Obtaining A Visa For Belarus: A Comprehensive Guide

If you're planning a trip to Belarus, you'll need to find out if you require a visa. Most foreign travellers do, but citizens of some countries are exempt, depending on the length of their stay and bilateral or multilateral agreements. For example, citizens of Argentina, Brazil, Cuba, Israel, Mongolia, Ukraine and Venezuela can stay for up to 90 days without a visa. Meanwhile, citizens of Armenia, Azerbaijan, Georgia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Moldova, Russia, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan can stay indefinitely without a visa.

If you do need a visa, you'll need to submit a range of documents, including a completed application form, a passport photograph, a valid passport, proof of health insurance, and proof of your ability to support yourself during your stay. You can apply for a visa online or through a Belorussian foreign mission.

Visa requirements for citizens of different countries

The visa requirements for Belarus vary depending on the traveller's country of citizenship. Here is a breakdown of the visa requirements for citizens of different countries:

Citizens of countries with visa-free access:

Citizens of certain countries are exempt from obtaining a visa for Belarus, including those from Albania, Argentina, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Brazil, Cuba, Ecuador, Georgia, Israel, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Moldova, Mongolia, Qatar, Russia, Serbia, Turkey, Ukraine, United Arab Emirates, and Venezuela. The length of visa-free stay ranges from 30 to 90 days or indefinite, depending on the country. Additionally, citizens of Montenegro and North Macedonia can enter visa-free for 30 days under certain conditions.

Citizens of countries with provisional visa-free access:

Some countries, including all EU citizens, Australia, Canada, Japan, New Zealand, Singapore, South Korea, Switzerland, the United States, and others, can enter and exit through the Minsk National Airport without a visa, as long as they are not flying to or from Russia. This is known as "provisional visa-free access".

Citizens of countries requiring a visa:

Most foreign travellers need a visa to enter Belarus. The type of visa required depends on the purpose of the visit and the length of stay. Belarus issues transit (B), short-term (C), and long-term (D) visas, as well as single-entry, double-entry, and multiple-entry visas. The application process typically involves submitting documents such as a visa application form, passport photographs, a valid passport, supporting documents, medical insurance, and proof of payment of the visa fee. Applications can be made at Belarusian embassies, consulates, or the Consular Centre of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs at Minsk National Airport.

How to apply for a Belarus visa from the US

To apply for a Belarus visa from the US, you must submit the following documents to the Embassy of the Republic of Belarus in the United States of America:

• A completed visa application form, filled out in legible handwriting or typing, in English, Russian, or Belarusian. The form must include complete and logically consistent answers that indicate the real purpose of your visit, with each question answered. In addition, it is your responsibility to check that the information on the form is correct, and the form must be signed by you (or your legal representative, if you are a minor).
• One colour photograph, taken within the last 6 months, sized 35 x 45 mm, with a plain, light background, and a full-face view without sunglasses, a hat, or other headwear (unless for ethnic or religious reasons).
• Your original, valid passport, which:

• Includes your photograph.
• Has at least two blank pages for visas.
• Will remain valid for at least 90 days after your expected departure from Belarus.
• Contains no torn pages, marks, entries, erasures, or corrections that are not certified by the issuing authorities.

• Visa support documents for the required type of visa (e.g., tourist, business, student, etc.).
• Proof of health insurance that covers the entire period of your stay in Belarus, with a minimum coverage of €10,000.
• A pre-paid envelope for the return of your documents (when applying by post).

Upon request, a consular officer may require additional documents for visa issuance. The regular visa processing time is 5 business days, or 2 days for expedited processing, after all necessary documents are submitted.

Please note that US citizens are currently advised against travelling to Belarus due to the unpredictable situation and heightened tension in the region.

How to apply for a Belarus visa from the UK

The FCDO currently advises against all travel to Belarus. If you choose to travel against this advice, you should be aware that you face a significant risk of arrest if you have ever engaged in any activity now considered illegal by the Belarusian regime. There is also a low risk of direct conflict spreading to Belarus from the war in Ukraine.

If you are a British citizen, you do not need a visa to enter Belarus as a visitor for stays of up to 30 days, for a total period of up to 90 days per calendar year. This arrangement is valid until 31 December 2024 and does not apply if you are travelling to or from Russia.

If you wish to stay longer than 30 days during one visit, or for a total period exceeding 90 days per calendar year, you must obtain a visa before you travel. To do this, you must submit the following documents to a Belarusian diplomatic mission or consular institution:

• A completed visa application form
• A photograph (35x45mm, full face, made no earlier than 6 months before submitting)
• Your passport (valid for at least 3 months from your date of arrival)
• Visa support documents (unless you are visiting for business, a private purpose or to participate in sport, cultural, scientific or educational activities for up to 30 days)
• Additional documents (if requested by the consular officer)
• A medical insurance contract with "Belgosstrakh", "Beleximgarant" or another insurance organisation
• Proof of payment of the consular fee

The consular fee can only be paid by cashless settlement, such as by electronic payment or bank transfer. The time for consideration of your application is usually five business days, or two days if you require an urgent response. If your application is denied, you will not be reimbursed for the consular fee.

Visa-free access for some countries

Belarus offers visa-free entry for up to 90 days for citizens of several countries. This visa-free regime allows foreign citizens from a list of specified countries to enter and stay in Belarus without the need for a visa for a short-term period.

The list of countries whose citizens can enjoy visa-free access to Belarus includes many European countries, such as Austria, France, Germany, Italy, Spain, and the United Kingdom, among others. This means that citizens of these countries can enter Belarus without a visa and stay for up to 90 days. This is a great option for those looking to visit Belarus for tourism or business purposes, eliminating the need for a traditional visa application process.

Additionally, citizens of Armenia, Azerbaijan, Cuba, Kazakhstan, Moldova, Russia, Ukraine, and Uzbekistan can enter and stay in Belarus without a visa. The duration of visa-free stays varies depending on the country of origin. For instance, citizens of Armenia, Kazakhstan, and Russia are allowed to stay visa-free for up to 90 days, while citizens of Azerbaijan, Cuba, and Uzbekistan are permitted a visa-free stay of up to 30 days.

It is important to note that, even with visa-free access, travellers must ensure their passports are valid for the duration of their stay. The purpose of the visit should also not be for employment or any activities requiring a work permit. Always check the latest entry requirements and stay updated with any changes to the visa-free policy before planning a trip to Belarus.

Visa fee surcharges

Visa Application Fee

The standard fee for processing a visa application is 60 Euros for all types of visas with any number of entries. This fee is waived for foreigners up to 14 years old (or 12 years old in accordance with the Agreement between Belarus and the European Union).

Visa Fee for Citizens of Certain Countries

In line with the visa facilitation agreement between the Republic of Belarus and the European Union, citizens of the following countries pay a reduced fee of 35 Euros for all types of entry visas: Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Czech Republic, Cyprus, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden. Stateless persons permanently residing in Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania are also entitled to the reduced fee.

Visa Fee Surcharge for Expedited Service

The fee for processing the visa application in the diplomatic representations and consular establishments of the Republic of Belarus in the expedite manner (within 2 working days) is doubled.

Visa Fee Surcharge for Obtaining Visa at Minsk National Airport

The standard fee for processing the visa application upon arrival at the "National Airport Minsk" is increased:

• By 100% – if the visa is requested by nationals of countries where there is no Belarusian foreign representative
• By 200% – if the visa is requested by nationals of countries where there is a Belarusian Embassy or Consulate

These fees are also valid for citizens of the countries of the European Union, as well as for stateless persons permanently residing in Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania.

Frequently asked questions