Visa Requirements: Irish Travelers To Belarus

Irish citizens wishing to travel to Belarus should be aware that the Irish Department of Foreign Affairs strongly advises against all travel to the country due to the extent of Russian military operations and the conflict in neighbouring Ukraine. However, for those who still plan to travel to Belarus, it is important to understand the visa requirements. As of July 2024, Irish citizens are exempt from obtaining a visa if their stay in Belarus will be for no more than 30 days, provided they meet certain conditions. For stays longer than 30 days, a visa is required, and applications can be processed through the CIBTvisas office in England.

Irish citizens can stay in Belarus for up to 30 days without a visa

To take advantage of the visa-free entry, you must have a valid passport with a minimum validity of at least three months beyond your scheduled departure date. It is also necessary to have proof of sufficient funds, which equates to a minimum of £20 or €22 per day of your stay. Additionally, you will need to provide proof of medical insurance cover for Belarus, with a minimum coverage of £10,000 or €10,000.

It is important to note that the visa-free stay cannot be extended beyond 30 days. If you plan to stay longer, you will need to obtain a visa. The requirements for a visa can be found on the website of the Embassy of Belarus or through visa application services.

While in Belarus, it is recommended that you follow the guidance of national and local authorities and stay informed about any developments by monitoring local news and social media. It is also advisable to register your details with your country's embassy so that they can contact you quickly in case of an emergency.

A valid passport is required for travel to Belarus

As of 19 July 2024, Irish citizens do not need a visa to enter Belarus if they are staying for 30 days or fewer. However, a valid passport is required for travel to Belarus. Here are some key points regarding passport requirements:

• Passport Validity: Your Irish passport should be valid for at least three months beyond your scheduled departure date from Belarus. It is important to ensure that your passport has sufficient validity to avoid any issues during your travel.
• Passport Type: Only a passport booklet is accepted as a valid travel document for entry into Belarus. Passport cards issued by Ireland are not considered valid for this purpose.
• Blank Pages: It is recommended that your passport has at least two blank facing visa pages. This is necessary for the entry stamp and any other visa requirements.
• Photographs: Your passport must contain a recent photograph that meets the specified criteria. This includes size, background, and other parameters. It is best to refer to the official passport guidelines to ensure your photograph complies with the requirements.
• Registration: If you are staying in Belarus for more than three days, you must register with the local police office (OVIR) in the district where you are staying. If you are staying in a hotel, the registration will be done on your behalf by the hotel management.
• Carrying your Passport: It is advisable to carry your passport with you at all times while in Belarus. In the event that you are stopped by the police for a registration or visa check, you must be able to prove your identity with a valid passport or another form of internationally recognised identification.
• Dual Citizens: It is important to note that dual citizens of Ireland and Belarus can only enter and leave Belarus using their Belarusian passport. They cannot use their Irish passport, even with a valid visa.

In addition to the passport requirements, there are other important considerations for travelling to Belarus. These include medical insurance, proof of sufficient funds, and adhering to local laws and customs. It is always recommended to stay informed about the latest travel advice and requirements before planning your trip.

Irish citizens must enter and exit Belarus through Minsk National Airport

Irish citizens are required to have a visa to enter Belarus. However, as of 19 July 2024, they can visit the country without a visa for up to 30 days if they enter and exit through Minsk National Airport. This visa-free option is also available at the border checkpoints of "Airport Brest", "Airport Gomel", "Airport Grodno", "Airport Mogilev", and "Airport Vitebsk". It is important to note that this exemption does not apply to those arriving in Belarus by plane from Russia or planning to fly to Russian airports, as these flights are considered internal and do not have border control.

To take advantage of the visa-free option, Irish citizens must ensure their passports are valid for at least three months beyond their scheduled departure date from Belarus. Additionally, their passports must have a minimum of two blank visa pages. It is also recommended to carry a mix of US Dollars and Euros, as credit cards are not widely used in Belarus.

If Irish citizens plan to stay in Belarus for more than 30 days, they will need to obtain a visa. The requirements for a Belarusian visa include a completed visa application form, a recent passport-size photograph, a valid passport, supporting documents depending on the purpose of the visit, medical insurance, and proof of paying the visa fee. The visa can be obtained from the Embassy of Belarus in London or upon arrival at Minsk National Airport by submitting the necessary documents to the Foreign Admissions Division of the Consular Directorate of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Belarus.

