The number of visa centers of France in Russia reaches 18

France increased the number of visa centers in Russia, according to the French Ambassador in Russia Jean-Maurice Ripert. "By September 14, we will have 18 centers across Russia, so it's progress," Jean-Maurice Riper said in an interview to RBC. According to him, in 2014 France issued 300 thousand visas to Russians.

"Only 1% of the applications have been denied, almost always for procedural reasons. Visas are issued within three days, and 48% of these visas were for a year or more. So we do our best to continue attracting Russian tourists, travelers and students," the ambassador added.