Afin de relancer le tourisme, l'Indonésie s'apprête à supprimer l'obligation de visa de tourisme pour 30 nouveaux pays dont la France et quelques autres notamment de l'UE. Détails à venir pour cette décision qui devrait normalement entrer en vigueur en avril 2015.
Lire la suite...
Bonjour ,
Faut voir si c'est une bonne nouvelle : on repasse à deux mois gratos ou on reste à un mois ? ? Et pour les autres visas, ça s'assouplit ? ? Et puis j'ai un peu peur aux conséquences en cas d'afflux touristique : généralisation de la double tarification ? ? ...
Bref, restons prudents ...
🙂
Oui, pas sûr qu'ils aient intérêt à offrir plus d'un mois. A priori le voyageur qui les intéresse, qui apporte plus de fric en voyageant milieu de gamme ou haut de gamme, il reste plutôt 3 semaines.
Là où je ne comprends pas leur manière de faire, c'est que l'an dernier la politique c'était l'augmentation du prix du visa 🙁
Tu dis généralisation de la double tarification, ça veut dire qu'elle existe déjà ?
Salut !
Elle existe officiellement sur un bon paquet de sites touristiques à Java ( en fait ce sont des prix souvent 10 fois supérieurs ). Et dans certains hôtels autour de Jakarta. Et officieusement dans certains transports en commun ... à la tête du client ... et selon les lignes et les régions. ..
Je suis comme toi. 2 mois sans visa gratuits. 1 mois à 25 $. 1 mois à 35 $. Et maintenant 1 mois gratuit ??? ... Quand tu vois la Malaisie à côté et que tu connais les rivalités entre les deux pays tu rigoles ...
Bonne journée !
Là où je ne comprends pas leur manière de faire, c'est que l'an dernier la politique c'était l'augmentation du prix du visa
salut
entretemps il y a eu un changement de président...Nul doute que si Prabowo avait été élu, on ne serait pas là à disserter.
c'est sur que la Malaisie est sur une autre planète. A l'immigration, on est bien accueilli, jamais saoûlé de questions....L'Indonésie, en février dernier à Jakarta, le type avant moi au bureau du VOA a été soumis à un interrogatoire en règle : Ou vous allez, et pourquoi, et comment ?......j'attendais en compagnie d'une Chinoise de Singapour et on se regardait, sidérés.......
Afin de relancer le tourisme, l'Indonésie s'apprête à supprimer l'obligation de visa de tourisme pour 30 nouveaux pays dont la France et quelques autres notamment de l'UE. Détails à venir pour cette décision qui devrait normalement entrer en vigueur en avril 2015.
Lire la suite...
.C'est effectivement la question qu'il faut se poser... est ce réellement une bonne nouvelle. On ne connait en effet pas les modalités de cette exemption de visa, notamment sur sa durée quI est actuellement de 60 jours maxi pour un visa tourisme.
Cette durée sera telle conservée ou diminuée ??
Y aura t il des modifications pour les autres visa ?
J'ai appelé ce jour le consulat à Marseille et on m'a répondu que pour le moment rien n'était décidé. Seuls les médias se sont fait l'écho de ces changements...
Bof a part quelques € ou $ de moins sur un voyage !
Ce n'est pas grand chose 5/10mn pour avoir le VAO ... ces 5/10mn que tu passeras surement attendre ton bagage si tu es sorti "5/10mn plus vite" 🙂
Bon voyage et surtout voyagez zen!
Michel France (85)
Salut, c'est vrai que c'est souvent pénible ces formalités à l'arrivée, du coup on n'en revenait pas l'été dernier à Medan, aucune queue pour le visa obtenu en quelques minutes, et un employé très agréable et même...souriant !!!! 😮
Bof a part quelques € ou $ de moins sur un voyage !
On peut le voir comme ça mais bon 140 $ économisés pour nous, somme qui correspond à plusieurs jours de vie sur place, bah c'est quand même pas mal d'apprendre ça quand on prépare on voyage 😎
Bof a part quelques € ou $ de moins sur un voyage !
Ce n'est pas grand chose 5/10mn pour avoir le VAO ... ces 5/10mn que tu passeras surement attendre ton bagage si tu es sorti "5/10mn plus vite" 🙂
Bonjour,
Ce n'est peut-être pas beaucoup d'argent ni de temps dans un voyage, mais cela a un impact psychologique non négligeable pour décider d'aller ou non dans ce pays. (La preuve, certaines des réactions dans ce fil). C'est encore plus sensible quand on peut choisir de faire ou ne pas faire un crochet de quelques jours dans le pays, au départ d'un pays proche, d'autant qu'il y a beaucoup de liaisons aériennes bon marché.
