Belarus Visa: Simple Steps To Check Your Status

Belarus is a small country in Europe with a population of around 10 million people. The majority of foreigners need to obtain a visa before visiting the country. Belarus issues transit visas, short-term and long-term visas, depending on the reasons for the visit and the duration of the stay. Single-entry, double-entry, and multiple-entry visas are also available. Additionally, Belarus has announced that it will begin issuing eVisas, which can be obtained through a simple online process. Certain countries, such as China, Cuba, and the United Arab Emirates, have visa-free access for a specified duration. It is important to check the specific requirements for your country and ensure that you have the necessary documents, such as a valid passport, proof of health insurance, and other supporting documentation, when applying for or checking the status of a Belarus visa.

Visa-free access

As of 2024, citizens of 35 European countries can enter Belarus without a visa. This includes members of the European Union and the United Kingdom. The new rules allow European travellers to stay in Belarus for 30 days without a visa, arriving by rail, road, or air. This is an expansion of the previous visa-free regime, which only applied to those arriving by plane.

Belarus has also offered visa-free travel for citizens of 76 countries arriving via the following airports: "Minsk National Airport", "Airport Brest", "Airport Gomel", "Airport Grodno", "Airport Mogilev", and "Airport Vitebsk". This does not include flights to and from Russian airports. To enter Belarus under this visa-free regime, foreign nationals must have a valid ordinary passport (valid for at least 90 days beyond the intended departure date), proof of financial means, and a medical insurance policy valid in Belarus for the duration of their stay.

Additionally, citizens of certain countries can enter Belarus without a visa for a specified number of days. For example, citizens of Albania, Argentina, Brazil, Cuba, Israel, Mongolia, Turkey, the United Arab Emirates, and Venezuela can enter visa-free for up to 90 days. Citizens of Antigua and Barbuda, Barbados, Dominica, Ecuador, Haiti, Malaysia, Mexico, Qatar, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Samoa, Serbia, Tunisia, Vanuatu, and Vietnam can enter visa-free for up to 30 days. It is important to note that the duration of the visa-free stay is calculated in calendar days, with the first day being the date of arrival and the last day being the date of departure.

Visa types

Belarus offers several types of visas depending on the purpose and duration of your visit. Here are some common visa types:

• Transit Visa: This type of visa is for individuals who are passing through Belarus on their way to another destination. These are typically short-term visas.
• Short-term Visa: This visa is for those who wish to visit Belarus for a short duration, such as tourists or individuals visiting family and friends. The tourist visa is valid for up to 90 days.
• Long-term Visa: This visa is suitable for individuals who plan to stay in Belarus for an extended period, such as for business, work, or medical treatment. The validity of these visas can be up to a year or more.
• Single-entry Visa: This visa permits entry into Belarus only once during its validity period.
• Double-entry Visa: The double-entry visa allows the holder to enter Belarus twice during the visa's validity period.
• Multiple-entry Visa: This visa allows the holder to enter and exit Belarus multiple times during the visa's validity, which can be up to 90 days or a year.
• Electronic Visa (eVisa): Belarus has introduced an eVisa program for eligible nationalities, allowing for online applications and faster processing times compared to traditional embassy applications. The eVisa is available for short-term visits, such as tourism, business, or medical treatment.
• Visa-free Access: Citizens of specific countries, such as China, Cuba, and the United Arab Emirates, are granted visa-free access to Belarus for a specified duration (usually 30 or 90 days). However, some countries are required to enter and exit through the Minsk National Airport to utilise this visa-free access.

It is important to note that the visa requirements and types may vary depending on your nationality and the purpose of your visit. Always check the official sources or consult with the nearest Belarusian embassy or consulate for the most up-to-date and accurate information regarding visa types and requirements.

