Visa Rules For Americans Visiting Belarus Explained

US citizens travelling to Belarus need a visa. This includes those who are transiting through the country. The maximum stay on an entry visa is 30 days, with temporary stay visas allowing visitors to remain in the country for up to 90 days in one calendar year. The visa application process can take 3-10 working days, with an expedited process available for those who need their visa more quickly. Belarus also offers several visa-free travel programs for tourists, as well as visa-free access through Minsk National Airport for citizens of certain countries.

Visa requirements for US citizens travelling to Belarus

US citizens travelling to Belarus need a visa. This can be obtained by submitting the following documents to the Embassy of the Republic of Belarus:

• A completed visa application form, filled out in legible handwriting or typing, in English, Russian or Belarusian.
• One colour photograph, taken within the last 6 months, with a plain background, no sunglasses, hat or head covering (unless for religious or ethnic reasons) and showing the applicant's full face.
• A valid original passport, with at least two blank pages for visas, valid for at least 90 days after the expected departure date from Belarus.
• Visa support documents for the required type of visa.
• Proof of health insurance, valid in Belarus and covering the applicant for at least €10,000.
• A pre-paid envelope for the return of documents (when applying by post).

The regular visa processing time is 5 business days, or 2 business days for an expedited service. The visa fee is €60 for all types of visas, with an additional fee for expedited services. Japanese citizens are exempt from paying for a Belarusian visa.

US citizens can also obtain a visa on arrival at Minsk National Airport, although this is a complicated process. An inviting party in Belarus must submit all the traveller's paperwork to the airport consular office at least two business days before their arrival. When the traveller arrives in Belarus, they will need to complete a visa form, provide a passport-style photo, demonstrate proof of health insurance and show proof of sufficient funds to support their trip.

How to apply for a Belarusian visa

US citizens travelling to Belarus need a visa. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to apply for a Belarusian visa:

Step 1: Check visa requirements

Before starting your application, it is important to check the visa requirements for US citizens. Make sure you are familiar with the type of visa you need, the required documents, and any other specific instructions.

Step 2: Gather required documents

To apply for a Belarusian visa, you will typically need the following documents:

• Completed visa application form: The form should be filled out in English, Russian, or Belarusian, with clear and consistent answers. It must be signed by the applicant personally.
• Passport photograph: One colour photograph taken within the last 6 months, with a plain, light background, and no head covering unless for religious or ethnic reasons.
• Valid original passport: Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months after your expected departure from Belarus and have at least two blank pages for visas.
• Supporting documents: Depending on the purpose of your visit, you may need additional supporting documents such as an invitation letter, proof of accommodation, or a job offer.
• Proof of health insurance: Your insurance must cover the entire period of your stay in Belarus and have a minimum coverage of €10,000.
• Proof of visa fee payment: The visa fee is typically €60, but there may be additional fees for expedited processing or visa issuance at Minsk National Airport.

Step 3: Submit your application

You can submit your application by mail or in person to the Embassy of the Republic of Belarus. The standard processing time is 5 business days, but expedited processing within 2 business days is available for an additional fee.

Step 4: Wait for visa processing

After submitting your application, wait for the consular officer to process your visa. The officer may request additional documents or an interview during this time. Note that the visa fee is non-refundable, even if your application is denied.

Step 5: Receive your visa

Once your visa is approved, you will receive your visa in your passport. Carefully check the details of your visa, including the validity and the number of entries allowed. If you need to extend your stay beyond the visa validity, you must apply for an extension at the local unit of the Citizenship and Migration Department of the Ministry of Interior.

Additional considerations:

• Visa-free access: Citizens of certain countries, such as Albania, Argentina, and Brazil, may be eligible for visa-free access to Belarus for a specified duration. Check the official website of the Republic of Belarus for the latest information.
• On-arrival visas: In some cases, you may be able to obtain a visa on arrival at Minsk National Airport. However, this process can be complicated, and it is recommended to obtain your visa before travelling.
• E-visa program: Belarus offers an e-visa program for short-term visitors from eligible countries. You can apply for an e-visa online at least three days before your trip.