Bof a part quelques € ou $ de moins sur un voyage !
Pas d'accord avec toi Michel, nous avons longtemps voyagé en Asie avec nos enfants et nous avons évité les pays avec visa payant, à commencer par le Vietnam dont le visa est le plus cher. Quand on voyage comme nous à 4 ou 5 avec un budget serré, le prix du visa n'est pas négligeable.
Maintenant que nous voyageons de nouveau en couple, le visa payant n'est plus important.
Bien d'accord avec toi.
A 5 cela était un budget non négligeable, surtout que pour 4 d'entre nous nous restions un peu plus de 30 jours... c'était soit 2 x le VOA ou le visa à l'ambassade avant de partir, donc une bonne somme
bon aux dernières nouvelles
la décision est suspendue à cause d'une loi indonésienne prévoyant que des exemptions de visa ne peuvent être approuvées que sur une base réciproque. Ainsi cela signifie que la loi doit être modifiée et quand on connait la lenteur administrative, la corruption (qui va de pair) qui gangrène ce pays, c'est loin d'être gagnée.
sachant qu'une partie des députés est là pour mettre des batons dans les roues du gouvernement, c'est mal parti d'autant qu'en mars Ahok (anciennement second de Jokowi et maintenant gouverneur de Jakarta) a décidé de s'attaquer à la corruption des parlementaires http://www.lagazettedebali.info/journal/articles/societe/national/ahok-s-attaque-a-la-corruption-au-parlement-de-jakarta.html?date=2015-04
Bonjour à tous
Pour le visa je suis arrivé le 3 avril 2015 et il est toujours payant! Le courrier n est pas arrivé dans l aéroport de Djakarta! 35usd en cash à prévoir! Magouilles ou réelle absence d information je ne sais pas
cela a un impact psychologique non négligeable pour décider d'aller ou non dans ce pays
Le visa à l'arrivée n'est pas un frein au développement touristique sauf si son tarif est démesuré. (Ce qui n'est pas le cas du prix du visa indonésien)
Le frein, c'est le visa à retirer à l'ambassade surtout si les formalités sont coûteuses et compliquées. La cerise sur le gâteau, c'est quand il est obligatoire de se rendre sur place ou que des autorisations préalables (généralement payantes...)soient à fournir dans les pièces.
LE VRAI FREIN POUR ALLER EN INDONÉSIE. C'est la condamnation à mort d 'un ressortissant Français . Jamais je ne pourrais cautionner une telle sauvagerie en me rendant en touriste dans ce pays . Il y a d'autres moyens pour lutter contre la drogue ...et....est-il aussi coupable que les autorités le prétendent ? .. BOYCOTT DE L 'INDONESIE !!!!
Donc Boycotter tous les pays ou la peine de mort est appliquée , cela réduit le champs des vacances...
Et surtout pourquoi notre gouvernement vend des armes a des pays qui appliquent la peine de mort.
Ben oui, perso je pars cet été en Indonésie et je ne vois pas ce qui m'en empêcherait.
La peine de mort est appliquée en Indonésie pour tout trafic de stupéfiant. Tout le monde le sait et ceux qui passent outre savent pertinemment ce qui peux leur arriver.
Avez vous vu le film "midnigth express" qui se passe en Turquie ? ça n'empêche personne d'y aller. Et la Tunisie avant la révolution ? Et les Etats Unis avec leur peine de mort ? etc .... alors arrêtez de pleurnicher sur le sort de personnes qui ont pris des risques pour s'enrichir et qui on perdu.
LE VRAI FREIN POUR ALLER EN INDONÉSIE. C'est la condamnation à mort d 'un ressortissant Français . Jamais je ne pourrais cautionner une telle sauvagerie en me rendant en touriste dans ce pays . Il y a d'autres moyens pour lutter contre la drogue ...et....est-il aussi coupable que les autorités le prétendent ? .. BOYCOTT DE L 'INDONESIE !!!!
En revanche la condamnation à mort d'indonésiens qui sont de loin les plus victimes de cette triste loi ne semble pas vous effleurer le coeur 😇
LE VRAI FREIN POUR ALLER EN INDONÉSIE. C'est la condamnation à mort d 'un ressortissant Français . Jamais je ne pourrais cautionner une telle sauvagerie en me rendant en touriste dans ce pays . Il y a d'autres moyens pour lutter contre la drogue ...et....est-il aussi coupable que les autorités le prétendent ? .. BOYCOTT DE L 'INDONESIE !!!!
Ajoutez les 37 autres états appliquant la peine de mort à votre boycott.
En ce moment précis Serge Atloui n'a toujours pas reçut le document officiel de la délibération des juges. L 'Ambassade française n'a pas été convoqué comme les ambassades des condamnés à mort.
