Russia entry requirements for France passport holders
Verified May 13, 2026·View sources
eVisa required
Max stay
No fixed limit
Passport validity
6 months
Beyond entry date
Return ticket
Required
Or onward travel proof
Proof of funds
Recommended
May be checked
French passport holders need an eVisa to enter Russia in 2026. The eVisa is valid for a single entry and allows stays of up to 16 days. You must apply online before you travel.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| eVisa application Apply before travel | Apply for a Russian eVisa at the official eVisa portal. Processing takes up to 4 calendar days. Print the eVisa approval and carry it with your passport — border officers will scan the QR code.Apply for eVisa | Required |
| Valid passport Must be valid for entire stay | Your French passport must be valid for the full duration of your stay in Russia. No minimum validity beyond departure is required by Russian law, but airlines may enforce 6 months — check with your carrier. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of departure | Immigration officers at Russian airports routinely ask for a return or onward ticket showing you leave within the eVisa validity period. Have a printed or digital copy ready. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or invitation | You may be asked for a hotel reservation or a host's invitation letter. A printed booking confirmation from Booking.com or similar is usually sufficient. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Show you can support yourself | Russian law requires visitors to show at least 500 USD equivalent per day of stay. Carry cash (USD or EUR) or a card statement — ATMs are unreliable for foreign cards. | Recommended |
eVisa is single entry only
You cannot leave Russia and re-enter on the same eVisa. If you plan to visit neighboring countries, you'll need a multiple-entry visa instead.
Registration requirement
Your hotel or host must register your stay within 7 days. If you're staying in a private apartment, make sure the host does this. Failure to register can cause problems when you leave.
What happens at the border
1
Apply for the eVisa online
Go to the official Russian eVisa website (evisa.kdmid.ru) and fill out the application. You'll need your passport details, a digital photo, and your travel dates. Processing usually takes 4–7 days.
2
Receive your eVisa
Once approved, you'll get an email with your eVisa. Print a copy and save a screenshot on your phone. The eVisa is linked to your passport number.
3
Arrive at a Russian airport
At passport control, present your passport and the eVisa (printed or digital). The officer will check your passport validity, the eVisa, and may ask for your return ticket and accommodation. Typical airports: Moscow Sheremetyevo, St. Petersburg Pulkovo.
4
Receive your entry stamp
The officer will stamp your passport with the entry date. This stamp confirms your legal stay. Keep the stamp visible for your entire trip.
5
Register your stay
Within 7 days of arrival, your hotel or host must register your stay with the local migration office. If you're in a private apartment, the host must do this. You don't need to do anything yourself, but confirm it's done.
Download Russia Entry Checklist
PDF · France Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 13, 2026
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Tourist visa (single entry)
Max stay30 days
Validity3 months from issue
Cost~$160 USD (approx. €148)
Requires invitation letter (voucher) and travel insurance.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay30 days per entry
Validity6 months from issue
Cost~$240 USD (approx. €222)
For multiple visits; same documentation as single entry.
Long-stay visa (work/study)
Max stayUp to 1 year
Validity1 year, renewable
Cost~$300 USD (approx. €278) plus processing
Requires employer or university sponsorship.
work visa
Work Visa (Highly Qualified Specialist)
Up to 3 years, renewable
~$300 USD (approx. €278) plus employer fees
For foreign professionals with a job offer from a Russian company. Requires employer sponsorship and higher salary threshold. Allows family reunification.
student visa
Student Visa (Study)
Duration of studies, up to 1 year renewable
~$200 USD (approx. €185) plus university fees
For those enrolled in a Russian educational institution. Requires acceptance letter and proof of financial support.
