As of July 15, 2026, visa applications may be submitted by… (документ · заявитель · визовый)
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 documents for Schengen visas by proxy starting July 15, 2026.
- Only the applicant themselves or close relatives (spouse, parent, child) can submit applications under new rules.
- Applicants must provide original documents proving kinship if submitted by a relative.
- Biometric data must have been collected within the last 59 months before applying for a visa.
- The change affects all applicants over 12 years old who are required to undergo biometric collection.
Points of divergence
- The rule change takes effect in mid-July, not July 15th as stated by other sources. — fontanka
- Turism agencies and specialists will still be able to assist with document preparation and appointment scheduling. — vedomosti
- The change is expected to have minimal impact on the availability of visa slots, as 90% are processed within a month. — vm
Coverage (5 sources)
- France's Visa Center Will Stop Accepting Documents by Power of Attorney from July 15 — Ведомости
- France Tightens Visa Issuance for Russians — Фонтанка
- France Changes Rules for Russian Applicants for Schengen Visas — Вести
- A TOR: France's Visa Center in Moscow Will Stop Accepting Documents by Power of Attorney — Вечерняя Москва
- France Visa Center in Russia Will Change Document Submission Rules from July 15 — Интерфакс