L'Ambassade de France n'a toujours pas été convié a ce rendre à la prison de haute sécurité comme les autres ambassades pour voir les condamnés une dernière avant les exécutions .
Donc attendons.
Vous pouvez si vous le voulez boycotter les pays qui appliquent la peine de mort, c'est votre droit.
alors arrêtez de pleurnicher sur le sort de personnes qui ont pris des risques pour s'enrichir et qui on perdu.
Qu'est-ce que vous en savez que c'est bien le cas de ce monsieur ???? C'est l'avis des juges indos, il n'y a aucune preuve ... ( et dans le cas présent il sera difficile d'en fournir ... )
L'Ambassade de France n'a toujours pas été convié a ce rendre à la prison de haute sécurité comme les autres ambassades pour voir les condamnés une dernière avant les exécutions .
ça y est, la nouvelle vient de tomber ! Mais ça ne devrait pas être dans les prochaines 72 h ...
Ben oui, perso je pars cet été en Indonésie et je ne vois pas ce qui m'en empêcherait.
La peine de mort est appliquée en Indonésie pour tout trafic de stupéfiant. Tout le monde le sait et ceux qui passent outre savent pertinemment ce qui peux leur arriver...
il y a des panneaux dans les aéroports (y suis allé 3 fois) qui sont sans aucune équivoque ... mais comme souvent respecter les lois des pays visités est ... pour les autres ! .. après le débat sur la forme pour ce cas particulier n'est pas du ressort de ce forum
Bien d'accord , je repars pour la quatrième fois en Indonésie pour un trip de deux mois.
Ce pays est superbe et les indonésiens gens sympathiques bien loin des clichés que certains essaient de véhiculer ces derniers jours.
Les voyageurs que dans certains pays comme l'Indonésie la Malaisie la Thailande et quelques autres la justice ne plaisante pas avec les infractions liées à la drogue donc prudence .
Toutes ces suggestions de boycott sont des futilités de peu de poids , et dans quelques temps tout le monde aura oublié , qui se souvient encore qu'un citoyen néerlandais et un citoyen brésilien ont été fusillés il y a seulement quelques mois en Indonésie pour trafic de drogue.
Pour conclure sur une note plus positive en Indonésie il y a des coins paradisiaques peu pollués par le tourisme où il fait bon voyager.
Bon trip à tous
Ben oui, perso je pars cet été en Indonésie et je ne vois pas ce qui m'en empêcherait.
La peine de mort est appliquée en Indonésie pour tout trafic de stupéfiant. Tout le monde le sait et ceux qui passent outre savent pertinemment ce qui peux leur arriver.
Avez vous vu le film "midnigth express" qui se passe en Turquie ? ça n'empêche personne d'y aller. Et la Tunisie avant la révolution ? Et les Etats Unis avec leur peine de mort ? etc .... alors arrêtez de pleurnicher sur le sort de personnes qui ont pris des risques pour s'enrichir et qui on perdu.
" midnigth express " est une histoire qui se passait en 1970 , il ya a donc 35 ans de l 'eau a coulé sous les ponts depuis , l 'abolition de la peine de mort en Turquie a été votée en 2002 et est effective depuis 2004.
LE VRAI FREIN POUR ALLER EN INDONÉSIE. C'est la condamnation à mort d 'un ressortissant Français . Jamais je ne pourrais cautionner une telle sauvagerie en me rendant en touriste dans ce pays . Il y a d'autres moyens pour lutter contre la drogue ...et....est-il aussi coupable que les autorités le prétendent ? .. BOYCOTT DE L 'INDONESIE !!!!
En revanche la condamnation à mort d'indonésiens qui sont de loin les plus victimes de cette triste loi ne semble pas vous effleurer le coeur 😇
vous avez raison mais , défendre la vie d'un ressortissant français aujourd’hui , me semble être le bon chemin pour éviter la peine capitale a des indonésiens demain .
Serge Atlaoui qui est simplement victime de mascarade judiciaire.
Je ne sais pas si Serge Alaoui est innocent ou coupable.
Mais je pense qu'il est pour le moins idiot d'avoir accepté sans se poser de questions un boulot d'ouvrier soudeur payé ( au noir qui plus est) 2000 $ la semaine dans un pays où le salaire moyen est de 285 $ le mois.
Après, il me semble que le fait de porter des œillères est bien cher payé d'autant plus que les cerveaux de l'affaire ont écopé d'une peine moins lourde.
Je suis d'accord avec vous.
Nous ne connaissons absolument rien de l'enquête pour préjuger de l'innocence ou de la culpabilité de cet individu.
Toutefois, chez certains, la nationalité de la personne en question fait forcement pencher la balance d'un côté...