investor visa
Investor Visa
Up to 3 years, renewable
~$500 USD (approx. €463) plus investment
For individuals investing a significant amount in the Russian economy (minimum ~$10 million USD). Requires proof of investment and business plan.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| eVisa application feeStandard fee for French passport holders applying for Russian eVisa. | ~$52 USD (approx. €48) |
| Tourist visa (single entry)For longer stays or if eVisa not suitable. | ~$160 USD (approx. €148) |
| Tourist visa (multiple entry)For multiple visits within validity. | ~$240 USD (approx. €222) |
| Overstay fine per dayPenalty for overstaying visa-free or visa period. | ~$10 USD (approx. €9) per day, max ~$500 USD |
Common reasons for entry denial
Incomplete or expired documents30%
Insufficient funds25%
No return ticket20%
Approval probability calculator
Answer 6 quick questions — we'll estimate how likely you are to be approved for entry based on typical immigration patterns.
Transiting through Russia
Transit visa required
French passport holders generally need a transit visa to change planes in Russia, even if staying airside. Exceptions apply for certain connecting flights with no visa change.
Exceptions & conditions
- Holders of a valid Russian visa do not need a separate transit visa.
- Crew members of international flights may be exempt.
Transit hubsSheremetyevo International Airport (SVO) · Domodedovo International Airport (DME) · Vnukovo International Airport (VKO)
Health & vaccines for Russia
Recommended vaccines
Routine vaccines (MMR, DTaP, polio, influenza)EssentialHepatitis ARecommendedTyphoidRecommendedRabiesConsiderTick-borne encephalitisConsider
Health risks
Tick-borne encephalitisModerate risk
Risk in forested areas, especially spring to autumn. Vaccination recommended for rural travel.
RabiesLow risk
Risk from animal bites, especially in rural areas. Seek immediate post-exposure prophylaxis.
Food and waterborne diseasesModerate risk
Risk of traveler's diarrhea, hepatitis A, and typhoid from contaminated food/water. Practice safe eating and drinking.
Based on CDC and WHO guidance. Consult a travel medicine clinic 4–6 weeks before departure for personalised advice.
Immigration offices for extensions
Moscow
Main Department of Migration Affairs of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Russia for Moscow
ul. Poklonnaya, 12, Moscow
Mon–Fri 09:00–18:00
Handles visa extensions and registration. Bring passport, visa, migration card, and proof of accommodation.
Saint Petersburg
Department of Migration Affairs for Saint Petersburg and Leningrad Oblast
ul. Saltykova-Shchedrina, 4, Saint Petersburg
Mon–Fri 09:00–18:00
For visa extensions and registration. Same documents as Moscow.
Practical information for FR travellers
Country basics
CapitalMoscow
LanguageRussian
Driving sideRight-hand traffic
US driving licenceUS visitors can drive with a valid US license for up to 60 days, but an International Driving Permit is recommended.
Money
CurrencyRussian Ruble (RUB)
Exchange rate
1 USD = 73.87 RUB
Time zone
Local timeUTC+3
vs New York+8h
vs Los Angeles+11h
Electricity
Voltage220V / 50Hz
Plug types
C,FType C (two round pins) and Type F (two round pins with grounding clips)
⚠ US adapter needed
Water & health
Tap water
Not safe — use bottled
Tap water is not safe to drink; boil or use bottled water.
Emergency numbers
Frequently asked questions
Processing usually takes 4–7 days. Apply at least 2 weeks before your trip to be safe. There is no expedited option.
No, the eVisa is not extendable. You must leave Russia before the 16 days are up. Overstaying can result in fines and a ban.
Your hotel or host must register your stay within 7 days. You don't need to go to a police station yourself, but confirm they've done it.
You cannot enter. Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from your entry date. If it's close, renew your passport first.
The eVisa is valid for entry at most international airports and some land borders. Check the official list on the eVisa website before you travel.
You can reapply, but you must address the reason for rejection. Common reasons: incorrect photo, missing documents, or passport validity issues. There is no appeal process.
If you are transiting through a Russian airport and staying airside, you may not need a visa. But if you need to enter Russia (e.g., to change airports or stay overnight), you need the eVisa.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 13, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.