Exploring Belarus: Do I Need A Passport?

If you're planning a trip to Belarus, it's important to understand the visa requirements for entry. The necessary documentation will depend on your country of origin and the purpose of your visit. For instance, American passport holders need a visa issued by a Belarusian embassy or consulate to enter Belarus. They must also register with the local office of the Citizenship and Migration Department of the Ministry of Interior if they're staying for more than five days. On the other hand, Belarus passport holders can visit 44 countries without a visa, including the United Arab Emirates, Saint Kitts and Nevis, and St. Vincent and the Grenadines. However, the duration of stay and permissible purposes for travel are determined by the destination country's regulations. It's always advisable to check the latest entry requirements provided by the Embassy of Belarus or your destination country before travelling.

What are the passport requirements for visiting Belarus?

To enter Belarus, a passport is required for all foreign nationals. The passport must be valid for at least six months after the expected departure date from Belarus and must contain at least two blank pages intended for visas or other marks. Additionally, for US citizens, a visa issued by a Belarusian embassy or consulate is also required.

Belarusian citizens can travel to 81 countries and territories without a visa or with a visa on arrival, including countries in the Commonwealth of Independent States and the Eurasian Economic Union. However, they need a valid visa to enter 114 other countries.

For US citizens, the process of obtaining a Belarusian visa involves submitting several documents to the Embassy of the Republic of Belarus, including a completed visa application form, a colour photograph, a valid original passport, visa support documents, and proof of health insurance. The regular visa processing time is 5 business days, and the consular officer has the right to request additional documents, reduce the number of entries, and increase the visa procedure time.

Do US citizens need a passport to enter Belarus?

Yes, US citizens need a passport and a visa to enter Belarus. The passport must be valid for at least three months beyond the scheduled departure date. The visa can be obtained from a Belarusian embassy or consulate. However, it is important to note that the situation in Belarus is currently volatile due to Russia's attack on Ukraine, and US citizens are strongly advised against travelling to the country. There is a risk of potential harassment targeted specifically at foreigners.

If you are a US citizen and choose to travel to Belarus, you must enter and exit via Minsk International Airport and arrive from and depart to any country other than the Russian Federation. You will need to show evidence of finances equivalent to 25 Euros for each day of your stay, as well as proof of medical insurance with at least 10,000 Euros of coverage. This insurance can be purchased at the airport upon arrival.

Additionally, all visitors to Belarus must register with the local office of the Citizenship and Migration Department of the Ministry of the Interior if they are staying for more than five working days. This registration must be completed within five days of arrival. If you are staying in a hotel, the hotel will complete the registration for you. If you are staying in a private home, you must complete the registration yourself. Failure to register or remaining in the country for more than 30 days can result in administrative action, including fines, deportation, and prohibition from entering Belarus in the future.

It is also important to note that Belarus has specific requirements for dual nationals. Dual nationals of Belarus and another country may enter without a Belarusian passport but will need to obtain one to leave. Additionally, dual nationals are subject to Belarusian laws requiring military service and may not be permitted to depart until they have completed this service.

What are the visa requirements for Belarus?

Visa Requirements for Belarus

Most foreign travellers need a visa to enter Belarus. However, some nationalities are exempt from this requirement.

Visa-Exempt Countries

Citizens of the following countries do not need a visa to enter Belarus:

• Albania (for stays up to 30 days during one trip, not more than 90 days a year)
• Antigua and Barbuda (up to 30 days)
• Argentina (up to 90 days during one trip in a year)
• Barbados (up to 28 days)
• Brazil (up to 90 days)
• Cuba (up to 30 days)
• Dominica (up to 21 days for tourism, a return air ticket is required)
• Ecuador (up to 30 days)
• El Salvador (with a permanent or temporary residence permit in Russia, a valid visa from the USA, Canada, or a Schengen visa)
• Haiti (up to 90 days)
• Israel (up to 90 days in each period of 180 days)
• Macedonia (with a private invitation, a request from a travel company, or an invitation from a healthcare institution)
• Malaysia (up to 30 days)
• Mongolia (up to 90 days)
• Montenegro (up to 30 days)
• Nicaragua (up to 90 days)
• Qatar (up to 30 days)
• Saint Kitts and Nevis (up to 30 days)
• Saint Vincent and the Grenadines (up to 30 days)
• Serbia (up to 30 days)
• Turkey (up to 30 days)
• United Arab Emirates (up to 90 days)
• Venezuela (up to 90 days)

Additionally, citizens of the People's Republic of China, including Hong Kong and Macao Special Administrative Regions, can stay for up to 30 days, not exceeding 90 days per calendar year.

Visa Types

Belarus issues the following types of visas:

• Transit (B)
• Short-term (C)
• Long-term (D)

The most common type is the short-term visa, which is valid for up to 90 days and is suitable for private travellers on family business. It can be a single-entry, double-entry, or multiple-entry visa. Tourists usually receive this type of visa through their travel agency.

