Today, quite a lot of our compatriots choose France as their vacation destination. This is not surprising, because this European country attracts us not only with its rich history and culture (reflected in numerous monuments that are world famous sights), delicious food, shopping, but also with the opportunity to have a great time, basking on the beach and admiring the azure waves seas. However, to visit France, Russians (as, incidentally, other CIS citizens) require a Schengen visa. By the way, having received it, you may well go on a trip to other European countries. The Consulate of France in Russia is engaged in issues of issuing visas, or rather, the visa department created under it. We suggest that you get to know this institution better today and find out what needs to be done to get a visa.
Consulate of France in Moscow: functions and services
Relations between Russia and the French Republic have long been established. Today, the functions of the embassy of this country include the maintenance and development of relations between states at all levels. Also, the Consulate of France is engaged in informing our compatriots about the various events taking place in this European power, as well as providing various information regarding educational opportunities, work and tourism. Currently, the Ambassador of France to the Russian Federation is Mr. Jean-Maurice Rieper. He was appointed to this post in 2013, replacing his predecessor, Jean de Gliniasti, at this post.
Consulate of the French Republic in the Russian Federation: contact details, historical information
Until 1917, the French embassy was located in St. Petersburg on the Palace Embankment. From 1860 to 1902 it was called Gagarinsky, then French, and now it is known as Kutuzov Embankment. Today, the agency we are considering has settled in the capital of Russia. The Consulate of France in Moscow (phone - 784-71-47) is located at Kazan Lane, Building 10. However, if you plan to obtain a visa to this country, then you need to go to the Visa Application Center in France. It is also located in Moscow on 3, Marxistkaya Street, building 2. The visa department is open from Monday to Friday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
How to get to the consulate
In order to get to the French Consulate in the Russian capital, you need to travel along the Kaluga-Riga metro line to the Oktyabrskaya station. Having risen to the surface, you need to go in the direction of Kaluga Square, then find Kaluga Lane, where the diplomatic mission is located. In principle, from the metro station to the consulate you can walk on foot in just five minutes.
How to get to the France Visa Application Center
If you plan to apply for a French visa, you need to get to the Marxistskaya metro station. Having risen to the surface, you need to turn onto Marxist Street and walk about 400 meters. The visa center will be on the left side of the street.
Consulate of France in Moscow: obtaining a visa
You can get a French visa either by collecting and submitting all the necessary papers yourself, or by using the services of one of the many travel agencies that provide assistance in this process. Be that as it may, the full list of documents to be submitted to the Consulate of France is as follows:
- A foreign passport with a validity period expiring no earlier than three months from the date of the planned return of the traveler to Russia. If you have two valid passports, you must provide both documents.
- Old foreign passport with available visas (if any).
- Two color matte photos on a light background. Their size should be 3.5 by 4.5 centimeters.
- Help from your place of work. It should be printed on company letterhead and be certified by signature and seal. The certificate must indicate your position, salary, as well as contact details of the organization.
- Confirmation of solvency. To do this, you must provide an extract from your bank account or credit card account in the amount of the following calculation: at least sixty euros for each day of the trip.
- A health insurance policy with a validity period covering the entire period of your stay in the countries of the Schengen area.
- Photocopies of all pages of an internal Russian passport.
- Booking air or train tickets.
- Paid hotel reservation for the whole stay in France.
- In case you plan to travel with a child under the age of 18, you will need his birth certificate (original and copy) and a notarized consent for the child to travel abroad from the second parent (if he remains in Russia).