Belarus' Evisa System: What Foreign Visitors Need To Know

Belarus has different visa requirements depending on the nationality of the visitor. Citizens of 74 countries, including the United States, can visit Belarus visa-free for 30 days, as long as they arrive and depart from Minsk National Airport. However, this does not apply to those arriving from or travelling to the Russian Federation, as these flights are considered internal and do not have border control. For longer stays, or if arriving and departing from a different location, a visa is required. This can be obtained from a Belarusian embassy or consulate, or at Minsk National Airport, and requires a valid passport, proof of health insurance, and other supporting documents.

Visa requirements for US citizens

US citizens require a visa to enter Belarus. This can be a paper or embassy visa, typically in the form of a stamp or sticker added to the passport. This visa must be obtained from a local embassy, consulate, or visa center before travelling.

The US Embassy in Belarus has been closed since February 28, 2022, due to security and safety issues. As such, visa services are not available in Minsk. However, US citizens can obtain a visa from another country.

To obtain a Belarusian entry visa, the following documents must be submitted to the Embassy:

Completed visa application form, which meets the following requirements:

• Filled out in legible handwriting (in block letters) or typed, in English, Russian, or Belarusian.
• Answers must be complete and logically consistent, indicating the real purpose of the visit.
• The purpose of the visit should be specified in detail.
• If a question does not apply, write "N/A". Incomplete forms will be returned unprocessed.
• It is the applicant's responsibility to check that the information on the form is correct.
• The form should be signed by the applicant personally; failure to do so may result in refusal.
• For minors, the form should be signed by their legal representative.

One color photograph, which meets the following requirements:

• Not older than 6 months.
• Size 35 x 45 mm.
• Full face (70-80% of the picture) without sunglasses, hat, or other head covering unless for ethnic or religious reasons.
• Plain, evenly lit, and light background.
• High resolution.
• No corrugation or ink is allowed.

Valid original passport, which meets the following requirements:

• Contains a photograph of the owner.
• Has at least two blank pages intended for visas.
• Valid for at least 90 days after the expected departure date from Belarus.
• Not dubious in terms of authenticity or ownership.
• Contains no torn pages, marks, entries, erasures, or corrections that are not certified by the issuing authorities of the respective foreign state.
• If the applicant is under 18, a copy of the full Birth Certificate (with information about parents) and copies of the parents' passports are required.
• If the applicant previously had USSR or Belarusian citizenship, a document certifying the loss of this citizenship must be submitted.

• Visa support documents for the required type of visa.
• Health insurance, which should contain the following information:

• Name, address, and phone number of the foreign insurance company.
• Full name of the foreign citizen covered by the insurance.
• Valid in the Republic of Belarus.
• Insurance period covering the whole stay in Belarus.
• Insurance coverage of at least €10,000.

• Envelope (when applying by post).
• Upon the request of the consular officer, additional documents may be required.

The regular visa processing time is 5 business days, and expedite processing is available within 2 business days. The consular officer has the right to reduce the number of entries and the validity period of the visa, as well as increase the term of visa processing. Any applicant may be interviewed by a consular officer if necessary. In the case of visa denial, the visa processing fee is not reimbursed, and the officer is not obliged to indicate the reasons for denial. Once issued, the visa cannot be extended. If travel plans change after the visa is issued, a new visa must be applied for.

It is recommended to apply for the visa no earlier than six months before the visit to Belarus and to refrain from making any irrevocable travel plans before obtaining the visa.

Additionally, all US citizens staying in Belarus for more than five days (not including Sundays or national holidays) are required to register with the local office of the Citizenship and Migration Department of the Ministry of Interior. This requirement applies to visa holders and those who enter Belarus under the 30-day visa-free regime. Registration must be completed within five days of arrival (excluding Sundays and national holidays). If staying in a private home, the registration process must be completed by the individual. Failure to register or remaining in Belarus longer than 30 days will result in administrative action, including a fine of up to €550, deportation, and prohibition from entering Belarus in the future.

It is important to note that even with a visa, entry into Belarus over a land border is unlikely. Entry by air is possible, but regulations may change unexpectedly. Therefore, it is recommended to check the latest information on the Embassy of Belarus website before planning a trip.