Plus généralement, une chose est certaine, aucun crime ne mérite telle sanction mais les lois indonésiennes, aussi contestables soient-elles, sont très claires à cet égard mais nombreux sont les touristes qui pensent bénéficier d'une immunité en raison de leur nationalité.
Je suis d'accord avec vous.
Nous ne connaissons absolument rien de l'enquête pour préjuger de l'innocence ou de la culpabilité de cet individu.
Toutefois, chez certains, la nationalité de la personne en question fait forcement pencher la balance d'un côté...
Plus généralement, une chose est certaine, aucun crime ne mérite telle sanction mais les lois indonésiennes, aussi contestables soient-elles, sont très claires à cet égard mais nombreux sont les touristes qui pensent bénéficier d'une immunité en raison de leur nationalité.
iCrevisse
Totalement d'accord , l'Indonésie est un état souverain qui applique ces propres lois sans avoir à rendre de compte à un quelconque état étranger, j'imagine assez bien la réaction française si un autre gouvernement se permettait de critiquer sa politique judiciaire.
le débat sur la peine capitale est loin d'être clos mais ceci dit on connait les règles appliquées par certains état donc il ne faut pas faire n'importe quoi et venir se plaindre après.
En arrivant de France à l'aéroport de Jakarta, je reprends 2h après un vol interne pour Jogjakarta. Comme je dispose de peu de temps entre ces deux vols, me conseillez-vous de faire mon visa à Paris à l'ambassade avant mon voyage ?
Si oui, comme nous sommes deux à partir, notre présence à tous les deux est-elle nécessaire pour faire les deux visas ?
En arrivant de France à l'aéroport de Jakarta, je reprends 2h après un vol interne pour Jogjakarta. Comme je dispose de peu de temps entre ces deux vols, me conseillez-vous de faire mon visa à Paris à l'ambassade avant mon voyage ?
Si oui, comme nous sommes deux à partir, notre présence à tous les deux est-elle nécessaire pour faire les deux visas ?
D'avance merci pour vos informations.
A mon dernier passage en septembre à Jakarta il y avait beaucoup de monde au bureau des Visa on Arrival (VOA) donc effectivement il peut être judicieux de prendre votre visa en France avant le départ, la différence de prix est minime 50€ vs 35US$
Pour ce qui est de la présence des 2 requérants lors du dépôt de la demande le plus simple est de téléphoner à l'ambassade pour avoir la réponse.
Bon trip
Patrick
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If you're planning your trips for 2026, Bruno Maltor's latest video should catch your interest. The travel tips YouTuber lists about ten destinations that could seriously complicate your stay this year.
What to expect in 2026
Without giving everything away, here are a few hints about what might ruin your trip:
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- New tourist restrictions in cities that can’t handle any more visitors
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10 destinations scrutinized
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The end of a golden age
For years, travel forums embodied the spirit of mutual aid on the web. Travelers generously shared their experiences, tips, and secret spots. This collective generosity seemed endless. But behind this altruistic facade lay a more complex reality.
The silent infiltration of forums
Free travel forums have gradually become marketing hunting grounds. Under the guise of "experienced travelers," professionals in tourism, affiliates seeking commissions, or aspiring influencers testing monetization strategies now lurk.
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Travel has always been a school of discernment. It teaches us to distinguish the authentic from the fake, sincere advice from commercial manipulation. In the digital age, this skill becomes more crucial than ever.
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I’ve kept quiet about them... to preserve them.
Those are the words of a passionate traveler who recently wrote to us.
For years, he’s been discovering rare, authentic places... and chooses to say nothing.
Out of respect. Out of fear of destruction. Out of love for secrecy.
What would you do?
You stumble upon a magical spot, still untouched by mass tourism.
Do you keep it to yourself... or do you open the door, gently, to other travelers?
At DIRECTRAVEL, we’re asking ourselves these questions.
Can sharing be an act of passing something on?
Or is it always the beginning of the end for these preserved places?
Read the article here.
We’ve got a little game for you (okay, it’s not a walk in the park—you’ll have to do some digging!) with DirecTravel: the prize is 5 nights for one person at the Nilaya Experience guesthouse, right in the heart of Kerala, India.
The stay is worth 700 €. It’s set in a magical spot among the rice fields, offering a relaxing and 100% authentic getaway, far from the noise, hosted by Raghu and Véronique.
How to enter is simple:
1- Head over to directravel.org.
2- Browse the site to find the answers to the 10 contest questions. Click here for the questions.
Each question includes a clue to guide you to the right page.
3- Answer all 10 questions correctly to validate your entry.
Contest Rules
The game is free and with no purchase necessary.
A random draw will be held on September 19, 2025, among all correct entries.
The winner will be contacted directly by DIRECTRAVEL.