Long-term visas are 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 visas are valid for up to one year and allow travellers to stay in Belarus for up to two days when passing through the country to another destination.

Visa Application Process

To obtain a visa for Belarus, applicants must submit the following documents:

• Completed and signed application form
• Recent passport-size photograph (made no earlier than 6 months prior, with the applicant's face covering 70-80% of the photograph)
• Valid passport (valid for at least 90 days after the intended stay and with at least two blank pages)
• Supporting documents (e.g., formal request, invitation letter, proof of accommodation, etc.)
• Medical insurance valid in Belarus with coverage of at least €10,000
• Proof of paying the visa fee

Visas are issued by the Embassies and Consulates of Belarus, as well as the Consular Centre of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs at Minsk National Airport. The standard processing time is five working days, but urgent processing (within two working days) is available for an additional fee.

Visa Fees

The standard visa fee for all types of visas is €60. However, there are reduced fees for citizens of certain countries, such as €35 for citizens of EU member states. Japanese citizens are exempt from paying any visa fees. Additional fees may apply in specific cases, such as expedited processing or obtaining a visa at Minsk National Airport.

Visa-Free Travel Programs

Belarus also offers visa-free travel programs for tourists, allowing them to visit the country under a simplified procedure. These programs vary in duration and terms of stay.

Special Considerations

It's important to note that the visa requirements and exemptions may change, and travellers should always check the latest information from official sources before planning their trip to Belarus. Additionally, separate requirements and restrictions may apply when travelling between Belarus and specific countries, such as Russia.

How long does it take to get a Belarusian visa?

To enter Belarus, most foreign nationals require a visa issued by a Belarusian embassy or consulate. The time it takes to obtain a Belarusian visa depends on several factors, including the type of visa, the urgency of the request, and the specific requirements of the issuing authority. Here is an overview of the typical visa processing times:

Visa Types and Processing Times:

• Transit Visa (Type B): This visa is for individuals transiting through Belarus and is valid for up to two days. The processing time for a transit visa is typically five working days for regular applications. For urgent cases, it can be expedited to within two working days for an additional fee.
• Short-Term Visa (Type C): The short-term visa is the most common type, valid for up to 90 days. It caters to private travellers on family business and tourists. The standard processing time is five working days, similar to the transit visa. Urgent processing can also be requested within two working days for an additional fee.
• Long-Term Visa (Type D): Long-term visas are typically valid for periods ranging from 90 days to five years and allow multiple entries into Belarus. The processing time for long-term visas may vary depending on the specific circumstances and requirements.

Documents Required for Visa Application:

To obtain a Belarusian visa, applicants must submit the following documents to the appropriate issuing authority:

• Completed and signed visa application form
• Recent passport-size photograph (3.5 cm by 4.5 cm, made no earlier than six months before submission)
• Valid passport (with at least two blank pages and valid for at least 90 days after the intended stay)
• Supporting documents (e.g., formal request, invitation letter, proof of accommodation, etc.)
• Medical insurance from an accepted provider, valid for Belarus and covering the applicant for at least €10,000
• Proof of visa fee payment
• Additional documents may be requested by the consular service

It is important to note that the processing times provided are standard estimates, and the final decision on visa issuance rests with the consular officer. The consular officer has the authority to adjust the number of entries, validity of the visa, and processing time. Therefore, it is advisable to initiate the visa application process well in advance of your planned travel date to Belarus.

What are the rules for border crossings into Belarus?

The rules for border crossings into Belarus vary depending on the traveller's nationality and the duration of their stay. Here are the key rules for crossing the Belarusian border:

Passport Requirements:

• A passport is required for entry into Belarus. The passport must be valid for at least six months after the expected departure date and contain at least two blank pages for visas or other marks.
• For US citizens, a visa issued by a Belarusian Embassy or Consulate is also required. However, even with a visa, entry into Belarus over land borders from neighbouring countries is unlikely.

Visa Requirements:

• Belarus offers visa-free access to citizens of several countries, including Argentina, Brazil, Cuba, Israel, and the United Arab Emirates, among others. The duration of visa-free stays varies from 21 to 90 days.
• For citizens of other countries, a Belarusian entry visa is required and can be obtained by submitting the necessary documents to the Belarusian Embassy. The standard processing time is 5 business days, but expedited processing within 2 business days is possible.
• An invitation or referral from a Belarusian entity may be required for some visa types.
• Registration with the local office of the Citizenship and Migration Department of the Ministry of Interior is mandatory for stays exceeding 5 days. This registration must be completed within the first 5 days of arrival.
• Failure to register or overstaying beyond the permitted duration can result in administrative action, including fines, deportation, and future entry bans.

Health Insurance:

Travellers are required to have health insurance valid for the entire period of their stay in Belarus. The insurance should provide coverage of at least €10,000 and include the Republic of Belarus in its validity area.

It is recommended to consult official sources and embassies for the most up-to-date and accurate information regarding border crossing rules into Belarus, as these requirements can change.

Frequently asked questions