Depuis le 1er janvier 2014, la CNI a vu sa validité passer de 10 à 15 ans avec prolongation automatique pour ceux dont la pièce arrivait à échéance. Or, il s'avère que cette mesure n'a pas été vraiment intégrée par les autorités de certains pays (notamment le Maroc, la Tunisie ou la Turquie) et les cas de personnes dans cette situation ayant été refoulées ne sont pas rares...
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Voilà ce qui arrive quand on hypothéque un voyage de plusieurs centaines d'€ pour économiser une poignée d'€.
La carte d'identité française est gratuite. 😛
Mais la validité de la CI a été portée à 15 ans pour les majeurs à compter du 1er janvier 2014.
À compter du 1er janvier 2014, la durée de validité des cartes nationales d’identité (CNI) délivrées aux personnes majeures passera de 10 à 15 ans.... Un décret vient en effet d’être publié en ce sens au Journal officiel du vendredi 20 décembre 2013.
......
Pour les CNI délivrées entre le 2 janvier 2004 et le 31 décembre 2013, cette prolongation de 5 ans n’impliquera aucune démarche particulière de la part des usagers, la date de validité inscrite sur le titre n’étant pas modifiée.
Le problème ne vient pas de certaines personnes qui voudraient économiser quelques Euros, mais de l'application d'un décret totalement idiot 🏴☠️ et les gens payent très cher cette con....ie. 😠
Or, il s'avère que cette mesure n'a pas été vraiment intégrée par les autorités de certains pays (notamment le Maroc, la Tunisie ou la Turquie)
Il semblerait que le Maroc et la Turquie ne fassent pas partie des pays qui reconnaissent la carte d'identité comme document de voyage. La Tunisie quant à elle ne la tolère que pour les binationaux et les touristes en voyage organisé.
Il semblerait que le Maroc et la Turquie ne fassent pas partie des pays qui reconnaissent la carte d'identité comme document de voyage.
La CI est suffisante pour les 3 pays, dans le cadre des voyages organisés par un TO.
Mais pour la Turquie, il est précisé :
Les cartes nationales d’identité délivrées entre le 1er janvier 2004 et le 31 décembre 2013 seront encore valables cinq ans après la date de fin de validité indiquée au verso, mais aucune modification matérielle de la carte plastifiée n’en attestera. Par ailleurs, les autorités turques ne reconnaissant pas cette mesure, l’entrée en Turquie des Français munis d’une carte nationale d’identité délivrée à compter du 2 janvier 2004 et dont la durée de validité a été prorogée de cinq ans par les autorités françaises n’est pas autorisée.
Question bête :
Quelqu'un(e) s'est'il(elle) vu refuser le renouvellement de la CNI, l'administration argumentant que le renouvellement n'était pas possible puisque la durée de validité avait été augmentée, quoi que puisse en laisser penser la date limite inscrite sur la CNI ?
Le problème .... mais de l'application d'un décret totalement idiot 🏴☠️ et les gens payent très cher cette con....ie. 😠
Complètement d'accord. C'est une fois de plus complètement français comme idée. On prolonge la dureé de la CNI mais on ne l'indique pas sur les documents car on est 100% sûr que toutes les polices d'Europe et d'ailleurs sont au courant et vont accepter un document qui, à première vue, paraît périmé.
Je suis curieux de connaître le nombre de personnes qui vont avoir des problèmes dans les années à venir.
Une seule solution: toujours avoir un passeport!
Le problème ne vient pas de certaines personnes qui voudraient économiser quelques Euros, mais de l'application d'un décret totalement idiot 🏴☠️ et les gens payent très cher cette con....ie. 😠
Pourquoi dire qu'il s'agit d'un décret totalement idiot ? 😮
Un très grand nombre de personnes vont pouvoir bénéficier de cette mesure que je trouve au contraire très intelligente, puisqu'elle permettra d'éviter (pour 5 années supplémentaires) les tracas d'un renouvellement d'une pièce administrative !
