Exploring Belarus: Visa Requirements For Your Visit

If you're planning a trip to Belarus, you'll need to know about the country's visa requirements. The type of visa you'll need to enter Belarus depends on your nationality, the purpose of your visit, and the length of your stay. Here's an overview:

For citizens of certain countries, such as Albania, Argentina, Brazil, and China, no visa is required for stays of up to 30 or 90 days, depending on the specific agreements with Belarus. However, for most foreign travellers, a visa is necessary. Belarus offers different types of visas, including transit, short-term, and long-term visas, depending on the purpose and duration of the visit.

To obtain a Belarusian entry visa, individuals must submit several documents to the Embassy, including a completed application form, a colour photograph, a valid original passport, supporting documents, health insurance information, and proof of visa processing fee payment. It's important to note that the visa processing time is typically around 5 business days, and the fee for all types of visas is €60.

Additionally, there are visa-free travel options for citizens of specific countries. For instance, citizens of 76 countries can take advantage of the 30-day visa-free travel to Belarus if they arrive and depart from Minsk National Airport. However, this does not apply to those travelling to or from Russia, as these flights are considered internal.

Visa requirements for US citizens

US citizens located in or considering travel to Belarus are strongly advised against travelling to the country, due to the ongoing conflict in neighbouring Ukraine. The situation is unpredictable, and there is heightened tension in the region. There is also the possibility of potential harassment targeted specifically at foreigners.

However, if you are a US citizen and still wish to travel to Belarus, you will need a visa. This must be issued by a Belarusian Embassy or Consulate overseas. Even with a visa, you are unlikely to be allowed entry to Belarus over a land border. You are also unlikely to be allowed to exit Belarus over a land border.

To obtain a Belarusian entry visa, you must submit the following documents to the Embassy:

• A completed visa application form, with complete and logically consistent answers, and a detailed, specific purpose of the visit.
• One colour photograph, taken within the last 6 months, with a plain background, no sunglasses, hat or other head covering, and with the applicant's face covering 70-80% of the photograph.
• A valid original passport, with at least two blank pages intended for visas, valid for at least 90 days after the expected departure date from Belarus, and containing a photograph of the owner.
• Visa support documents for the required type of visa.
• Health insurance, valid in Belarus and covering the applicant for at least €10,000.
• A pre-paid envelope for the return of documents.

The regular visa processing time is 5 business days, and the fee is €60.

If you are staying in Belarus for more than five days, you will be required to register with the local office of the Citizenship and Migration Department of the Ministry of Interior. This applies to both visa holders and those who enter under the 30-day visa-free regime. 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.

Additional Information

If you are a US citizen, you do not need a visa to travel to certain other countries, including Albania, Argentina, Brazil, Cuba, Ecuador, Israel, Macedonia, Mongolia, Montenegro, Qatar, Serbia, Türkiye, and Venezuela.

Visa-free entry for citizens of certain countries

Citizens of several countries can enter Belarus without a visa. The length of their visa-free stay depends on the country of origin.

Citizens of Lithuania, Latvia (including non-citizens of Latvia), and Poland can stay in Belarus for up to 90 days without a visa.

Citizens of 35 European countries can stay in Belarus for up to 30 days without a visa. These countries include Austria, Andorra, Belgium, Bulgaria, Bosnia and Herzegovina, the Vatican, Great Britain and Northern Ireland, Hungary, Greece, Denmark, Ireland, Iceland, Spain, Italy, Cyprus, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, Malta, the Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, Romania, San Marino, North Macedonia, Slovakia, Slovenia, Finland, France, Germany, Croatia, the Czech Republic, Switzerland, Sweden, and Estonia (including stateless persons permanently residing in Estonia).

Citizens of 76 countries can take advantage of the 30-day visa-free travel to Belarus. These countries include Vietnam, Haiti, Gambia, Egypt, India, Jordan, Iran, Lebanon, Namibia, Pakistan, Samoa, and South Africa. Citizens of these countries must also have a valid multi-visa to the EU states or the Schengen Area with a stamp confirming entry to their territory and plane tickets confirming the departure from Minsk National Airport or the airports of Brest, Vitebsk, Gomel, Grodno, or Mogilev within 30 days after the date of entry.

Citizens of Albania, Argentina, Brazil, Cuba, Ecuador, Israel, Macedonia, Mongolia, Montenegro, the People's Republic of China, Qatar, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Serbia, Türkiye, the United Arab Emirates, and Venezuela can stay in Belarus for up to 30 days without a visa.

Citizens of Antigua and Barbuda, Barbados, Dominica, El Salvador, Haiti, Malaysia, Mexico, Micronesia, Namibia, Panama, Peru, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Samoa, Seychelles, Tunisia, Vanuatu, and Vietnam can stay in Belarus for up to 28-30 days without a visa.

Citizens of certain countries can visit the Grodno-Brest tourist zone without a visa for 15 days. This zone includes popular attractions and the biggest cities in the western part of the country, including Brest, Brest District, Zhabinka District, Kamenets District, Pruzhany District, Grodno, Grodno District, Berestovitsa District, Volkovysk District, Voronovo District, Lida District, Svisloch District, and Shchuchin District.

