Russian outbound-travel analysts at AK&M report that issuance of multiple-entry Schengen visas to Russian citizens fell by 90 % year-on-year in the first five months of 2026. French consulates in Moscow and Saint-Petersburg now grant predominantly single-entry visas tied strictly to travel dates, citing limited processing capacity and heightened security screening. Applicants with strong travel histories may still secure double-entry visas, but appointment bottlenecks are acute: VFS Global’s calendar for France and Spain shows no open slots until late August. Some travellers are resorting to automated Telegram bots that monitor the booking system and snap up cancellations within seconds—services that French authorities consider a breach of the terms of use.
![Multiple-Entry Schengen Visas for Russians Down 90 %; French Slots Hard to Find]()
At this stage, travellers and corporate mobility teams might consider using VisaHQ (https://www.visahq.com/france/), whose specialists can pre-screen documentation, keep track of consular appointment openings, and provide real-time updates on shifting requirements, offering a compliant alternative to risky bot services.
For French companies that employ Russian nationals or host Russian clients, the shift means longer planning horizons and the need to align visa dates precisely with meeting agendas. Mobility teams should budget six to eight weeks for appointment acquisition and avoid last-minute itinerary changes that could invalidate the visa. Tourism operators worry that the single-entry policy will discourage multi-country itineraries that typically include Paris as a key stop, further shrinking an already depressed Russian market.
At this stage, travellers and corporate mobility teams might consider using VisaHQ (https://www.visahq.com/france/), whose specialists can pre-screen documentation, keep track of consular appointment openings, and provide real-time updates on shifting requirements, offering a compliant alternative to risky bot services.
For French companies that employ Russian nationals or host Russian clients, the shift means longer planning horizons and the need to align visa dates precisely with meeting agendas. Mobility teams should budget six to eight weeks for appointment acquisition and avoid last-minute itinerary changes that could invalidate the visa. Tourism operators worry that the single-entry policy will discourage multi-country itineraries that typically include Paris as a key stop, further shrinking an already depressed Russian market.
