Starting July 15, 2026, France is introducing new restrictions on Schengen visa applications for Russian citizens. Visa operator VFS Global announced the move.
Under the new rules, visa applications can no longer be submitted via power of attorney through third parties, including travel agencies and visa services. Applications are accepted only:
in person by the applicant;
by parents or guardians on behalf of minor children (under 18);
by close relatives (spouse, parents, children) upon presentation of original documents proving the family relationship.
The requirement for personal appearance to submit biometric data (for those aged 12 and older) remains unchanged.
France has become the fourth EU country to tighten visa processing procedures for Russian citizens, following Italy, Spain, and Hungary. Previously, the EU had effectively ceased issuing multiple-entry Schengen visas to Russian citizens.
In 2025, France issued approximately 180,000 Schengen visas to Russians—one of the highest figures among EU countries. According to experts, the new measures aim to strengthen control over the flow of applicants and reduce the use of intermediaries.