Americans In Belarus: Visa Requirements And Rules

Americans need a visa to enter Belarus. This can be obtained from a Belarusian embassy or consulate before travelling, and is typically a stamp or sticker added to the passport. The visa application form must be filled out in English or Russian/Belarusian, and the purpose of the visit must be specified in detail. The application must be accompanied by a colour photograph, a valid original passport, and health insurance information. The regular visa processing time is 5 business days, and the visa fee is €60 for all types of visas. However, it is important to note that the US State Department has currently issued a Level 4 travel advisory for Belarus, urging US citizens to avoid travelling to the country due to the unpredictable situation and potential harassment of foreigners.

Visa requirements for US citizens

US citizens wishing to travel to Belarus should be aware that the US Department of State has issued a Level 4 'Do Not Travel' advisory for the country. This is due to the unpredictable situation in the region, the Belarusian authorities' facilitation of Russia's war against Ukraine, the buildup of Russian military forces in Belarus, the arbitrary enforcement of local laws, the potential for civil unrest, and the Embassy's limited ability to assist US citizens in the country. US citizens are strongly advised against travelling to Belarus and those in the country should depart immediately.

US citizens who still decide to travel to Belarus should be aware that they need a visa to enter the country. This can be obtained from a Belarusian Embassy or Consulate overseas. The visa is typically a stamp or sticker added to the passport. The regular visa processing time is 5 business days (expedite processing time – within 2 business days) after all necessary documents are submitted. The visa cannot be extended, so if your travel plans change after the visa is issued, you will have to apply for a new one.

To obtain a visa, the following documents should be submitted (either in person or by post) to the Embassy:

Completed visa application form, which meets the following requirements:

• Filled out in legible handwriting (in block letters) or typing, in English or Russian/Belarusian.
• Answers to the questions should be complete and logically consistent and indicate the real purpose of the visit.
• The purpose of the visit should be specified in detail.
• If a question does not apply, write "N/A". Incomplete forms will be returned unprocessed.
• It is the applicant's responsibility to check that the information on the form is correct.
• The form should be signed by the applicant personally; failure to do so may result in refusal.
• For minors, the form should be signed by their legal representative.

One colour photograph, which meets the following requirements:

• Not older than 6 months.
• Size 35 x 45 mm.
• Full face (70-80% of the picture) without sunglasses, hats or other head coverings unless for ethnic or religious reasons.
• Plain, evenly lit and light background.
• High resolution.
• Corrugation or ink is not allowed.

Original passport, which meets the following requirements:

• Contains a photograph of the owner.
• Has at least two blank pages intended for visas.
• Valid for at least 90 days after the expected departure date from Belarus.
• Not dubious in terms of authenticity or ownership.
• Contains no torn pages, marks, entries, erasures or corrections that are not certified by the issuing authorities of the respective foreign state.
• If the applicant is under 18, a copy of the full Birth Certificate (including information about parents) and copies of the passports of the applicant's parents (legal representatives) are required.
• If the applicant previously had USSR or Belarusian citizenship, a document certifying the loss of this citizenship must be submitted.

• Visa support documents for the required type of visa.
• Health insurance, which should contain the following information:

• Name, address and phone number of the foreign insurance company.
• Full name of the foreign citizen covered by the insurance.
• Validity area, which should include Belarus.
• Insurance period, which should cover the whole period of stay in Belarus.
• Insurance coverage of at least 10,000 Euros.

Envelope (when applying by post). A pre-paid envelope of at least 26 cm x 15.9 cm with the filled return address.

Upon the request of the consular officer, additional documents may be required for visa issuance.

Visa application process

As an American citizen, you will need a visa to enter Belarus. The type of visa you will need depends on the purpose and duration of your visit.

Short-term Visa (Type C)

This type of visa is suitable for private travellers on family business or short business trips. It is typically valid for up to 90 days and can be single-entry, double-entry, or multiple-entry.

Long-term Visa (Type D)

Long-term visas are usually valid for 90 days to five years and allow multiple entries to Belarus. They are suitable for frequent business travellers or private travellers wishing to stay longer in the country.

Transit Visa (Type B)

Transit visas are valid for up to one year and allow travellers to stay in Belarus for up to two days each time they pass through the country.

