France will stop recognizing Russia's biometric passports, which are issued for five years, as valid travel documents. The relevant announcement appeared on the website of the VMS visa center in Russia, which deals with the processing of Schengen visas.
According to the visa center's statement, Russian tourists can still enter France with a biometric passport for short stays, if the visa is obtained by May 3rd.
The "Uletet" Telegram channel, aimed at travelers, found information on the official site of the European Union Council stating that biometric passports issued in Russia will no longer be recognized by France. Passports issued to children under the age of 15 are the only exception.
The French Embassy in Russia has not issued a statement regarding these changes. It is currently unknown until when Russians living in France need to renew their passports.
In recent years, France has remained one of the most popular destinations for Russian tourists seeking a Schengen visa. This is because, even after the war started, France's visa policy towards Russian citizens remains one of the most liberal in the European Union.
Previously, the Czech Republic, Estonia, and Denmark had also ceased to recognize Russia's non-biometric passports.
