Russian Visa for Indian citizen in France (Paris)

Hello everyone!!

I would like to know if someone has any experience of getting a visa for Russia (visitor or other purposes) in France. I am currently studying in France, and would like to visit Russia, but the getting around a Russian visa sounds a bit complicated. Apparently, you have to apply from the Russian embassy in France if you're in France, but some websites seem to suggest that more often than not, visa applications are rejected in that case, (when applying from a country other than your own).

Does anyone of Indian origin have a first-hand (or second- or third-hand, for that matter) experience in dealing with the Russian consulate in Paris (or anywhere else in France)? If so, I'd be very happy to get some help from you.

Thanks! and Bonne Journée!!

Hello all,
I am french, living in France. I went two times in Russia. Each time, I did the application for the visa thru a travel agent specialised in travels to Russia, who does that everyday. It is a guarantee to get the visa without problem. Some agencies will charge you something but some won't. Try the travel agencies specialised in travels to Russia in Paris. There are several.
Make your own computing : the visa is "expensive" (70 euros in 2013 if I remember well), adding some euros more to be sure to get it, could be a good idea.
I can give you the name of my favourite travel agency in Paris in a private message but I don't know how to send a private message....
Thank you to help me.
Philippe

Hello Philippe

Thanks for your response. Only there are two specifics to my case which make it very different from yours:
1. I am Indian living in France.
2. I want to do a biking trip, i.e., bike to Russia and not take any flights or hotels (I know you can make dummy bookings for the visa purposes, but I don't know how far these can go).
I have contacted the Russian Cycling Federation to seek their help on the matter, but they quoted 250 euros for the invitation letter and the guy said he was still not sure whether my application for the visa will be successful, since I have an Indian passport, and he has never dealt with Indian citizens before.

Still if you give me the name of your preferred agencies, may be I can seek their advise and see whether or not they are able to help me out. I think you can just click on my name and there is a "send message" option there.

Thanks
Drashya

HI Drashya,

You can get your visa in France, no matter your nationality. You can see the requirements for citizens of India on this website: http://www.india-ifs.com/

Also, have a look a this article to understand the process: Comment obtenir le visa pour la Russie en France de manière économique

This topic has been automatically locked due to inactivity. Email community@lonelyplanet.com if you would like to add to this topic and we'll unlock it for you.