Car bien que certains pays (pas si nombreux que cela) autorisent l'entrée sur leur territoire, de Français simplement munis de leur carte nationale d'identité, cette carte n'a sûrement pas pour fonction première, celle de voyager en dehors des frontières ! 😉
Une CNI sert avant tout aux Français, à prouver leur identité et leur Nationalité.
C'est le passeport qui lui a pour principale fonction, celle de permettre le passage des frontières ! 😉
Enfin, lorsque l'on a un projet de voyage...
A de très, très rares exceptions près, on ne se "réveille" pas à la veille du départ, pour se préoccuper des documents et des formalités nécessaires à son voyage ! 😇
Un strict minimum d'anticipation, me semble tout de même être requis, non ?! 😏
Ce n’est pas l’idée que je trouve idiote – bien au contraire, mais l’application :
On prolonge la durée de validité d’une pièce d’identité, mais rien sur la pièce d’identité ne dit que la validité est prolongée.
Et on part du principe que tout le monde est au courant et que cela ne posera de problèmes nulle part. Bref tout est parfait dans le monde de Barbie !
La logique voudrait qu’il soit possible d’échanger sa CI contre une nouvelle CI avec la date prolongée pour les personnes qui le souhaitent.
Je me mets juste à la place d’une personne qui voyage quelque part avec sa carte d’identité et qui se fera refouler soit par un employé d’une Cie aérienne, soit par un officier d’immigration qui au mieux n’est pas au courant, au pire fait de l’excès de zèle.
Une CNI sert avant tout aux Français, à prouver leur identité et leur Nationalité.
C'est le passeport qui lui a pour principale fonction, celle de permettre le passage des frontières !
Depuis que le passeport est devenu biométrique , le passeport prouve aussi l'identité et la nationalité donc considérer comme une CNI .
@+ , Marco .
On aura jamais assez de temps pour tout ce qu'on veut découvrir et comprendre dans nos voyages qu'on se le dise , Amis voyageurs .
Depuis que le passeport est devenu biométrique , le passeport prouve aussi l'identité et la nationalité donc considérer comme une CNI .
Sauf erreur de ma part... même avant qu'il soit biométrique, le passeport pouvait déjà servir à prouver son identité
sur le territoire Français !
Mis à part les quelques pays qui acceptent (et sous certaines conditions) une CNI comme document d'entrée sur leur territoire, le seul document officiel qui permet de voyager partout ailleurs dans le monde, est le passeport !
En d'autres termes : pour un ressortissant Français... un passeport (qu'il soit biométrique ou pas) peut tout à fait servir de CNI sur le territoire Français, mais en aucun cas une CNI pourra (dans une écrasante majorité de cas) servir de passeport, permettant de séjourner dans un pays étranger à la France. 🙂
Encore moi
Pour le consulat de France en Allemagne le passeport n'est pas une preuve de nationalité Française a Février 2014.
Il savent pas ?? , attention j'ai bien dit >> passeport biométrique <<
Regardez CECI .
À noter : le passeport vous permet, comme la carte d'identité, de justifier de votre identité et de votre nationalité française. Voir ici .
Qu’est ce que le passeport biométrique ?
Le passeport biométrique est un document de circulation permettant de voyager à l’étranger pouvant également servir de justificatif d'identité .
Voir l'article complet >> http://www.montpellier.fr/671-passeport-et-visa.htm <<
@+ , Marco .
On aura jamais assez de temps pour tout ce qu'on veut découvrir et comprendre dans nos voyages qu'on se le dise , Amis voyageurs .
Je parle bien du passeport biométrique.L'administration française est dans certain cas déroutante.😛
Grace à vous j'ai appris que le permis de conduire était une pièce d'identité....
le passeport sert à voyager dans tous les pays et à prouver votre identité à l'étranger .
Encore moi
La preuve de nationalité par le passeport n'est pas arrivé aux consulats de France à l'étranger, après le consulat Français en Allemagne c'est le consulat en Algérie qui dit que non.
http://alger.ambafrance-dz.org/La-preuve-de-la-nationalite
Bizarre........