Visa application process

To obtain a visa to enter Belarus, you must submit the following documents to one of the following authorities:

• Diplomatic missions of the Republic of Belarus
• Consular institutions of the Republic of Belarus
• Foreign Admissions Division of the Consular Directorate of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Belarus in the “National Airport Minsk”

The required documents are:

• A duly completed and signed visa application form, with answers that are logically consistent and indicate the real purpose of the visit.
• One recent colour photograph (35x45 mm, made not earlier than 6 months prior to submitting), with the applicant's face covering 70-80% of the photograph.
• A valid original passport, with at least two blank pages intended for visas, and 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 visa, business visa, etc.).
• Health insurance valid across Belarus with a minimum coverage of €10,000.
• Proof of paying the visa fee (exempt for children under 14).

The standard visa processing time is 5 business days, or 2 business days for urgent applications. The consular officer has the right to request additional documents, reduce the number of entries or validity period of the visa, and increase the processing time. If the visa is denied, the fee is not reimbursed.

Alternatively, foreign nationals arriving at Minsk National Airport can obtain a visa on arrival by submitting the required documents no later than two days before arrival.

Visa-Free Travel

Citizens of certain countries can visit Belarus without a visa for up to 30 days, provided they:

• Enter and exit via Minsk National Airport.
• Arrive from and depart to any country other than Russia.
• Show evidence of finances equivalent to €25 per day.
• Show evidence of medical insurance with at least €10,000 coverage.

Citizens of Lithuania, Latvia, and Poland can enter Belarus without a visa for up to 90 days, while citizens of 35 other European countries can visit for up to 30 days.

Visa fees and payment methods

The visa fee for Belarus is typically €60 for all types of visas, regardless of the number of entries. However, there are different fees for citizens of certain countries. For example, citizens of Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, and Poland must pay the following fees:

• Transit visa (type B): €10 for a group single (per person), €18 for a group double (per person), and €35 for multiple entries.
• Short-term visa (type C): €10 for a group single (per person), €18 for a group double (per person), and €80 for multiple entries.
• Long-term visa (type D): €80.

Japanese and Serbian citizens are exempt from paying any visa fees. Additionally, foreigners under the age of 14 are also exempt from visa fees.

Visa applications may be subject to a surcharge in certain cases:

• A 100% surcharge is applied to applications handled urgently (within two days) by foreign diplomatic institutions of Belarus.
• A 50% surcharge is charged for applications submitted by nationals of countries without a Belarusian diplomatic mission to the central consular affairs office.
• A 200% surcharge is applied when nationals of countries with a Belarusian diplomatic mission request a visa from the central consular affairs office.

Visas processed at Minsk National Airport typically cost double the standard tariff.

The consular fee is set by the Tax Code of the Republic of Belarus, and special rates for certain categories of foreigners are established by the President.

Payment methods may vary depending on the specific Belarusian embassy or consulate where the application is submitted. Some common payment methods include credit or debit cards, bank transfers, or cash payments. It is recommended to contact the nearest Belarusian embassy or consulate to confirm the accepted payment methods.

It is important to note that visa fees are generally non-refundable, even in cases of visa denial. Therefore, applicants should ensure they meet all the requirements and submit complete and accurate documentation to avoid unnecessary costs.

Rules for border crossing and staying in Belarus

When planning a trip to Belarus, it is important to be well-informed about the necessary requirements and regulations for a smooth entry and stay in the country. Here is a comprehensive guide outlining the rules you need to follow:

Obtaining a Visa

Unless you are a citizen of one of the visa-exempt countries, you will need to obtain a visa prior to your arrival in Belarus. The type of visa required depends on the purpose of your visit, which can include tourism, business, private invitations, or transit. Ensure that you apply for the correct visa category that aligns with your intended activities in Belarus. The visa application process typically involves submitting the required documents, paying the visa fee, and attending an interview if necessary.

Valid Passport and Necessary Documents

To enter Belarus, you must possess a valid passport or travel document. Keep in mind that your passport should be in good condition and have a validity period that extends beyond your intended stay in the country. In addition to your visa and passport, you may need to present other supporting documents, such as proof of sufficient funds, travel tickets, and documentation of your travel plans or accommodation.

Customs Regulations

Familiarize yourself with the customs regulations of Belarus to ensure a smooth entry and exit. Be aware of the restrictions on items such as tobacco and alcohol, as well as the rules regarding the import and export of currency, cultural valuables, and agricultural products. Carefully review the list of prohibited and restricted goods to comply with the customs laws.

Duration of Stay

Pay close attention to the duration of stay permitted by your visa. Different types of visas, such as tourist or business visas, have varying allowed lengths of stay. Overstaying your visa is a serious violation and can lead to legal consequences, including fines and detention. Always be mindful of the validity period of your visa and make sure to depart Belarus before it expires.

Registration and Internal Travel

Foreign visitors in Belarus are typically required to register their place of residence within a specified timeframe after arrival. This registration process is important to ensure compliance with local regulations. Additionally, be aware of any travel restrictions or special permits required for certain areas within the country.

Health and Safety Requirements

Stay informed about the latest health and safety guidelines provided by official sources. Belarus may have specific entry requirements regarding vaccinations or negative test results. It is your responsibility to meet these health standards and to follow any local laws and cultural norms during your stay.

Frequently asked questions