Russia Visa RequirementsFor France passport holders
French citizens can apply for a Russian e-Visa for $40 USD, valid for 16 days. However, the France-Russia relationship has been severely impacted by the Ukraine war and most French airlines have suspended routes.
France passport holders must apply for an electronic visa (eVisa) online before traveling to Russia.
The Russian e-Visa is theoretically available at evisa.kdmid.ru for $40 USD, allowing 16 days single entry. However: (1) French nationals are considered hostile-nation citizens in the current political environment; (2) No direct flights operate between France and Russia as of 2025; (3) The French Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MAE) strongly advises against travel to Russia; (4) French citizens in Russia risk arrest, particularly those with military, journalistic, or governmental backgrounds. If you proceed despite these warnings, entry is typically through third countries such as Turkey, Serbia, Armenia, or Belarus (note Belarus has its own EU travel complications).
Entry Requirements
Passport Validity
6 months beyond date of entry
Blank Pages
2 blank pages required
Multiple Entry
Single entry only
Work Permitted
No - requires work visa
Required Documents
Valid French Passport
Must be valid for at least 6 months beyond planned stay in Russia
Russian e-Visa
Apply at evisa.kdmid.ru, $40 USD, valid for 16 days single entry — check current availability
Travel Insurance
With medical and emergency evacuation coverage; standard EU insurance may be invalid in Russia
Current Travel Situation
France to Russia: What You Need to Know
The situation between France and Russia has fundamentally changed since Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. The French government advises strongly against non-essential travel to Russia. France imposed economic sanctions on Russia and Russia countered with restrictions on EU nationals. While a Russian e-Visa technically exists for French citizens, the practical ability to travel between France and Russia has been severely curtailed: direct Air France flights to Russia are suspended, Russian airspace is closed to EU aircraft, and the political context is highly adversarial. French travelers who do visit Russia do so at significant personal risk and should be aware of potential detention, property seizure, and the impossibility of normal consular assistance.
How to Get There
For cultural Russian experiences without the political risks, consider alternative destinations: the Baltic states (Riga, Tallinn, Vilnius) have strong Russian cultural influences and are EU members accessible visa-free for French citizens. Georgia (Tbilisi) has a significant Russian cultural presence. Armenia and Azerbaijan preserve Soviet-era architecture and culture accessible more safely for French citizens.
Money & Banking
Russia uses the Russian ruble (RUB). Due to Western sanctions, French bank cards (Visa, Mastercard) do not work in Russia as of 2022. Russian banking is cut off from SWIFT for most international transactions. If traveling, you would need to carry cash in a currency that can be exchanged in Russia (Chinese yuan or currencies from neutral countries). Russian financial infrastructure for Western visitors has effectively collapsed under sanctions.
Practical Tips
The French government's strong advice against travel to Russia reflects real risks: French citizens have been detained in Russia, accused of espionage or other charges, with limited consular access given the frozen diplomatic relationship. Russia has suspended or limited consular services for EU nationals. If you are a French-Russian dual citizen, be aware that Russia may not recognize your French citizenship and treat you primarily as a Russian national. Emergency consular assistance is extremely limited.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can French citizens travel to Russia currently?
Technically yes via the e-Visa system, but the French government strongly advises against travel to Russia due to the Ukraine war and the severely deteriorated bilateral relationship. Direct flights are suspended, and French citizens face real risks of detention or other issues in Russia.
How do I get a Russian e-Visa as a French citizen?
Apply at the official Russian e-Visa portal (evisa.kdmid.ru) for $40 USD. Processing takes several business days. The e-Visa allows 16 days single entry. Note that no direct Air France or EU flights operate to Russia; you must transit via third countries like Turkey, Serbia, or Armenia.
Do French bank cards work in Russia?
No. Visa and Mastercard suspended operations in Russia in March 2022 following Western sanctions. French bank cards do not work in Russia. You would need cash in a convertible currency. This is one of the major practical barriers to French tourism in Russia.
France Embassy
Embassy in Moscow
MainFrench Embassy, Bolshaya Yakimanka 45, Moscow 119049