Visa-free countries

As of 2024, US citizens can travel to a total of 150 countries without a visa, enter 33 countries with a visa on arrival, and easily obtain eVisas for 20 countries. However, US citizens need a valid visa to enter 22 countries.

• Bosnia and Herzegovina
• Saint Kitts and Nevis
• Sao Tome and Principe
• United Arab Emirates
• Northern Mariana Islands
• British Virgin Islands
• Caribbean Netherlands

US citizens can also enter all European Union countries without a visa for stays of up to 90 days. However, from 2025, they may need to fulfil the European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS) requirements. It is important to note that the 90-day limit applies to the entire Schengen Area, which includes 29 European countries.

Additionally, some countries require an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA), such as Australia, New Zealand, and Sri Lanka. An eTA allows a country to screen visitors before they enter, increasing security and transparency.

US citizens are restricted from entering a few nations, such as North Korea, which requires special passport validation from the US Government. It is also important to note that while US citizens are allowed to visit Cuba, they require special legal permission in advance.

Visa types and validity

US citizens travelling to Belarus need to obtain a visa. The type of visa and its validity depend on the purpose and length of the visit. Belarus issues transit (B), short-term (C) and long-term (D) visas.

Transit Visas (B)

Transit visas are for travellers passing through Belarus to another destination. These visas are valid for up to one year and allow a stay of up to two days in Belarus each time the traveller passes through the country.

Short-term Visas (C)

Short-term visas are the most common type of visa. They are valid for up to 90 days and are suitable for private travellers on family business. Short-term visas can be single-entry, double-entry, or multiple-entry. Tourists usually receive a short-term group visa through their travel agency.

Long-term Visas (D)

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

Visa-free Travel

Citizens of certain countries can enter Belarus without a visa, provided it is stipulated by intergovernmental treaties. For example, citizens of Albania, Argentina, Brazil, China, Cuba, Ecuador, Israel, Qatar, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Serbia, the United Arab Emirates, and Venezuela can stay in Belarus for periods ranging from 30 to 90 days without a visa.

Additionally, Belarus offers visa-free travel programs for tourists, allowing travellers who would normally need a visa to visit the country under a simplified procedure.

Visa Processing Time and Fees

The regular visa processing time is five business days, or two business days for expedited processing. The visa fee is typically €60 for all types of visas, with some exceptions. For example, Japanese citizens are exempt from paying for any type of Belarusian visa, while citizens of Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, and other European countries pay a reduced fee of €35.

Visa fees and processing times

To obtain a Belarusian entry visa, applicants must submit the following documents to the Embassy of the Republic of Belarus in the United States of America:

• A completed visa application form, filled out in legible block letters or typing, in English, Russian, or Belarusian. The form must be signed by the applicant personally and include answers that are complete and logically consistent, specifying the real purpose and details of the visit.
• One colour passport-sized photograph, taken within the last 6 months, with the applicant's full face (70-80% of the picture) without sunglasses, hats, or other head coverings unless for ethnic or religious reasons. The background should be plain, evenly lit, and light-coloured, with no ink or corrugation.
• A valid original passport, containing a photograph of the owner, with at least two blank pages for visas, valid for at least 90 days after the expected departure date from Belarus, and with no torn pages, marks, entries, erasures, or corrections that are not certified by the issuing authorities.
• Visa support documents for the required type of visa (e.g. tourist visa, business visa, student visa, etc.).
• Proof of health insurance from an approved provider, valid for Belarus and covering the applicant for a minimum of €10,000.
• Proof of paying the visa fee, with some exceptions for minors and special circumstances.
• A pre-paid return envelope (when applying by post).

The regular visa processing time is 5 business days, with an expedited option of 2 business days. The consular officer may request additional documents and has the right to reduce the number of entries and the validity period of the visa. The visa fee for all types of visas is €60, with some exceptions for citizens of specific countries and minors. Japanese citizens are exempt from paying any visa fees. Additional fees may apply for expedited processing or obtaining a visa at Minsk National Airport.

Frequently asked questions