The prize is non-transferable, non-exchangeable, and valid based on the accommodation’s availability.
What if your travel memories had a place in a real journal? 🌍
Back-to-school season is when we get back into our routines, but it’s also when we look back on the great memories from summer. We often promise ourselves we’ll organize our photos, jot down our stories… and then life gets busy. Those memories slowly fade, stuck in our phones...
Travel journals from MyAtlas are here to change that. They let you gather your stories, your images, and your emotions in a beautiful keepsake you can hold onto and share. It’s like a personal diary, but illustrated by your travels.
Creating your journal also extends the travel experience: reliving your photos, rediscovering details you’d forgotten, and bringing those moments back to life.
Use the code BIENVENUE10 for 10% off your first album ;)
A new step for visitors starting September 2025
Laos is modernizing its border entry procedures. From September 1, 2025, the Laos Immigration Police Department will pilot a new online arrival registration system for foreign passport holders.
This new procedure is similar to Thailand’s recent switch to a digital arrival card system (introduced in May 2025). Just like in Thailand, travelers heading to Laos will still need a valid visa—either an e-visa obtained online in advance or a visa on arrival (VOA) at eligible checkpoints—but they can now skip the paper immigration forms at the border.
TikTok is currently experimenting with a hotel booking feature directly integrated into its app, in partnership with a well-known specialized platform. American users can now search for and book accommodations without leaving TikTok. Meanwhile, content creators with over 1,000 followers can promote hotels and restaurants in the U.S. and earn commissions or vouchers for bookings. This test, limited to the U.S. market for now, aligns with the trend of social commerce. There’s no doubt this initiative will be closely watched by major players in the online travel industry.
Originally planned for an official opening on July 3, 2025, the Grand Egyptian Museum in Cairo, which has already been partially open since autumn 2024, has had its official inauguration pushed back to the end of the year. This decision, made due to growing tensions in the Middle East, was motivated by the desire to give the event the international dimension it deserves.
Spanning 500,000 m²—larger than the Louvre (which has 360,000 m² of total space, including 73,000 m² of exhibition areas)—the museum will house up to 100,000 artifacts, including the complete collection of Tutankhamun and a monumental statue of Ramses II.
It can already welcome 4,000 visitors per day with limited access, with a future capacity estimated at 13,000 per day once fully open.
It is with deep sadness that we share the news of the passing of François Boucher, the founder of VoyageForum.
We will remember his passion for travel, but most of all, the pride he took in this forum, which has become indispensable among travelers. While there may have been heated debates, we ask that you show respect for him.
François was still very active on the forum, especially in the technical development section. VoyageForum was his life’s work. He worked passionately to update the site and make up for the 4 years of closure due to the pandemic.
Today, VoyageForum has also lost its developer.
That’s why we’re reaching out to this community to continue François’s legacy. If there are any former or current developers among you who know PERL and would be willing to help, your support would be greatly appreciated.
According to a recent study, Bangkok ranks first among the top 100 global destinations for remote workers in 2025. The Thai capital stands out for its excellent value for money, solid infrastructure, and high satisfaction levels among digital nomads.
Dubai, London, Tokyo, and Nakhon Ratchasima (in Thailand) complete the top 5, each catering to different priorities (safety, connectivity, cultural vibrancy). The study also highlights the cost-of-living gaps between cities: from Weligama (Sri Lanka), very affordable, to New York, the most expensive.
Social media engagement and visitor return rates are also becoming key indicators for assessing a destination’s appeal to nomads.
We’re thrilled to share an exclusive offer from our partner Subocea for August:
80 € per person per day to board a private luxury boat in Egypt with friends, family, or colleagues!
The offer includes everything on-site (accommodation, meals, activities, etc.), except for the flight.
Onboard, snorkel with turtles!
A unique opportunity to experience an unforgettable adventure in an exceptional setting while meeting other community members.
Hurry: only 26 spots available! 😉
Departure is imminent—a great chance to escape and reconnect.
If you’ve been looking for a reason to pack your bags, here it is!
Interested? Contact us quickly to book or get more info!
You’ve probably noticed it: the real travel gems no longer show up in search results. In today’s all-digital age, those local operators, small authentic accommodations, passionate guides, and committed local initiatives remain invisible. No flashy website, no ads, often not even an online presence.
Yet they exist—people who take care of their land, their culture, their community. Hidden in valleys, villages, forests. These are the ones who truly give meaning to travel, the kind you only discover through word of mouth... or among savvy travelers.
A collaborative project is starting to patiently catalog them, one by one. It’s called DirecTravel. Not very well-known yet—it’s just getting started—but already shared among independent travel enthusiasts. Here, no standardization or flashy interface: every address has been discovered on the ground, the old-fashioned way. Some have even been recognized by the Sustainable Travel Awards.
