France Stops Accepting Visa Applications with Old Five-Year Russian Passports

The French Visa Application Center in Moscow has suspended accepting Schengen visa applications from Russian citizens holding old-format five-year passports, effective April 23, 2025, according to the Association of Tour Operators of Russia. Only new-generation biometric passports are now accepted for visa applications.

What Has Changed?

Many Russian citizens still hold valid five-year passports. Although the French consulate has not officially announced the exclusion of these passports, the Visa Center has already stopped accepting them in practice.

Travelers are advised to check their passport validity and format before submitting visa applications. If holding an old-style passport, it is recommended to urgently obtain a biometric one. Applicants already booked for late May–June appointments are encouraged to reschedule if necessary. The service fee for the original booking can be refunded.

Other Visa Rules Still Apply

From June 11, 2024, visa fees are:
- €90 for adults
- €45 for children aged 6–12
- Processing time: up to 20 business days, possibly longer during peak seasons.

There is also increased scrutiny of financial documents, travel plans, and supporting paperwork. Incomplete or inaccurate documents may lead to rejection without appeal.

EU Council Updates and Recognition of Travel Documents

As of April 12, 2025, the Council of the European Union updated its list of recognized travel documents:
- France does not recognize non-biometric Russian passports, except for children under 15.
- Similar restrictions now apply in Czech Republic, Denmark, and Estonia.

Wider Context: New EU Border Systems

The move aligns with the upcoming launch of the European Entry/Exit System (EES) in October 2025:
- The EES will register travelers' biometric data (fingerprints and photos) at EU borders.
- It aims to enhance security, simplify controls, and automate entry/exit recording.
- Travelers from the UK and other non-EU countries will also need to register biometrically.
- Eventually, EES will integrate with ETIAS — the EU’s electronic travel authorization system.
- Given this shift, more EU countries may soon restrict acceptance of old-format passports.

Summary

Travelers planning to visit France — and possibly other Schengen countries — must:
- Hold a biometric passport
- Prepare complete and correct visa documents
- Anticipate longer processing times during high seasons

The transition to biometric-based border management marks a major step towards stricter entry regulations across the EU.