The Russian Foreign Ministry Addresses Alleged Fake Payments at German Consulates
The Russian Foreign Ministry drew attention to repeated reports of fake payments connected with Russian consulates in Germany. This information was conveyed through the ministry’s telegraph channel.
The ministry emphasized that several internet publications have attempted to discredit the work of Russian consular offices (RKZU) in Germany by claiming that Russian citizens are refused the option to pay in rubles. In reality, consular services require payment in euros, in accordance with national practice for foreign offices abroad.
According to the ministry, consular fees are set by a Government of the Russian Federation decree and are calculated in US dollars. When applying these fees abroad, the amount is converted into the local currency at the current exchange rate. The ministry stressed that ruble payments cannot be accepted because consulates do not maintain ruble accounts in their host countries.
It was noted that the consulates would be willing to accept the MIR payment card if sanctions had not led to a refusal by the German side to services such as visas. Mastercard and the MIR system are not currently available, while the EC card remains a valid option in many instances.
The ministry clarified that the EC card refers to an electronic cash card issued by German banks and linked to another main card. Citizens in Germany commonly use this type of card, and it is accepted at many stores across Europe. In rare situations, if a person does not possess such a card or if they arrive from a neighboring country, RKZU can permit payments by bank transfer or cash, depending on specific consulate conditions.
In response to misinformation, the Ministry urged Russians not to fall for anonymous posts on messaging channels. It argued that if those sources truly had the best interests of Russians at heart, their activities would not suppress information or obstruct media coverage that supports the work of consular services facing urgent problems abroad.
The discussion highlights ongoing visa-related frictions in Germany and the practical steps taken by consulates to ensure that essential services remain accessible to Russian citizens in the region.
Preserved details indicate a broad emphasis on legal payment methods, the role of currency exchange, and the impact of international sanctions on consular operations. The stance reflects an insistence on transparency and continuity of consular assistance for Russian nationals in Germany, despite external pressures.