Visa application process

The visa application process for Belarus will depend on the type of visa you are applying for, your nationality, and the purpose of your visit. Here is a general overview of the visa application process:

• Check if you need a visa: The first step is to determine if you need a visa to enter Belarus. This will depend on your nationality and the purpose of your visit. Some countries have visa-free access to Belarus, while others can obtain a visa on arrival or apply for an e-visa.
• Determine the type of visa: Belarus offers various types of visas, including transit visas, short-term and long-term visas, single-entry, double-entry, and multiple-entry visas. The type of visa you need will depend on the purpose and duration of your visit.
• Gather required documents: The required documents for a Belarus visa may include a completed visa application form, a valid passport, a passport photograph, supporting documentation (such as a letter of invitation), proof of international health insurance, and proof of payment of the visa fee.
• Submit the application: You can submit your visa application to the regional Belarus consulate or embassy in your country. Alternatively, you may be able to apply for an e-visa or visa on arrival, depending on your eligibility.
• Wait for processing: The processing time for a Belarus visa may vary depending on the type of visa and the method of application. E-visas and visas on arrival typically have shorter processing times than regular visas.
• Receive the visa: Once your application is approved, you will receive your visa. If you applied for an e-visa or visa on arrival, you will typically receive your visa once you arrive in Belarus.

It is important to note that the visa requirements and application process may change, so it is recommended to check the official sources and websites of the Belarus government and diplomatic missions for the most up-to-date information.

Visa costs

Belarus allows some foreigners, such as Chinese citizens, to enter the country without a visa for up to 30 days. Residents of other countries, like the United States, have visa-free access when entering and leaving Belarus through the Minsk National Airport. Nationals from many countries need a visa to enter Belarus. The visa fee varies based on the applicant's reason for visiting Belarus and other factors.

The cost of a single-entry tourist visa for US citizens is $209 for a 90-day stay, with a processing time of 6 business days. For a 2-day stay, the cost is the same, but the visa is valid for up to 1 year. For a 3-day processing time, the cost of the single-entry visa is $294. A double-entry visa for US citizens costs $209 for a 90-day stay and $294 for a 2-day stay, with processing times of 6 and 3 business days, respectively. A multiple-entry visa for US citizens costs $209 for a 90-day stay and $294 for a 2-day stay, with processing times of 6 and 3 business days, respectively.

For citizens of other countries, the cost of a single-entry tourist visa is $279 for a 90-day stay, with a processing time of 6 business days. For a 2-day stay, the cost is the same, but the visa is valid for up to 1 year. For a 3-day processing time, the cost of the single-entry visa is $304. A double-entry visa costs $209 for a 90-day stay and $294 for a 2-day stay, with processing times of 6 and 3 business days, respectively. A multiple-entry visa costs $209 for a 90-day stay and $294 for a 2-day stay, with processing times of 6 and 3 business days, respectively.

It is important to note that the visa fee is non-refundable and must be paid before submitting the application form.

Registration upon arrival

Foreign citizens and stateless persons who are staying in Belarus temporarily must register with a registration body at their place of temporary stay within ten days, as per Article 41 of the Republic of Belarus Act of 4 January 2010. This can be done through the unified portal for electronic services, free of charge.

Those who arrive in Belarus through the state border with Russia should apply in person to the citizenship and migration unit of the internal affairs body at their place of residence in Belarus for registration.

To register, you will need a device with internet access. Using any browser, go to the website of the unified portal for electronic services (portal.gov.by), choose the language, and create a personal account using your email address. Then, in your account, in the 'Available services' tab, select the 'Citizenship and migration' category, order the service, and fill out the application (foreigner registration code 200.12.14.1.).

The application should include the following:

• Surname and name in Latin or Cyrillic as indicated in the passport (one option is sufficient)
• Passport information
• Insurance information
• Date of entry into the country
• Address of temporal stay
• Visa information (if applicable)

Once you have checked all the data entered, click the 'Send application' button. After a few seconds, you should receive a message about the successful registration, or the system will recommend contacting the citizenship and migration unit if the information does not match.

You do not need to carry proof of electronic registration. However, it is advisable to save a screenshot or print the registration form to speed up the verification process when leaving the country.

Frequently asked questions