Their approach? Taking the time to listen, build connections, and support local initiatives that will never appear on Google’s first page.
If you’re looking for something beyond the usual recommendations, and if the idea of sharing genuine tips speaks to you, then this project might interest you. And maybe you, too, have a gem to share with them.
Travel bookings to the United States are seeing a significant drop in France for summer 2025, with over a 30% decrease in the spring and around -11% for summer departures.
Several reasons explain this disengagement:
an unfavorable exchange rate at the start of the year,
very high prices on the ground (accommodation, dining),
negative experiences with immigration,
as well as a political and social context perceived as off-putting (civil rights, safety, tense social climate).
Tourism professionals also note difficulties for Florida and some Southern states, while destinations like New York and Orlando are faring better.
The recent drop in the dollar and airfares could, however, encourage last-minute departures, and tourism stakeholders are betting on a gradual recovery starting this autumn, with major events planned for 2026 like the World Cup or the 250th anniversary of the United States.
This summer, your memories deserve more than just a corner of film!
For the summer season, our partner MyAtlas is offering you an exclusive deal: 10% off all travel journals to print with the code ETEVF25 😛
Perfect for preserving your photos, anecdotes, itineraries, and highlights, the MyAtlas journal turns every trip into a real keepsake book—personalized and ready to flip through anytime.
Whether you're off on an adventure or exploring just around the corner, now’s the perfect time to capture the essence of your getaways and relive them again and again.
Don’t let your best stories gather dust in your phone: print them, share them, and above all, treasure them 😉
This forum was closed for a long time after COVID, then due to its sale by the previous owner. Since 2022, there have been notable changes for Russia. It became possible to travel to Russia as a tourist again after COVID restrictions ended in summer 2022. But before that, in March 2022, the EU and member countries cut air links with Russia, as well as train lines. They also cut Russian banks off from the Euro-American banking network—meaning cards and wire transfers.
EU-based insurers stopped offering policies for Russia.
The Green Card for cars in Russia was also discontinued.
Then the EU abolished the simplified visa regime agreement with Russia.
All in all, a summary of the current practical aspects would be helpful.
I’ve been traveling to Russia regularly for about twenty years, and after the long COVID break, I resumed in autumn 2022.
Visa
The usual paper visa is much more expensive. On one hand, because the previous regime was scrapped, and on the other, because invitations for multi-entry visas are pricier. A single-entry 30-day visa costs 80 €. The multi-entry one is 240 €. To be sure you’ll get a 12-month multi-entry, it’s best to buy a telex invitation from the MID (Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs), though there are few resellers. Prices vary depending on the seller.
E-visas are now available for Schengen passport holders. A big simplification for trips up to 16 days within a 60-day validity period. You can apply from 40 days up to 5 days before your desired date. Issued in up to four days. The site is https://evisa.kdmid.ru/ Cost: 50 €. Processed through an Emirati bank (United Arab Emirates).
Medical Insurance
Medical insurance with repatriation is required to get a visa. So you’ll need to buy a policy. This brings up payment methods. If you’re already familiar with Russia and have a Russian bank account, you can pay with your Russian card. Otherwise, you’ll have to buy from a site that accepts payments via a Belarusian bank—which means your bank must work with Belarus—or go through https://goingrus.com/fr/insurance
Transport from the EU
Minibus (marshrutka) from Kirkenes (Norway) to Murmansk. Schedules are coordinated with flights from Oslo, which arrive between 11:00 and 12:00. They wait on the right as you exit the airport. Some are chartered by groups and leave directly, but may have space—ask the driver. Otherwise, two companies run the route, with a stop in town at the corner of the Scandic, where they depart around 14:00 or 15:00. Payment in cash (NOK or RUB) to the driver. Main operator: https://borodinbus.com
Bus from Tallinn (Estonia) to St. Petersburg. The border crossing is on the Narva River. The Russian road checkpoint has been closed since January 2024 for construction expected to last 2.5 years, so reopening is possible in summer 2026. In the meantime, it’s a two-bus journey: Tallinn-Narva, then walk across the bridge between the Estonian and Russian checkpoints at Ivangorod, followed by another bus. Several companies: Luxexpress, Ecolines, Baltic Shuttle, Anniston, СКСавто.
Bus from Riga to Pskov or St. Petersburg (final destination). Departs from Riga’s bus station (behind the train station) daily between 18:00 and 19:00. Arrives in Pskov between 01:00 and 02:00 (Russian time). Company: СКСавто. There’s another bus around 21:00 with Ecolines, but it’s longer, with a long stop at the border.