Visa-free countries

As of 2024, Belarusian citizens can enter 81 countries and territories without a visa or with a visa on arrival. This includes the following countries:

• Albania
• Antigua and Barbuda
• Argentina
• Barbados
• Brazil
• Cuba
• Dominica
• Ecuador
• El Salvador
• Haiti
• Israel
• Macedonia
• Malaysia
• Mexico
• Micronesia
• Mongolia
• Montenegro
• Namibia
• Nicaragua
• North Macedonia
• Panama
• Peru
• Qatar
• Samoa
• Serbia
• Seychelles
• St Kitts and Nevis
• St Vincent and the Grenadines
• Tunisia
• Turkey
• United Arab Emirates
• Venezuela
• Vietnam

Visa application process

The visa application process for Belarus can be completed through several channels, including the country's embassies, consulates, and the consular centre at Minsk National Airport. Here is a detailed guide on the visa application process for Belarus:

• Determine Visa Type: Belarus offers different types of visas depending on the purpose of your visit and the duration of your stay. The types of visas include transit visa (B), short-term visa (C), and long-term visa (D). Each type has specific requirements and limitations.
• Gather Required Documents: To obtain a Belarusian visa, you will need to submit specific documents. The standard documents required include:

• A duly completed and signed visa application form.
• One recent passport-sized photograph (3.5 cm by 4.5 cm, made no earlier than 6 months before submission, with the applicant's face covering 70-80% of the photograph).
• A valid passport (it should be valid for at least 90 days after the intended stay and have at least two blank pages).
• Supporting documents depending on the purpose of your visit (e.g., a formal request, invitation letter, proof of accommodation, etc.).
• Medical insurance from an accepted insurance provider with valid coverage in Belarus.
• Proof of payment of the visa fee.
• Additional documents may be requested by the consular officer, so it is essential to check with the relevant embassy or consulate.

• Submit Application: Submit your application and supporting documents to the appropriate authority. This can be done by visiting the embassy or consulate of Belarus in your country or, if applicable, through the consular centre at Minsk National Airport. It is recommended to confirm the required submission method beforehand, as some countries may have specific requirements or restrictions.
• Wait for Processing: The standard processing time for visa applications is 5 working days. However, an expedited process is available for an additional fee, reducing the processing time to 2 working days. The consular officer has the right to adjust the number of entries, the validity of the visa, and the processing time.
• Receive Visa: Once your application is approved, you will receive your visa. The visa will specify the number of entries, the validity period, and other relevant information. It is important to carefully review the details of your visa to ensure they align with your travel plans.
• Register Upon Arrival: All foreign citizens, including those from visa-exempt countries, must register with the local office of the Citizenship and Migration Department of the Ministry of Interior if their stay in Belarus exceeds the visa-free period (usually 30 days). This registration must be completed within 5 days of arrival, excluding Sundays and national holidays. Registration can now be done online through a single portal, making the process more convenient.

Please note that the information provided here is for informational purposes only and may not cover all the specific requirements or exceptions. It is always recommended to refer to the official websites of the diplomatic missions or the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Belarus for the most up-to-date and comprehensive information regarding the visa application process.

Visa costs

Belarusian visas can be obtained from embassies and consulates, or at Minsk National Airport. The most common type of visa is the short-term visa, which is valid for up to 90 days and suitable for 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 for a two-day stay in Belarus.

Since 2017, the visa fee has been €60 for all types of visas with any number of entries. However, there are some exceptions. For example, foreigners under the age of 14, Japanese citizens, and stateless persons permanently residing in Latvia, Lithuania, and Estonia are exempt from paying the visa fee. In addition, there is a visa facilitation agreement between Belarus and the EU, which reduced the visa fee to €35 for citizens of certain European countries.

An additional fee is charged for expediting the adjudication process, obtaining a visa at Minsk National Airport, and for those who require a visa but are travelling from a country without a Belarusian diplomatic mission.

The cost of a Belarusian visa also includes various supporting documents, such as medical insurance and proof of travel bookings.

Visa extensions

Overview

Belarus offers visa-free entry to citizens of several countries, including the US, for a period of 30 days. This period may be extended, but visitors must be mindful of the following:

• The maximum number of days a visitor can stay in Belarus in a calendar year is 90 days.
• Visitors must register with the local office of the Citizenship and Migration Department of the Ministry of Interior if they are staying for more than five days (not including Sundays or national holidays).
• Registration must be completed within five days of arrival.
• Failure to register or remain in Belarus longer than 30 days may result in administrative action, including fines, deportation, and future entry prohibition.

Registration

Hotels will complete the registration process for their guests. For those staying in private rentals, the rental agent may be able to assist. If you are staying in a private home, you must complete the registration yourself.

If you plan to move to another location after registering, you must re-register with the Citizenship and Migration Department office in your new locale before you move.

Extending Your Stay

To extend your stay in Belarus, you must visit the Citizenship and Migration Unit of the Ministry of Internal Affairs responsible for the place where you are staying.

Frequently asked questions