On a dû oublier de les prévenir😉😛
Question bête :
Quelqu'un(e) s'est'il(elle) vu refuser le renouvellement de la CNI, l'administration argumentant que le renouvellement n'était pas possible puisque la durée de validité avait été augmentée, quoi que puisse en laisser penser la date limite inscrite sur la CNI ?
Oui la préfecture du Val d'Oise refuse le renouvellement des Carte d'identité prorogées. Je pense surtout qu'ils n'ont pas conscience du problème et ils tablent sur une application automatique à l'étranger de la réglementation française.Je pense qu'il va y avoir des recours juridiques contre l'Etat car la mesure n'a pas été appliquée correctement à l'étranger, en dépit des assurances données.
Car bien que certains pays (pas si nombreux que cela) autorisent l'entrée sur leur territoire, de Français simplement munis de leur carte nationale d'identité, cette carte n'a sûrement pas pour fonction première, celle de voyager en dehors des frontières ! 😉
La réglementation européenne et les accords de Schengen sont très clairs à ce sujet. Les Cartes d'identité des ressortissants européens en cours de validité sont des documents de voyage reconnus dans l'ensemble de ces pays. Ca fait quand même pas loin d'une trentaine de pays qui l’acceptent !
Malte pays de l'UE et de l'espace Schengen ne reconnaît pas la prolongation de la validité des cartes d'identité françaises de 5 ans. J'ai posé la question au site europe direct, service d'information de la commission européenne pour savoir si refus est légal. J'attends une réponse d'ici 2 semaines pour éventuellement déposer une plainte auprès de la commission européenne pour discrimination et non respect de la réglementation communautaire.
Enfin, lorsque l'on a un projet de voyage...
A de très, très rares exceptions près, on ne se "réveille" pas à la veille du départ, pour se préoccuper des documents et des formalités nécessaires à son voyage ! 😇
Un strict minimum d'anticipation, me semble tout de même être requis, non ?! 😏
Je pense que le gouvernement fait preuve d'une très grande mauvaise foi car la mesure était sensée être fluide, comprise et acceptée par tous les acteurs lié au secteur du voyage dès le 1er janvier 2014.
Au départ il y avait des attestations disponible sur le ministère de l'inérieur destinées à être présentées dans tous les pays acceptant les cartes d'identité comme document de voyage. Petit à petit le ministère de l'intérieur a supprimé les attestation d’extension de validité sur les pays pour lesquels ils se sont aperçu que la mesure n'était pas reconnue.
Je ne pense pas que les voyageurs qui avaient téléchargé de bonne foi leur attestation présente sur le site du ministère aient fait preuve de manque d'anticipation. D'autant que les refoulement ont même eu lieu en présentant l'attestation.
Alors après j'ai quand même posé la question a la responsable de la délivrance des CNI dans cette préfecture et elle m'indique qu'a titres exceptionnel on peut demander le renouvellement de la CNI de manière anticipé mais qu'il fallait que je présente son message... je pense qu'il va falloir une intervention du préfet, voir du ministère de l'intérieur pour qu'il y ait des directives claires et précises pour pouvoir refaire les CNI de manière anticipée.
La réglementation européenne et les accords de Schengen sont très clairs à ce sujet. Les Cartes d'identité des ressortissants européens en cours de validité sont des documents de voyage reconnus dans l'ensemble de ces pays. Ca fait quand même pas loin d'une trentaine de pays qui l’acceptent !
Je ne faisais pas du tout allusion aux pays de la communauté Européenne dans mon message, mais à quelques autres pays hors UE qui (sous certaines conditions) acceptent également la CNI. 😉
Je ne pense pas que les voyageurs qui avaient téléchargé de bonne foi leur attestation présente sur leur site aient fait preuve de manque d'anticipation.
