Addressing A Letter To Belarus: A Quick Guide

Sending a letter to Belarus from the USA is straightforward, with Global Forever Stamps being the easiest option at $1.55 each. You can also use regular domestic forever stamps, as long as they add up to the same amount. If your letter is over 1 ounce, you'll need extra postage. The delivery time for letters to Belarus is typically 7-21 days. When addressing your envelope, place the return address in the upper left corner and the recipient's address in the centre. Stamps should go in the upper right corner, ideally in a single row.

Format for addressing a letter to Belarus

To address a letter to Belarus, you need to follow a specific format to ensure it reaches its destination. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to address your letter:

• Recipient's Name: Begin by clearly writing the full name of the person you are sending the letter to. This should be written on the first line of the address section.
• Recipient's Address: On the next line, write the recipient's street address or rural route number. This should include the house number and street name.
• Postal Code and City: The third line should contain the postal code, followed by the city name. For example, if you are sending a letter to Minsk, the postal code is 220101.
• Country Name: On the last line, write the country name, which is "Belarus."

[Recipient's Name]

[Street Address or Rural Route Number]

[Postal Code] [City], Belarus

It is important to note that the address format may vary slightly depending on the region or city within Belarus. Additionally, it is always a good idea to write the return address in the upper left corner of the envelope, although it is not mandatory.

When sending a letter to Belarus, you should also be aware of the restrictions on certain items. For instance, arms and ammunition, currencies of Belarus and Russia, explosive or combustible substances, narcotics, and certain printed materials are prohibited. Be sure to check the list of restricted items before sending your letter to avoid any issues with customs.

Regarding postage, the cost of sending a letter from the USA to Belarus is $1.55 using Global Forever Stamps. Alternatively, you can use domestic forever stamps as long as they add up to the same amount. Keep in mind that you will need extra postage if your letter weighs more than 1 ounce. The delivery time for letters from the USA to Belarus is typically 7 to 21 days.

Stamps required for a letter to Belarus

When sending a letter to Belarus from the USA, the number of stamps you need depends on the size and weight of your letter.

For standard envelopes, you will need one Global Forever stamp and one 10-cent stamp ($1.65 in total). You can also use two Global Forever stamps ($3.10 in total) or three Domestic Forever stamps ($2.19 in total) to overpay by $1.45 and $0.54 respectively.

For large envelopes, or "flats", the base rate is $2.90 with extra charges for additional ounces. For this, you will need two Global Forever stamps and one 5-cent stamp ($3.15 in total).

If you are sending a postcard, you will need one Global Forever stamp ($1.55).

You can buy stamps at your local USPS post office, online at USPS.com, or at Walmart and Amazon.

Please note that delivery time to Belarus is 7-21 days.

Sending large envelopes to Belarus

Sending large envelopes, or "flats" as they are referred to by the postal service, to Belarus requires attention to several important factors. Here is a comprehensive guide to help you navigate the process:

Envelope Requirements:

• The minimum size for large envelopes is 6-1/8" by 11-1/2", while the maximum size is 12" by 15".
• The maximum weight for a standard letter is 3.5 ounces, so use a large envelope if you're sending more than that.
• The maximum weight for a large envelope is 15.994 ounces.
• Unlike standard letters, the maximum thickness for large envelopes is 3/4".
• A standard 8.5" x 11" manila envelope is the most common large envelope size.

Stamps and Postage:

• The base rate for sending a large envelope to Belarus is $2.90.
• Extra postage is required for additional ounces, and you can refer to the USPS Price List for specific rates.
• You can use Global Forever Stamps, which cost $1.55 each, or domestic forever stamps as long as they add up to $1.55.
• For a large envelope weighing more than one ounce, you will need two Global Forever stamps and one 5-cent stamp ($3.15 in total).

Addressing and Sending:

• The return address goes in the upper-left corner of the envelope and is optional.
• The recipient's address should be written clearly in the center of the envelope.
• Stamps go in the upper-right corner of the envelope, ideally in a single row, but the post office will accept letters with stamps in multiple rows.
• You can purchase stamps at your local USPS post office, online at USPS.com, or from retailers like Walmart and Amazon.
• Delivery time to Belarus is typically 7-21 days.

Customs and Regulations:

• Belarus has specific regulations regarding the importation of certain goods, including "luxury goods," which require a license and an Internal Transaction Number (ITN).
• A 10-digit Schedule B number must be included in the HS Tariff Number block on the customs declaration form for each exported good.
• Prohibited items include alcoholic beverages, weapons and ammunition, narcotics, and radioactive materials, among others.
• Some items, such as tobacco, plants, and electronics, may require special permits or documentation.

