document · visa · applicant (документ · визовый · заявитель)
As of July 15, 2026, visa applications may be submitted by appointment: in person by the applicant; by a parent or legal guardian for applicants under 18 years of age; and by close relatives (spouses, children, parents) upon presentation of original documents proving kinship (if the applicant has completed biometric procedures within 59 months prior to the date of visa application submission).
Consensus
- The French visa center in Moscow will stop accepting Schengen visa applications submitted by proxy starting July 15, 2026.
- Applicants must now submit documents personally or through close relatives such as spouses, parents, or children.
- Documents confirming kinship are required when submitting via close relatives.
- Biometric data must be provided within the last 59 months for applicants submitting via close relatives.
- Russian citizens under 18 can still have applications submitted by parents or legal guardians.
- Tourism agencies and visa specialists will continue to assist with document preparation and appointment scheduling.
- Approximately 90% of visa applications are currently processed within a month, though early submissions may take up to six weeks.
Points of divergence
- The change in submission rules will not significantly affect the availability of appointment slots. — vedomosti
- In 2025, France issued 156,5 thousand Schengen visas to Russians with a refusal rate of 3.5%. — vesti
- Experts believe the new rules will not solve the main issue—shortage of available slots. — vm
- VFS Global is the operator managing the French visa center in Russia and confirmed these changes. — interfax
Coverage (4 sources)
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