Application Process:

To obtain a Belarusian visa, you must submit the following documents to the Embassy of the Republic of Belarus, either in person or by post:

• A completed visa application form, filled out in legible handwriting or typing in English, Russian, or Belarusian. The form must be signed by the applicant and include detailed answers specifying the purpose of the visit.
• One colour photograph taken within the last six months, with a plain, light background, no sunglasses or headwear (unless for ethnic or religious reasons), and the applicant's full face visible.
• A valid original passport with at least two blank pages, valid for at least 90 days after the expected departure from Belarus.
• Visa support documents relevant to the type of visa you are applying for (e.g., a formal request, invitation letter, proof of accommodation, etc.).
• Proof of health insurance that covers the entire period of your stay in Belarus and has a minimum coverage of €10,000.
• Proof of payment of the visa processing fee.
• A pre-paid return envelope (when applying by post).

The regular visa processing time is five business days, and expedited processing can be requested within two business days. It is recommended to apply for the visa no earlier than six months before your intended visit.

Visa-free Entry:

It is important to note that U.S. passport holders can enter Belarus without a visa if they meet specific conditions. Visa-free entry is allowed for stays of up to 30 days for tourism or business purposes when arriving at and departing from Minsk International Airport. To qualify for visa-free entry, you must:

• Hold a valid passport.
• Enter and exit Belarus via Minsk International Airport only.
• Arrive from and depart to any country other than the Russian Federation.
• Show evidence of sufficient funds in the form of cash, credit cards, or traveller's cheques equivalent to €25 per day of your stay.
• Show proof of medical insurance with coverage of at least €10,000 valid throughout Belarus.

Registration Requirements:

All U.S. citizens staying in Belarus for more than five days (not including Sundays or national holidays) are required to register with the local office of the Citizenship and Migration Department of the Ministry of Interior. This requirement applies regardless of whether you have a visa or are entering under the 30-day visa-free regime. Registration must be completed within five days of arrival, and failure to do so can result in administrative penalties.

Travel Advisories:

It is essential to stay updated with the latest travel advisories and warnings before planning a trip to Belarus. Due to the country's involvement in the Russia-Ukraine conflict, the U.S. Department of State has issued a Level 4 travel advisory, urging U.S. citizens not to travel to Belarus and recommending that those currently in the country depart immediately. There are also reports of potential harassment targeted at foreigners and arbitrary enforcement of local laws. Therefore, it is strongly advised to carefully consider the risks and stay informed about the evolving security situation before making any travel decisions.

Visa fees

Yes, American citizens do need a visa to enter Belarus. This can be obtained from a Belarusian Embassy or Consulate overseas. The visa is typically a stamp or sticker added to the passport, and the process usually takes 5 business days.

The visa fee is payable in cash, in US dollars, on the day of your appointment. The fee is non-refundable, and it is not transferable. The fee for tourist, business, and student visas is $160, and for petition-based visas, it is $190.

It is important to note that the visa fee does not guarantee entry into Belarus. Even with a visa, American citizens are unlikely to be allowed entry to Belarus over a land border.

In addition to the visa fee, there may be other costs to consider, such as the cost of obtaining a passport, travel insurance, and other supporting documents.

For US citizens applying for a visa to Belarus, it is recommended to apply no earlier than six months before the intended visit and to refrain from making any irrevocable travel plans before obtaining the visa.

Border crossing

U.S. citizens are advised against travelling to Belarus due to the ongoing conflict in Ukraine and the country's involvement with Russia. The U.S. Embassy in Belarus has issued a Level 4 Travel Advisory, urging citizens to avoid all travel to the country.

If you are a U.S. citizen or passport holder, you will need a visa to enter Belarus. This must be obtained from a Belarusian Embassy or Consulate before your trip and will typically take the form of a stamp or sticker added to your passport. You will not be able to obtain this visa on arrival.

The visa application process requires the following:

• A completed visa application form, with all questions answered fully and truthfully, and signed by the applicant.
• A recent colour photograph, taken within the last 6 months, with a plain, light background, and no head covering (unless for religious or ethnic reasons).
• Your valid, original passport, with at least two blank pages, and valid for at least 90 days after your expected departure from Belarus.
• Visa support documents, depending on the type of visa required (e.g., tourist, business, student, etc.).
• Proof of health insurance that covers the entire period of your stay in Belarus and has a minimum coverage of €10,000.
• A processing fee (exemptions apply for children under 14).

It is important to note that even with a valid visa, entry to Belarus via a land border is unlikely. Air travel between Belarus and Russia also requires a visa, and regulations may change unexpectedly.