It is important to note that the Department of Foreign Affairs of Ireland strongly advises against all travel to Belarus due to the extent of Russian military operations and the restricted options for Irish citizens to depart the country.

A medical insurance policy with coverage of at least €10,000 is required

As of 19 July 2024, Irish citizens do not need a visa to enter Belarus if they are staying for 30 days or fewer. However, they will need to meet several requirements, including having a valid passport, proof of sufficient funds, and proof of a medical insurance policy with coverage of at least €10,000.

Medical Insurance Policy Requirements

When travelling to Belarus, it is important to have a valid medical insurance policy that will provide financial protection in the event of unexpected illnesses or injuries. This requirement applies to all visitors, including those from Ireland. The policy must meet the following criteria:

• Coverage Amount: Your medical insurance policy must provide coverage of at least €10,000 for emergency medical treatment. This amount is intended to cover the costs of potential medical expenses incurred during your stay in Belarus.
• Validity in Belarus: Ensure that your insurance policy is valid in Belarus and covers the entire duration of your trip. The Belarusian authorities may request to see proof of your insurance policy upon entry, so it is essential to have the necessary documentation readily available.
• Emergency Medical Treatment: The insurance policy should specifically include emergency medical treatment coverage. This type of coverage will protect you in case of unexpected illnesses, accidents, or other medical emergencies that may arise during your travels.
• Worldwide or Specific to Belarus: Your insurance policy must be either a worldwide policy or one that specifically includes Belarus within its coverage area. This ensures that you are covered for any medical incidents that occur within the country.

Obtaining Medical Insurance

You can obtain medical insurance from various sources, including Irish insurance providers or international insurance companies. Some companies offer comprehensive travel insurance packages specifically designed for travellers, which can include medical coverage. It is important to carefully review the terms and conditions of your chosen insurance policy to ensure it meets all the necessary requirements for your trip to Belarus.

Importance of Adequate Insurance Coverage

Having adequate medical insurance coverage is crucial when travelling to any foreign country, including Belarus. The cost of medical treatment and emergency services can be significant, and you don't want to be caught unprepared in the event of an accident or illness. Adequate insurance coverage will provide financial protection and give you peace of mind during your travels. It will help cover expenses such as hospital bills, emergency evacuation, and other unexpected costs associated with medical care.

Additional Insurance Considerations

When choosing a medical insurance policy for your trip to Belarus, consider the following:

• Evacuation and Repatriation Coverage: In the event of a serious medical emergency, you may need to be evacuated to a different city or even repatriated to your home country for specialised medical treatment. Ensure that your insurance policy includes coverage for medical evacuation and repatriation to avoid incurring substantial expenses.
• Coverage for Planned Activities: Review your itinerary and ensure that your insurance policy covers any specific activities you plan to participate in during your trip. For example, if you intend to engage in adventure sports or other high-risk activities, make sure these are included in your coverage.
• Personal Liability Coverage: This type of coverage will protect you in case you accidentally cause injury to someone else or damage their property. It can provide financial protection against potential legal costs and compensation claims.

Irish citizens wishing to leave Belarus should do so via land borders with Poland, Latvia or Lithuania

Irish citizens are advised against all travel to Belarus due to the extent of Russian military operations in the country and the resulting restricted departure options for Irish citizens. Flights to and from Minsk are now very limited. Irish citizens in Belarus who wish to leave are advised to do so immediately via the land borders with Poland, Latvia, or Lithuania. However, it is important to note that several land border crossings between Belarus and EU member states have been closed recently, and it is anticipated that there will be further restrictions on permits issued to carriers operating international passenger transportation services.

As of July 2024, Irish citizens do not require a visa to stay in Belarus for up to 30 days. However, it is crucial to meet specific requirements, such as having a valid passport, proof of sufficient funds, and medical insurance. For stays exceeding 30 days, a visa is necessary, and applications can be made through the CIBTvisas office in England.

When departing Belarus, Irish citizens should be aware of the operational border crossings for passenger vehicles. As of March 2024, the Lithuania-Belarus border crossings at Lavoriškės and Raigardas are closed. Additionally, pedestrian and bicycle crossings are no longer permitted at the Medininkai and Šalčininkai border crossings.

It is important to stay informed about the latest travel advisories and border crossing information, as the situation in Belarus is dynamic and subject to change.

Frequently asked questions