Belarus And Schengen: Visa Acceptance And Travel Freedom

The EU-Belarus Visa Facilitation Agreement makes it easier for Belarusian citizens to acquire visas to enter the European Union. This agreement, which came into force on 1 July 2020, is a significant milestone in the development of economic, cultural, and other ties between the EU and Belarus. As per the agreement, the visa fee for Belarusian citizens has been reduced to €35, and consulates must make a decision on visa applications within 10 days. Additionally, certain categories of travellers, such as journalists and medical tourists, are exempt from the visa fee and may be eligible for multiple-entry visas valid for up to five years.

For citizens of other countries wishing to enter Belarus, the visa requirements vary depending on the country of origin. As of 2024, citizens of 74 countries, including Vietnam, India, and China, can enter Belarus visa-free for up to 30 days, provided they fulfil certain requirements. However, this visa-free regime does not extend to holders of diplomatic or service passports.

Who can submit a Schengen visa application in Belarus?

All Belarusian nationals or nationals of another country ("third-country national") legally residing in Belarus can submit a Schengen visa application in Belarus. Third-country nationals who are legally staying in Belarus but are not residents can also lodge an application if they provide justification for submitting the application in Belarus.

The application must be lodged at the consulate of the country the applicant intends to visit. If applicants plan to visit several Schengen states, they must apply at the consulate of the country where they will spend the longest period. If applicants are visiting several Schengen states for equal lengths of stay, they must apply at the consulate of the country whose external borders they will cross first when entering the Schengen area.

If the Schengen state of destination does not have a consulate in Belarus, the application must be submitted at the embassy/consulate of the Schengen country representing the consular interests of the country of destination. For example, Schengen visa applications for Austria, Belgium, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, and Slovenia may be submitted at the German Embassy.

It is important to note that the application process for a Schengen visa typically involves scheduling an appointment, filling out the application form, gathering the required documents, and attending a visa interview. The application fee for a Schengen visa is generally 90 EUR, but certain categories may qualify for reduced fees or exemptions.

Where to submit the application?

According to the Visa Code, you must submit your Schengen visa application to one of the following:

• An embassy or consulate of the destination country.
• A designated visa centre authorised by the embassy of your destination country to handle visa submissions.
• The embassy or consulate of another Schengen state to which your destination country has delegated the responsibility for visa submissions.

You can find the contact details (address, working hours) of each consulate and embassy of the Schengen country on their official website.

If there is no embassy or consulate of a specific Schengen country in the country where you live, you will most likely need to submit your application at another Schengen country’s embassy or consulate, which handles visa applications on behalf of the Schengen country you wish to visit.

• Austria, Belgium, Luxembourg, the Netherlands and Slovenia: Submit your application at the German Embassy.
• Greece: Submit your application at the Greek Visa Application Centre in Minsk.
• Denmark: Submit your application at the Danish Visa Application Center in Minsk.
• Iceland, Norway: Submit your application at the French Embassy.
• Spain: Submit your application at the Spanish Visa Center in Minsk.
• Malta: Submit your application at the Italian Embassy.
• Portugal: Submit your application at the Slovak Embassy.
• Finland, Sweden: Submit your application at the Estonian Embassy.
• Switzerland: Submit your application at the Hungarian Embassy.

What are the requirements for a Schengen visa?

To apply for a Schengen visa, you must submit the following documents:

• Schengen Visa Application Form: This form must be completed and signed, with 37 questions covering personal information, invitation information, and more. It is available in multiple languages, and minors must have it signed by a parent or guardian.
• Passport: Ensure your passport is no older than 10 years, has two blank pages, and will be valid for at least three months beyond your departure from the Schengen area.
• Photographs: Provide two photos taken within the last three months, meeting the visa photo requirements, including size, background, expression, and clothing specifications.
• Schengen Travel Insurance: Get valid travel health insurance that covers at least €30,000 for medical emergencies and is valid for your entire stay in the Schengen area.
• Proof of Financial Means: Show that you have sufficient funds for your trip, such as through bank statements or proof of employment.
• Proof of Accommodation: Provide evidence of your accommodation during your stay, such as hotel reservations, rental agreements, or an invitation letter from a host.
• Round-Trip Travel Itinerary: Include flight numbers, dates, and entry and exit details for your trip.
• Visa Fee Payment: The visa fee is typically €90 for adults, €45 for children aged 6-12, and free for children under 6.

In addition to these standard documents, you may also need to provide additional documents depending on the purpose of your travel. For example, if you are visiting for tourism, you may need a detailed travel itinerary. If you are visiting friends or family, you will need an invitation letter and proof of your relationship. For business trips, you will need a business invitation letter and proof of previous business dealings. Always review the specific requirements for your travel purpose and consult the relevant consulate or embassy for any additional instructions.

How long does it take to process a visa?

The standard visa processing time for a Belarusian entry visa is 5 business days. However, in urgent cases, this can be expedited to within 2 business days. The consular officer has the right to increase the term of visa processing and is not obliged to indicate the reasons for visa denial.

The time taken to process a visa also depends on the type of visa being applied for. Belarus offers the following types of entry visas:

• B – transit visa, valid for up to 2 days
• C – short-term visa, valid for up to 90 days
• D – long-term visa, valid for the period exceeding 90 days with the right to stay in Belarus for up to 90 days, unless otherwise stipulated by international agreements

Entry visas may be single-entry, double-entry, or multiple-entry.

For EU citizens, the EU-Belarus Visa Facilitation Agreement has made it easier to acquire visas to enter Belarus. As a rule, consulates take no more than 10 days to make a decision on a visa application.

What is the Schengen Borders Code?

The Schengen Borders Code is a regulation of the European Parliament and the Council of the European Union that came into force on 9 March 2016. The code provides rules governing the movement of persons across borders and applies to any person crossing the internal or external borders of member states. The code lays down rules for border control of persons crossing the external borders of the member states and prohibits border control of persons crossing internal borders.

The code defines 'internal borders' as the common land borders, airports for internal flights, and sea, river, and lake ports for regular internal ferry connections of the member states. It defines 'external borders' as the member states' land borders, sea borders, airports, river ports, sea ports, and lake ports that are not internal borders.

The code outlines the conditions for entry into the territory of the member states for third-country nationals, including possession of a valid travel document, a valid visa (if required), justification for the purpose and conditions of the intended stay, and sufficient means of subsistence. It also specifies the procedures for border checks, refusal of entry, and temporary reintroduction of border control at internal borders in exceptional circumstances.

The code emphasizes respect for human dignity and proportionality in the conduct of border guards' duties and prohibits discrimination based on sex, racial or ethnic origin, religion, disability, age, or sexual orientation. It also provides for the protection of fundamental rights and compliance with relevant international law and the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union.

The code further details the roles and responsibilities of member states, the European Commission, and the European Agency for the Management of Operational Cooperation at the External Borders of the Member States in ensuring effective border control and cooperation between member states.

Frequently asked questions