All U.S. citizens staying in Belarus for more than five days must register with the local office of the Citizenship and Migration Department of the Ministry of Interior. This includes those who enter under the 30-day visa-free regime. Registration must be completed within five days of arrival, and failure to do so may result in administrative action, including fines, deportation, and future entry bans.

When crossing the border, ensure you have all the necessary documentation and that your passport is easily accessible. Be prepared for potential delays or unexpected border closures, particularly when crossing into neighbouring countries such as Lithuania, Poland, Latvia, and Ukraine.

Please note that the political situation in Belarus is volatile and unpredictable, and U.S. citizens are advised to avoid any public demonstrations or gatherings. There have been reports of arbitrary enforcement of local laws, potential harassment of foreigners, and the risk of detention. The U.S. Embassy's ability to provide assistance to citizens in Belarus is limited.

Safety concerns

The US, UK, and Australian governments have all issued warnings advising their citizens against travelling to Belarus, giving the country a Level 4 'Do Not Travel' advisory. The security environment is deemed volatile and could deteriorate at short notice due to Russia's war in neighbouring Ukraine, the presence of Russian military forces in Belarus, and the arbitrary enforcement of laws by Belarusian authorities.

Terrorism

Although there is no recent history of terrorism in Belarus, attacks cannot be ruled out. The UK government warns that attacks could happen anywhere and could affect places visited by foreign nationals.

Political Demonstrations

Demonstrations and protests are possible and could become confrontational, with security forces likely to use force to disperse and detain demonstrators. The authorities launched a violent crackdown against demonstrators across Belarus after the 2020 presidential elections. If protests break out, you should leave the area immediately.

Risk of Arrest and Detention

There is a significant risk of arrest, questioning, or detention for those who have engaged in any political activity related to Belarus, including donating to organisations or supporting activity now considered illegal by the Belarusian regime. This includes activities that took place outside of Belarus, and laws can be applied retroactively. Mobile phones and other personal items may be seized and inspected by the authorities, including at the border upon entering the country.

Dual Nationality

Belarus does not recognise dual nationality. If you enter Belarus with a Belarusian passport, local authorities will treat you as a Belarusian national even if you're a dual national. This severely limits the consular services other nations can provide if you're arrested or detained. Dual citizens are at risk when renewing travel documents in Belarus and should obtain independent legal advice before travelling to or entering the country.

Military Activity

The situation is unpredictable, and there is a low risk that direct conflict linked to the war in Ukraine may spread to Belarus. There is a higher risk of military activity in places where there are Russian and Belarusian military personnel and equipment. Avoid restricted areas reserved for military exercises or operations. It is illegal to take photographs of police or military personnel, or locations of strategic importance, including government buildings and critical infrastructure.

Crime

Crime levels are low in Belarus, but there is a risk of street crime and theft from vehicles or hotel rooms. Be alert to the possibility of pickpocketing, mugging, and robbery, particularly around tourist spots, crowded places, and train/bus stations. Always be careful with your belongings, and never leave them unattended. Keep all your valuables in a safe place or in your accommodation.

Transport

Driving in Belarus can be dangerous due to erratic driving behaviours, such as sudden lane changes without warning. Be careful when commuting on public transportation, as pickpockets often target crowds.

Natural Disasters

Belarus is vulnerable to natural disasters such as floods, storms, and extreme temperatures. Spring floods are common, occurring almost every year. There is also a risk of nuclear accident contamination due to the Chernobyl disaster.

Scams

Although there aren't any known scams that are specific to Belarus, tourists may be targeted by individuals looking to draw money from them. Be aware of your surroundings at all times.

Women Travellers

Women are not at particular risk in Belarus, but common sense and basic precautions are advised, such as avoiding walking alone at night or roaming in secluded areas.

Police and Security Services

It is a common misconception that Belarus is unsafe due to its political situation. However, the only way you are likely to encounter problems is by speaking against the current government in public or participating in opposition demonstrations. Security personnel may place foreigners under surveillance by monitoring hotel rooms, telephones, and fax machines.

Border Crossings

There may be long queues at border crossing points, and customs and immigration procedures can be lengthy and bureaucratic. Border crossings with neighbouring states are sometimes closed with little notice. Additional closures of crossing points along Belarus' borders with Lithuania, Poland, Latvia, and Ukraine are possible.

Frequently asked questions