Paris is considered the most romantic place on earth, so lovers from all over the world try to get to this wonderful city at least once and admire the beauty of the Eiffel Tower or Notre Dame Cathedral. But the French state is particularly exacting and strict in its visa policy. In order for Russian tourists to visit this European country, they need to obtain a Schengen visa by submitting documents for its issuance to the visa centers of France at their place of residence.
Where can I apply for a French visa?
Many people who have never encountered the procedure for obtaining a permit to enter the Schengen zone do not know where to go and where to start. First you need to collect all the necessary documents and, having signed up, take them to the specialized visa centers of France, located on the territory of Russia in the amount of eighteen pieces. Each region and persons registered in it have their own company authorized by the French state to assist Russian citizens in obtaining a Schengen visa.
There are two ways for residents of the capital to obtain permission to enter this European country. They can apply to the following institutions: EmbassyFrance, Visa Application Center (Moscow) and choose the best option for yourself.
Advantages and disadvantages
One of the disadvantages of the Consulate is that you need to make an appointment several months in advance and come in person to submit documents. But if you apply for a French visa in this way, you will not need to incur extra costs for an intermediary. You can also get documents for your wife or husband by presenting a handwritten power of attorney.
France Visa Application Centers in Moscow have a number of advantages. Firstly, the undoubted advantage is that you do not need to stand in long lines, a maximum of ten minutes. For consultations, you can go to the company at least every day and get answers to your questions. And also, if you need to make copies of any documents, then the French visa centers, especially for the convenience of their customers, have provided copiers or a computer with a printer in case you need to print something from removable media. Another advantage of this institution can be considered that it is possible to arrange the delivery of a passport by courier, after agreeing on this procedure.
The only disadvantage of this company is the need for additional costs to pay for the services of the center, acting as an intermediary.
Required documents: list
The first thing to do before applying to the French visa centers in Moscow is to download the application form from the website of the Consulate of the French state and fill it out. This can also be done electronically.
Then collect all the necessary documents, such as:
- he alth insurance;
- round trip plane tickets;
- book a hotel if you have an invitation to France;
- certificates from work or study;
- passport and copies of civil passport;
- also do not forget about a bank statement confirming financial viability indicating any amount, since the Consulate of the French Republic nowhere indicates the required amount of income, which will be enough to travel to the country;
- photo in the amount of two pieces, they must have a blue background and size 3.5x4.5 centimeters.
If you are applying for a visa only for yourself, then in case of any inconsistencies or problems with the photo, the French visa centers give the opportunity to take a photo inside their institution during the visit. But if a visa pass is issued for close relatives, it would be more appropriate to take a flash drive with pictures taken in a photo studio so that you can correct comments on photos. However, since September 2015, a decision has been issued that the applicant must initially appear on his own to undergo a biometric procedure, and then all the necessary and missing documents can be brought by relatives according to the issued power of attorney.
Before visiting the center, it is better to pre-register by phone or online.
Issuing a visa for minors
In case the childrenare going to travel with one of the parents, then from the other, not participating in this trip, you will need a document confirming the consent to the export of the child from Russia.
If the whole family is going to make the trip, then in this case the visa period for a minor member will strictly correspond to the travel dates indicated in the questionnaire. It can be extended if you bring a notarized permission from both parents for a longer period of validity of the visa.
If you receive a visa pass for several trips in a short period of time without a power of attorney from both parents, a visa for a child will be issued only for the first trip.
Institution contact details
It is better to go through the visa procedure by contacting the official French visa centers in Moscow. Their addresses are as follows: Mira Avenue, house 64, third floor, or the Embassy, located along Bolshaya Yakimanka Street, house 45.
You can pay a visit to the office of an intermediary company authorized by the French Republic by pre-registering by phone numbers: +7 (495) 504-37-05 or +7 (499) 681-13-60. Its opening hours are daily from 9:00 to 16:00, except weekends.
The French embassy is booked at the following phone number: +7 (495) 937-15-00.
Customer Reviews
The French Visa Application Center in Moscow on Mira Avenue receives a lot of positive feedback. Many clients who come here forassistance in obtaining a visa, we are grateful to the staff of this institution for performing high-quality and prompt work. Submission of documents takes just a few minutes, and in a week you can already expect notification of receipt.
People describe the staff working in the office of this company as friendly, correct and competent people. Those who have contacted them at least once will undoubtedly make their next choice in their favor.