Courier Services:

• Courier services like USPS, DHL, FedEx, and UPS offer shipping to Belarus, but their services may be limited due to sanctions.
• Eurosender is another courier company that provides express envelope shipping services to Belarus, with worldwide delivery within 24-48 hours.
• Time Saving Machine (TSM) specializes in shipping to Belarus and offers competitive rates, various delivery options, and expertise in customs regulations.

Remember to check the most up-to-date information from official sources and courier services for any changes or updates to the above information.

Prohibited items when sending mail to Belarus

When sending mail to Belarus, there are several prohibited items that you should not include in your package. These restrictions are set by the Universal Postal Union (UPU) and the destination country. It is essential to adhere to these restrictions to avoid any legal issues or delays in delivery. Here is a detailed list of prohibited items:

• All arms and ammunition, as well as their parts and accessories.
• Currencies of the Republic of Belarus and the Russian Federation.
• Explosive, combustible, or other dangerous substances.
• Metallized yarn or ornamental fabric made with gold thread.
• Opium and other narcotic substances.
• Perishable food products, including meats, poultry, milk, dairy products, and other animal by-products.
• Perishable infectious or non-infectious substances.
• Photographic and cinematographic films, undeveloped photographic plates, and photographic paper.
• Printed materials, such as books, newspapers, pictures, manuscripts, typescripts, or plans containing information that may be harmful to the political, economic, health, or moral interests of Belarus.
• Radioactive materials.
• Tobacco and manufactured tobacco products.
• Articles subject to customs duty, which cannot be sent through ordinary or registered letter-post items.
• Coins, bank notes, securities payable to the bearer, traveler's checks, platinum, gold, silver, precious stones, jewelry, and other valuable articles. These items are only admitted through insured parcel post and have specific weight and value restrictions.
• Medicaments and vitamin preparations without proper authorization from the Public Health of Belarus.
• Veterinary preparations, biological materials, and collectors' items of animal origin without written authorization from the State Veterinary Inspectorate of the Ministry of Agriculture and Foods in Belarus.
• Unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), such as drones and copters, with recording equipment or automatic flight capability.
• Alcohol products, including ethyl alcohol and other alcoholic beverages.
• Articles of cultural value.
• Narcotics, psychotropic substances, and their precursors, as well as plants and mushrooms containing these substances.
• Pathogenic or potentially pathogenic organisms.
• Plants and plant seeds.
• Precious stones and natural diamonds, except when used in jewelry.
• Substances harmful to the ozone layer.

Please note that specific country restrictions may change, so it is advisable to contact the destination country's postal, trade, and customs authorities for the most up-to-date information. Additionally, certain items may be restricted rather than prohibited, meaning they can be sent under certain conditions. Always check with the relevant authorities before sending any item that may be restricted or prohibited.

Customs forms required for mail to Belarus

When sending mail to Belarus, the customs forms required will depend on the type of mail being sent. For instance, if you are sending correspondence, business papers, and documents, you will need to fill out PS Form 2976-B and place it inside PS Form 2976-E (a plastic envelope). The item should also be endorsed clearly next to the mailing label as "BUSINESS PAPERS".

If you are sending merchandise samples without commercial value, the same form is required—PS Form 2976-B placed inside PS Form 2976-E.

For merchandise and all articles subject to customs duty, you will also need to use PS Form 2976-B placed inside PS Form 2976-E.

If you are completing PS Form 2976-B or an online combined shipping label and customs form that electronically transmits customs-related data, no additional customs form is necessary as the required customs information is already incorporated into the form.

For First-Class Mail International items, no customs form is required unless otherwise specified.

For First-Class Package International Service items, you will need to fill out PS Form 2976 as required.

For Priority Mail International items, including Priority Mail International Flat Rate Envelopes and Priority Mail International Small Flat Rate Priced Boxes, you will need to complete PS Form 2976-A and place it inside PS Form 2976-E (an envelope).

Additionally, certain items are prohibited from being sent to Belarus, including:

• All arms and ammunition, as well as their parts and accessories
• Currencies of Belarus and the Russian Federation
• Explosive or combustible substances, or other dangerous matter
• Opium and other substances containing narcotics
• Radioactive materials
• Tobacco and manufactured tobacco products

Frequently asked questions