Faire preuve d'anticipation lors de la préparation d'un voyage, c'est par exemple commencer par se rendre sur le site du Ministère des Affaires étrangères (France Diplomatie).
Or voici ce que l'on peut y lire en s'y rendant, et en choisissant un pays au hasard (par exemple l'Allemagne) à la rubrique "Entrée/Séjour" :
"Les cartes nationales d’identité délivrées entre le 1er janvier 2004 et le 31 décembre 2013 seront encore valables 5 ans après la date de fin de validité indiquée au verso, mais aucune modification matérielle de la carte plastifiée n’en attestera.
En conséquence, de façon à éviter tout désagrément pendant votre voyage, il vous est fortement recommandé de privilégier l’utilisation d’un passeport valide à une CNI portant une date de fin de validité dépassée, même si elle est considérée par les autorités françaises comme étant toujours en cours de validité.
Si vous voyagez uniquement avec votre carte nationale d’identité, vous pouvez télécharger et imprimer une notice multilingue expliquant ces nouvelles règles..."
La recommandation (que j'ai surligné en caractères gras) paraît en effet être assez surprenante, pour un voyage qui se déroule à l'intérieur même de l'espace Schengen ?! 😮
En d'autres termes : pour un ressortissant Français... un passeport (qu'il soit biométrique ou pas) peut tout à fait servir de CNI sur le territoire Français, mais en aucun cas une CNI pourra (dans une écrasante majorité de cas) servir de passeport, permettant de séjourner dans un pays étranger à la France. 🙂
Une carte d'identité nationale valide permet à un ressortissant d'un pays de l'Union Européenne de voyager sur tout le territoire de celle-ci (28 états).
En d'autres termes : pour un ressortissant Français... un passeport (qu'il soit biométrique ou pas) peut tout à fait servir de CNI sur le territoire Français, mais en aucun cas une CNI pourra (dans une écrasante majorité de cas) servir de passeport, permettant de séjourner dans un pays étranger à la France. 🙂
Une carte d'identité nationale valide permet à un ressortissant d'un pays de l'Union Européenne de voyager sur tout le territoire de celle-ci (28 états).
J'ai (concernant les ressortissants Français) bien précisé dans ma réponse : dans une écrasante majorité de cas ! 😉
Car que représente 28 pays sur les 200 (environ) que compte le monde ?!
Alors oui ! Si l'on est sûr de ne voyager qu'à l'intérieur de l'Union Européenne, une simple CNI suffit.
Mais partout ailleurs et pour un Français, mis à part (et parfois sous certaines conditions) certains pays tels que
la Turquie, la Tunisie, le Maroc et quelques rares autres)... c'est impérativement le passeport !!! 😉
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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:
- Major construction projects turning some cities into work zones (Olympics, infrastructure, etc.)
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- Major sporting events causing prices to skyrocket and accommodations to fill up
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- New tourist restrictions in cities that can’t handle any more visitors
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10 destinations scrutinized
Bruno Maltor breaks down the cases of Los Angeles, Athens, Barcelona, Hallstatt, Vancouver, Cuba, Argentina, Kyoto, the Canary Islands, and Cairo in his video. For each, he explains exactly what the issues are and whether they’re temporary or structural.
Watch the full video.
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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.
These fake profiles master the community’s codes. They build credibility by answering dozens of basic questions before subtly slipping in their paid recommendations. A "favorite" hotel mentioned insistently, an "essential" guidebook systematically cited, an "extraordinary" local agency that keeps coming up in conversations.
New travelers can no longer tell the difference between selfless advice and disguised promotion. This informational pollution has gradually eroded the trust that gave these platforms their value.
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The irruption of artificial intelligence
But now, a third option is emerging: generative AI. ChatGPT, Claude, Gemini, and others can now generate travel itineraries in seconds, for free, with no commercial agenda.
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In this landscape saturated with dubious information, imperfect AI, and monetized services, one often-overlooked option remains: consulting real local professionals.
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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.
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Can sharing be an act of passing something on?
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Read the article here.
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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.
