From 24 November 2023A major change in visa application procedures for Russia is on the horizon in France with the closure of the visa centres located in Paris, Marseille, Nice and Strasbourg. French residents wishing to visit Russia will now have to contact the Russian Embassy in Paris or its consulates directly. This change is accompanied by the development of the e-Visaoption, which has been reactivated since 1 August 2023 which simplifies formalities for eligible travellers, signalling a significant change in the way Russian visas are obtained.
From 24 November 2023, the visa centres for Russia in France will close, bringing significant changes for residents wishing to visit the country. With this closure, visa applications will now have to go through the Russian embassy or consulates in France. At the same time, e-Visa is becoming increasingly popular with travellers, offering a quick and easy alternative for those wishing to visit Russia. This article explores these developments and their implications for future travellers.
Imminent closure of visa centres in France
The Russian visa centres in Paris, Marseille, Nice and Strasbourg were popular places to apply for visas. However, their activities will come to an end by the end of November 2023. For French citizens wishing to visit Russia, this change means that they will have to turn to traditional diplomatic channels. Visa applications will therefore have to be made directly to the Russian Embassy in Paris or its various consulates general. This closure raises questions about how easy it will be to obtain a visa and how consular services will deal with applicants.
The consequences of this closure
The closure of these visa centres could cause inconvenience for many travellers. The steps involved in obtaining a visa via the embassy are often more arduous and require a prior appointment, which could lengthen the waiting time for appointments. Because of the traditional method of issuing visas, some travellers could also face additional costs, particularly with the cost of visas set to rise in the future from €35 to as much as USD300.
The emergence of e-Visa: an attractive alternative
In response to these changes, on 1 August 2023, Russia reintroduced the e-Visa, an option that allows eligible travellers to simplify their process. From now on, certain citizens of 56 countries, including those of the European Union, can apply for an e-Visa for a stay of up to 16 days. This visa format offers considerable advantages, including a simplified procedure, where hotel bookings or letters of invitation are not required.
A growing choice among travellers
The boom in e-Visa seems to be encouraging European travellers, despite complex geopolitical circumstances. Since its launch, the system has seen almost 40,000 visas issued online in less than three months. The Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs even plans to reach the ambitious target of 100,000 e-visas granted to EU citizens by the end of 2023. This demonstrates the growing interest and willingness of European travellers to continue visiting Russia, despite the recent restrictions.
How to apply for an e-Visa for Russia
For those wishing to take advantage of this opportunity, applying for an e-Visa can be done entirely online. Prospective travellers can visit the official website to understand the process and submit their application. It is advisable to check the application deadlines and specific requirements, which you can consult via resources such as this link.
Useful resources for travellers
At a time when visa centres are closing, it's essential to find out what you need to do. Visiting informative websites can shed light on the new visa application framework, prices and the countries eligible for e-Visa. Several articles, such as this one on visa fees or this one on the period of validity of the visa in Russiacan help travellers navigate through these new changes.
As visa centres close, the transition to e-Visa represents a turning point for visa applications for Russia. Travellers need to adapt to these changes to make the most of their experience in this fascinating country.
Comparison between traditional visa centres and e-Visa for Russia
| Criteria | Details |
|---|---|
| Availability | Closure of visa centres in November 2023 |
| Types of request | Consulates only for traditional visas |
| Procedure | More complex procedures for traditional visas |
| Cost | Increase in visa rates of up to USD 300 |
| Visa categories | Variety of visas available through consulates |
| Easy access | e-Visa available online for 56 countries |
| Length of stay | Maximum 16 days with e-Visa |
| Documents required | Simplification: no hotel booking required for e-Visa |
| Usage statistics | Nearly 40,000 e-Visas issued since August 2023 |
| Growth projections | Expect to reach 100,000 e-Visas for the EU by the end of 2023 |
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