.
- What is the Russian e-visa and can French citizens apply?
- The unified e-visa is an electronic visa that allows citizens from 64 countries, including France, to visit Russia for tourism, business, or private visits. It is valid for 60 days from issuance, allows a single entry, and permits stays of up to 16 days.
- How much does a Russian tourist visa cost for French citizens?
- The e-visa costs approximately $52 (around €50) and is free for children under 6. For a traditional tourist visa, the consular fee is €35 for standard processing or €70 for express processing, plus the €30 VFS Global service charge.
- How long does Russian visa processing take for French citizens?
- The e-visa is processed within 4 calendar days from submission. Traditional tourist visas take 4–10 working days for standard processing or 1–3 working days for express processing through the VFS Global centre in Paris.
- Do I need an invitation letter for a Russian e-visa?
- No, French citizens applying for the unified e-visa do not need to provide an invitation letter, hotel booking confirmation, or any other document confirming the purpose of travel. Only a traditional tourist visa requires an invitation letter.
- How long can I stay in Russia on a tourist visa?
- With the e-visa, you can stay up to 16 days (counting both arrival and departure days). With a traditional tourist visa, the maximum stay is 30 days. Note that the 16-day limit means calendar days, not 384 hours.