Bus from Gdańsk to Kaliningrad. Several buses per day. From the PKS bus station, behind Gdańsk’s central station, on the other side of the boulevard. From Kaliningrad, a 1-hour flight to St. Petersburg costs around 5000 RUB.
Basically, unless you’re planning to go to Murmansk and the Kola Peninsula—and possibly from Murmansk, flights to Arkhangelsk, then Nenetsia (Naryan-Mar), etc.—the three main crossing points with airports are Tallinn, Riga, and Gdańsk.
The Gdańsk-Kaliningrad bus is the fastest, and the ticket to St. Petersburg is very reasonable.
The Narva-Ivangorod route is the riskiest in terms of potential queues and crossing time. Holiday periods are especially risky. Last mid-June, I took a 14:00 bus from Tallinn. I’d bought a single-berth compartment on the Grand Express St. Petersburg-Moscow train, leaving at 23:00, with the idea of a good night’s rest before a Moscow-Magadan flight. A 7-hour queue at the border meant I arrived at St. Petersburg’s bus station at 23:00—missed the train, had to book a room, and spent time finding a reasonably priced flight to Moscow the next day for the same airport as my Magadan flight.
The Riga-Pskov route is a bit long but relaxed. If you get off in Pskov, you can still get decent sleep between 02:00 and 12:00. The Oktyabrskaya Hotel is cheap. I’ve also stopped in Izborsk. You ask the driver when boarding in Riga. The stop is on the federal highway—cross the road, and the main inn is 200m away. You can explore the medieval site the next morning before taking a bus to Pskov (30 km).
From Pskov, there are fast regional Lastochka trains—three or four per day—to St. Petersburg, taking 3.5 hours. Very comfortable and affordable.
Also, two daily flights with Azimuth to Moscow-Vnukovo from 5000 RUB. A one-hour flight. It’s a section of Pskov’s military airfield, just a few kilometers from the city center.
Money
Cash. The EU issued a nonsensical decree: a ban on importing EU currency (euros, zloty, kroner, forints, etc.) except for personal travel use. This doesn’t make sense because as a citizen of a eurozone country, you *have* to have euros—cash or electronic (card). You can’t travel without them. The stipulation about a limit for personal use is absurd because personal use can mean anything from a hostel bed to a luxury hotel room, plus transport (flight tickets, train tickets in Russia), restaurants, etc. Estonian customs officers ask about this at the border when leaving. They ask in Estonian, then Russian, then English, depending. Since I cross with a French passport, I just say, "Sorry, I don’t understand," no matter what. Then they ask with a questioning look, "Euro?" and I shake my head. I haven’t been searched, but they do ask to glance in your bag. Russians with large suitcases often get checked.
Cards and phone apps: if you have a Russian bank account.
Telephony and Internet
Roaming works but is pricey. Okay for calls and SMS, but very expensive for data. In that case, use an e-SIM with your home carrier if your phone supports it. Otherwise, look into prepaid rechargeable SIMs in Russia for data only—like SIM cards for mobile modems.
Russian SIM: Since this year (2025), as of March, it’s mandatory to be registered in the EBS (Unified Biometric System) to buy a SIM card. For a non-resident foreigner, this means first registering for a SNILS at an MFC (Multifunctional Center)—also called "My Documents." The SNILS is the pension center, which doesn’t require residency. After getting your SNILS number and certificate, you register on the public services portal, Gosuslugi. Finally, you register in the EBS system (voice sample—you read numbers—and a biometric facial photo).
Personal Car
The Green Card no longer covers Russia, and neither do EU-based insurers. But third-party liability insurance (OSAGO) is mandatory. Since the closure of the Russian checkpoint at Ivangorod for construction and the Finnish border closure, the routes are from Kirkenes in Norway, the Estonia-Pskov route, and—since the Belarus-Russia joint visa this year—the Belarus route, e.g., Poland-Terespol-Brest or Lithuania-Belarus.
No OSAGO sales if you cross via Kirkenes. I didn’t see any at Shumilkino, the Russian checkpoint after Estonia toward Pskov. If you have a Russian card, you can buy online, of course. Otherwise, pay in cash on-site at certain company offices (specific forms aren’t available at all agencies) or online by paying to a third-party account outside Russia—with added fees.
Spotlight on the "What A Trip Festival" in Montpellier
From September 22 to 28, 2025, head to Montpellier for the What A Trip Festival, the must-attend event for travel and adventure in images 😉
This event draws around 40,000 passionate visitors who come to (re)discover the world through documentary film screenings, followed by meet-ups, conferences, and workshops.
The "travel village" hosts a dedicated fair: exhibitor booths, a travel bookstore, photo exhibitions, food trucks, and free concerts set the pace.
