Schengen visa for Russian citizen?

[jft 12]

While we wait for her US visa my fiancee and I are planning on meeting in France. It appears that getting a Schengen visa is a little complex given that we have no official relationship. I have already arranged for her flight and for the hotels so all that is left is to get the visa. If anyone can talk us through this procedure it would be most appreciated! The process, which is evolving, still seems to be based on the assumption that a Russian is either on a prepaid tour or has been invited by a French citizen, it's not really designed for two people from non-French countries to travel together. Thanks!

[MrsOyetunji 9]

I am not a citizen of Russia, I am a Nigerian but to go to schengen is not that difficult here from Russia. If you want to go to schengen , you don't need to apply for visa to France because France embassy and their law is very hard , so you will have to pass through one of the easiest embassy which is Greece , so you can apply for Greece tour and it is very easier to get their visa and once you get visa for Greece for your girlfriend , then she can use the visa for Greece to go to France also, but she will enter through Greece then take a flight or train to France. I think this is better for you .just a little advice

I am living in Russia also for many years and this is how i do whenever i want to visit schengen countries for holiday and i have advised my Russian friends like this and they got it very easy also

[jft 12]

The flight direct to France is already paid for so she will need to get the visa from France. Also she is not taking a tour, she is visiting with me and I have already made the travel arrangements. So I need to know how to get a French visa in this situation, thanks!

[Neonred 3,564]

Just go directly through the French Embassy. It seems the French are rather easy and friendly toward Russian citizens.

When we got a Schengen visa for my wife (here in the US) I noticed the French embassy charges Russian citizens LESS than citizens from any other country. No questions were asked. Also got a Schengen visa in Russia for my stepdaughter who was still living in Russia without any issues.

[jft 12]

My Fiance is concerned because she has little savings and a not well-paying job and while I have pre-paid for most of the trip as an American citizen I may not be able to give an affidavit of support like a French citizen can. Perhaps none of this will be a big deal and a lot of the request is for paperwork's sake but I want to make sure that we get it right the first time as we only have a month and a half before our vacation.

[baron555 934]

You may well having to decide which is you least loss if she can't get the French visa, cancel all or reroute her through another country as mentioned. Probably should have checked this aspect out before purchasing?

[Hollyday 122]

Er. Not sure what you're talking about invitation-wise. As well as a prepaid tour as you put it one can simply book a hotel, get the tickets, show available funds in a bank statement and get a tourist visa on one's own. So if you're worried about funds, what i'd do, would be wire her some money so she can show the bank statement as proof she has money to spend in France on food and such (together with hotel booking and tickets if necessary, i've not done this one in the last 5 years but before that i got it on my own without a 'prepaid tour').

[jft 12]

Er. Not sure what you're talking about invitation-wise. As well as a prepaid tour as you put it one can simply book a hotel, get the tickets, show available funds in a bank statement and get a tourist visa on one's own. So if you're worried about funds, what i'd do, would be wire her some money so she can show the bank statement as proof she has money to spend in France on food and such (together with hotel booking and tickets if necessary, i've not done this one in the last 5 years but before that i got it on my own without a 'prepaid tour').

The problem is two-fold. #1 her monthly salary is below their minimum because she gets paid partially under the table and #2 her bank balance before I wire her any funds is on the low side of what they prefer too (she's a single mom supporting her son and mother so savings are a luxury). I plan to wire her enough to make the €60/day minimum but as her bank balance will show a spike I am concerned that they won't accept it. The hotel and airplane tickets have already been paid for so hopefully that part won't be a problem.

FYI by invitation I meant that just like in the US a French person can supply an "affidavate of support" stating that they will be responsible for the expenses of a foreigner while they are in France. Since I am not French I am not sure that I can supply this document. I will ask at the local consulate here in the US and find out for sure.

[SMR 368]

Obviously anything can happen, but as others have said, a Schengen visa shouldn't be especially difficult. I've no experience through France, and it's true that every country is a little different, but it shouldn't be impossible. Follow the directions and I wouldn't be surprised if you get the visa.