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Russia Visa for France Citizens 2026

e-Visa / eTA

French citizens apply for Russia's unified electronic visa online before travel; it costs USD 52, is typically processed within 4 business days, and allows a single-entry stay of up to 16 days.

Guide last updated September 23, 2026. Always verify with official sources before travel.

What you need

  • Passport valid for at least 6 months beyond the intended date of departure from Russia
  • Completed online application through Russia's unified e-visa system
  • Digital passport-style photo uploaded during the application
  • Proof of accommodation and travel itinerary may be requested
  • No formal invitation letter required for the e-visa (unlike the ordinary visa route)
  • Biometrics: fingerprints may be requested at the port of entry per standard Russian border procedure
  • Travel health insurance: mandatory, and typically must be arranged separately (a policy covering the trip duration)

Visa types

  • Unified e-visa (Tourist/Business/Humanitarian/Transit combined single category): single entry, valid for use within 60 days of issue, permits a stay of up to 16 days, fee USD 52
  • Ordinary visa (sticker visa): for longer stays or multiple entries, requires an invitation letter from a Russian host or tour operator, applied for at a consulate

How to apply online

  • Apply through Russia's official unified e-visa portal, providing passport, trip, and accommodation details
  • Upload your digital photo and pay the USD 52 fee online
  • Processing time is typically up to 4 business days; approval is issued electronically and linked to your passport, with no physical sticker
  • Present your passport and the e-visa confirmation on arrival; carry proof of mandatory travel insurance

Fees & processing time

  • E-visa fee: USD 52
  • No separate service fee when applying directly through the official portal
  • Total cost estimate: USD 52 plus the cost of mandatory travel insurance
  • Standard processing time: up to 4 business days
  • Express option: not officially offered; apply at least a week before departure

Tips for France travelers

  • Apply at least 10 days before departure to allow for processing and to arrange mandatory travel insurance
  • Common rejection reasons: incomplete personal details, mismatched passport information, missing or inadequate travel insurance
  • Only use the official Russian e-visa portal; unofficial sites often overcharge for the same free-to-process form
  • Check France Diplomatie's current travel advisory closely, given the evolving geopolitical situation
  • The e-visa allows only a single 16-day stay — longer or multi-entry trips require the ordinary sticker visa with an invitation letter

Official links & resources

Always confirm requirements with government or embassy sources before applying.

This guide is for information only. Visa policies change without notice. Travel Visa Stack is not an immigration authority. Always verify with official government or embassy sources before making travel plans.