The "Les rencontres voyageurs" booth will be there to offer you: a friendly atmosphere, conferences, masterclasses, fun games, and even interviews!
From December 9th to 12th, experience a winter getaway in the heart of the Czech capital, under the magical lights of the Christmas markets.
Enjoy an all-inclusive stay, blending cultural discoveries and festive holiday vibes with Hasamélis & MyAtlas.
Explore Prague’s treasures: Old Town Square, the castle, and the Town Hall Tower for breathtaking views…
This guided tour also takes you to exclusive, privately booked venues: Strahov Monastery, Estates Theatre, Municipal House… A rich cultural program in a cozy, festive atmosphere.
Calling all adventure and off-road enthusiasts: the must-attend event of the year is just around the corner!
From August 26 to 30 in Valloire, don’t miss THE OFF-ROAD SHOW, the premier event dedicated to expeditions, overlanding, and motorized exploration.
4x4s, trucks, motorcycles, SSVs, gear, travel, test drives, meet-ups... Over 180 exhibitors and the 4th edition of the Rencontres Voyageurs, a 1,000 m² space hosted by Campers Lab and MyAtlas.
On the program: Activities, talks, interviews, masterclasses...
One motto: get inspired, connect, explore... in the heart of the Alps.
At the Seto forum (Association of Travel Agents), it was highlighted that, despite an uncertain geopolitical context, summer bookings are showing a slight increase (+1.4% overall as of the end of April), with +1.6% on medium-haul and +0.6% on long-haul flights. This growth is supported by an expected revenue increase of +2.9% and an average basket rise of +3.2%.
In terms of destinations, the Greek islands remain at the top despite a slight decline of -1%, the Balearic Islands are gaining ground (+2%), and Tunisia stands out with strong growth (+13%) thanks to its excellent value for money. For long-haul, Mauritius continues to dominate (+9%), while the United States is experiencing a downturn (-14%), behind Indonesia (-6%) and ahead of the Dominican Republic (+4%). Finally, French Polynesia (+16%) and Vietnam (+41%) are emerging as booming destinations.
"Les rencontres voyageurs" is a must-attend event for all travel enthusiasts, at the heart of France’s most beautiful gatherings.
Whether you're a seasoned traveler or a beginner looking for your first adventures, these meet-ups aim to bring people together, inspire, and share knowledge.
They offer a unique opportunity to chat with inspiring travelers, discover their authentic stories, their favorite spots around the world, and their practical tips for traveling peacefully and enrichingly 😉
"Les rencontres voyageurs" also feature conferences and masterclasses led by industry experts, covering a variety of topics such as responsible travel, content creation, and optimizing itineraries.
These sessions, both practical and inspiring, are designed to expand your knowledge and fuel your projects. On top of that, there are fun and educational activities, including the famous traveler quiz, encouraging exchanges and conviviality. Finally, visitors can explore an exhibition of travel vehicles, vans, 4x4s, nomadic equipment, and chat with professionals about van conversions, mobility, and innovations dedicated to vanlife.
A complete, immersive experience that’s all about discovery.
VoyageForum needs you more than ever! To continue making it the biggest space for exchange, inspiration, and sharing, we want to better understand your desires and expectations.
Take a few moments to answer our survey and let’s build the future of VoyageForum together!
Big traveler survey! We want to know everything! 🌍
Dreaming of your next trip already? So are we, but to better understand the desires and habits of French travelers, we need your help to later offer the best tips, good deals, trips, and more.
It’s a short form (promise, it only takes a few minutes).
And... there might just be a 50 € gift voucher up for grabs for one of the participants. Just like that, to thank you for taking part✨
Just click on this link: https://tally.so/r/mRrj6J and check the box based on your travel preferences 🧳✈️
Thanks in advance for lending a hand!
The cruise sector has seen a remarkable rebound since the pandemic, with 2024 attendance 20% higher than in 2019—outpacing air traffic growth, which was limited to 10%.
This performance is driven by an early recovery in the U.S. starting in 2021, competitive pricing, and enhanced onboard offerings. Cruise companies have invested in innovation, with a notable increase in patents related to passenger health (14%) and onboard services (50%).
These efforts have attracted a younger clientele, with millennials now making up 34% of passengers. This recovery model could inspire the airline industry to accelerate its own rebound.
Sulawesi centrale: Luwuk et les îles BanggaiFR
Off on an adventure to Java (and a bit of Bali)
Sulawesi c'est "bagus"FR
Sumatra, Java et Bali: 3 semaines, 3 îlesFR
Choisir entre l'Indonésie, les Philippines et le Sri LankaFR
The Moluccas: Splendors (and Struggles) of an Archipelago Unknown to Tourists
Bali, mon offrandeFR
Sumatra: Off the Beaten Path in Asia
