Belarus Visa Requirements For Driving Through The Country

If you're planning to drive through Belarus, it's important to understand the country's visa requirements. Belarus generally requires most foreign travellers to have a visa, and there are different types of visas depending on the purpose and length of your visit. While some countries have visa-free agreements with Belarus, allowing their citizens to enter without a visa for a specified period, other countries' citizens need to obtain a visa from a Belarusian diplomatic mission before their trip. It's essential to carefully review the specific requirements for your nationality and plan accordingly.

Visa requirements for US citizens

US citizens are required to have a visa to enter Belarus. This can be obtained from a Belarusian embassy or consulate overseas. However, even with a visa, entry and exit over a land border is unlikely to be permitted.

The visa is typically a stamp or sticker added to the passport, and must be obtained from a local embassy, consulate, or visa center before travelling. It is recommended that US citizens visit the website of the Embassy of Belarus for the latest information on entry requirements.

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

• A completed visa application form, filled out in legible handwriting or typing, in English, Russian, or Belarusian.
• A recent colour photograph, no older than six months, with a plain, light background, and the applicant's full face without sunglasses, a hat, or other headwear (unless for religious or ethnic reasons).
• A valid original passport, with at least two blank pages, valid for at least 90 days after the expected departure date from Belarus.
• Visa support documents for the required type of visa (e.g. tourist, business, humanitarian, etc.).
• Proof of health insurance, valid for at least €10,000, which covers the entire stay in Belarus.
• Proof of payment of the visa fee (exemptions apply for children under 14 and in cases of critical health conditions or death of close relatives).

The standard visa processing time is five business days, and the fee is €60 for all types of visas. The fee is reduced to €35 for citizens of certain European countries, and Japanese citizens are exempt from paying any visa fees.

Visa-free entry for citizens of certain countries

Citizens of the following countries can enter Belarus without a visa for up to 30 days:

• Argentina
• Brazil
• Chile
• Ecuador
• Israel
• South Korea
• Uruguay

Additionally, citizens of the following countries can enter Belarus without a visa for up to 90 days:

• Cuba
• Serbia

It is important to note that these visa-free entry privileges are typically valid only for those who arrive in Belarus via designated airports, such as the Minsk National Airport. If you plan to enter Belarus by land or through any other airport, you may need to obtain a visa in advance.

Furthermore, while visa-free entry allows you to stay in Belarus without a visa for a specified period, it does not grant you the right to work or engage in any income-generating activities. If you wish to work in Belarus, you must obtain the appropriate visa and work permit.

Please ensure that you have a valid passport and any other required documents, such as proof of sufficient funds and a return ticket, when entering Belarus visa-free. The authorities may request these documents upon entry, and failure to provide them may result in refusal of entry.

For citizens of other countries not listed above, a valid visa is generally required to enter Belarus. The type of visa needed will depend on the purpose of your visit, such as tourism, business, study, or work. It is recommended to check official sources, such as the website of the Belarusian Ministry of Foreign Affairs or your nearest Belarusian embassy or consulate, for specific visa requirements and application procedures.

Visa application process

The visa application process for Belarus depends on the purpose of the visit and the length of stay. Belarus issues transit (B), short-term (C), and long-term (D) visas. Here is a detailed guide on the visa application process:

• Visa Type: Determine the type of visa you need based on your purpose of travel and intended duration of stay in Belarus. The most common type of visa is the short-term visa (C), valid for up to 90 days, suitable for tourists, private travellers on family business, etc. Long-term visas (D) are for frequent travellers and those wishing to stay longer, and transit visas (B) are for brief stops in Belarus while travelling to another destination.
• Documents: Gather the required documents, which typically include a completed and signed visa application form, a recent passport-size photograph, a valid passport (with specific validity and blank page requirements), supporting documents based on your purpose of travel, medical insurance with specific coverage requirements, and proof of paying the visa fee.
• Application Submission: Submit your application, along with the required documents, to one of the following:

• Embassies of Belarus
• Consulates of Belarus
• Consular Center of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs at Minsk National Airport
• By post to the Embassy of the Republic of Belarus in the country of residence (some documents may need to be submitted in person)

• Processing Time: Successful applications are typically processed within five working days, or within two working days for urgent cases. Additional fees may apply for expedited processing.
• Visa Fee: Since 2017, applicants have been required to pay a visa fee of €60 for all types of visas, with some exceptions. Japanese citizens are exempt from paying for any type of Belarusian visa. There may be additional fees for expedited processing or for obtaining a visa at Minsk National Airport.
• Visa Validity and Entry Restrictions: Be mindful of the validity period and entry restrictions of your visa. For example, transit visas are typically valid for up to one year and allow for two-day stops in Belarus. Short-term visas are usually valid for up to 90 days.
• Registration for Extended Stay: If you plan to stay in Belarus for an extended period, you may need to register with the local office of the Citizenship and Migration Department of the Ministry of Interior. This requirement typically applies when staying beyond five days (excluding Sundays and national holidays) and may vary based on your accommodation type.
• Visa Extension: Note that once a visa is issued, it cannot be extended. If your travel plans change, you will need to apply for a new visa.
• Visa-Free Travel: Citizens of specific countries may be eligible for visa-free travel to Belarus for a limited duration and through designated entry points, such as the Minsk National Airport. However, this does not apply if travelling to or from airports in the Russian Federation.
• Travel Advisories: It is essential to stay updated with the latest travel advisories and entry requirements, especially considering the volatile situation in the region. Check the websites of the relevant embassies for the most current information.

Border crossing rules

Belarus's visa and other migration policies are implemented in accordance with the mobility rights arrangements within the Commonwealth of Independent States and the rules of the single market of the Eurasian Economic Union.

Most foreign travellers need a visa to enter Belarus. However, citizens of certain countries can enter without a visa if stipulated by intergovernmental treaties. These include Albania, Argentina, Brazil, China, Cuba, Ecuador, Israel, Macedonia, Mongolia, Montenegro, Nicaragua, Qatar, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Serbia, Turkey, the United Arab Emirates, and Venezuela.

For those who require a visa, Belarus issues transit, short-term, and long-term visas depending on the purpose and length of the visit. Short-term visas are valid for up to 90 days and are suitable for tourists and private travellers on family business. Long-term visas are usually valid for 90 days to five years and allow multiple entries to Belarus. Transit visas are valid for up to one year and allow travellers to stay in Belarus for two days while in transit.

To obtain a visa, applicants must submit the following documents to a Belarusian embassy or consulate:

• A completed and signed application form
• A recent passport-size photograph
• A valid passport, valid for at least 90 days after the intended stay and with at least two blank pages
• Supporting documents such as a 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

It is important to note that American passport holders may be denied entry to Belarus even with a valid visa. Additionally, there is no international passport control at the Belarusian-Russian land border, so foreigners may not cross this border by car, train, or on foot, regardless of their visa status.

Registration requirements

If you are driving through Belarus, you must register with the Belarusian authorities if you are staying in the country for more than five working days. You should do this within five working days of arriving in Belarus. You can register at the local office of the Ministry of Internal Affairs or at the hotel where you are staying.

To register, you will need to provide the following documents:

• Your passport
• A completed application form
• Two passport-sized photographs
• A copy of your visa, if required
• A document confirming your accommodation in Belarus (e.g. a hotel booking confirmation or a letter of invitation from your host)

If you are registering at a hotel, you will also need to provide a tourist card, which is usually provided by the hotel. The registration process usually takes a few days, and you will need to pay a small fee.

It is important to note that the registration requirements may change, so it is always best to check with the Belarusian embassy or consulate in your country before you travel. This will ensure that you have the most up-to-date information and can avoid any potential issues when entering or driving through Belarus.

Frequently asked questions