Travel Guide: India To Belarus

Indian citizens can enter Belarus visa-free for up to 30 days, as long as they depart from Minsk National Airport and do not enter Belarus from the Russian Federation (Moscow). To enter Belarus, Indian nationals must have a valid ordinary passport, proof of financial means, medical insurance, a valid multiple-entry visa of a European Union or Schengen Area member state, and a flight ticket with confirmation of departure from Minsk National Airport within 30 days of entry. The cheapest way to get from India to Belarus is by plane, which costs $460-$3,100 and takes about 10 hours. However, it is important to note that the FCDO advises against all travel to Belarus, as there is a significant risk of arrest for individuals who have engaged in any activity considered illegal by the Belarusian regime.

Visa requirements and application process

Citizens of the Republic of India do not need a visa to enter Belarus if they meet the following requirements:

• They have a valid ordinary passport for travelling abroad.
• They have financial means: at least 25 Euros (or the equivalent amount in dollars or Belarusian rubles) for each day of stay.
• They have valid medical insurance with coverage for at least 10,000 Euros that covers their stay in Belarus.
• They have a valid multiple-entry visa from one of the European Union or the Schengen Area member states, bearing the European Union or the Schengen Area border entry stamp.
• They have flight tickets with confirmation of departure from Minsk National Airport within 30 days from the date of entry.

Indian citizens who meet the above requirements can enter Belarus without a visa for up to 30 days and must exit through Minsk National Airport. This visa-free entry does not apply to those coming from or intending to travel to the airports of the Russian Federation.

If you are planning to stay in Belarus for more than 5 days, you must register with the territorial departments of the Ministry of Home (Internal) Affairs of Belarus. If you are staying in a hotel, the hotel management will handle the registration. If you are staying in a private residence, you or your host must complete the registration at the local Home Affairs office within 5 days of your arrival.

If you do not meet the above criteria and require a visa, you must submit the following documents:

• A duly completed visa application form, filled out in legible handwriting or typing (in BLOCK LETTERS), in English, Russian, or Belarusian. The form should include complete and consistent answers that indicate the real purpose of the visit in detail.
• One colour photograph, taken within the last 6 months, with a plain, light background, and a full-face view without sunglasses, hats, or other head coverings (unless for ethnic or religious reasons).
• A valid original passport with a photograph, at least two blank pages for visas, valid for at least 90 days after the expected departure date from Belarus, and free from any tears, marks, corrections, or other signs of tampering.
• If the applicant is under 18 years old, a copy of the full Birth Certificate and copies of the passports of the applicant's parents (legal representatives) are required.
• If the applicant previously had USSR or Belarusian citizenship, a document certifying the loss of that citizenship must be submitted.
• Visa support documents (visa-invitation) depending on the type of visa requested. Only original visa support documents are accepted.
• A copy of the obligatory health insurance certificate from a foreign or Belarusian medical insurance company, with a minimum limit of responsibility of 10,000 Euros and valid for the duration of the stay in Belarus.
• Hotel booking confirmation sent directly from the hotel on the letterhead by email or fax. If renting private apartments, scanned copies of the booking confirmation, proof that the lessor is the owner of the apartments, and a certificate of registration of a private unitary enterprise are required.
• Confirmed flight itinerary and a personal bank account statement for the period of at least 3 months prior to the date of visa submission. A pay slip from the workplace is also acceptable.

The visa fee is 60 Euros (120 Euros for urgent visas), payable in Indian Rupees through a bank. The consular officer will notify you of the exact amount after the visa application is done, and the fee may vary based on the daily exchange rate. The processing time for a standard visa is 5 days, while express processing (for an extra fee) can be completed within 48 hours.

Travel options from India

The most common way to travel from India to Belarus is by plane. There are no direct flights, so expect journeys to include one or more stops. Flights depart from Delhi, Ahmedabad, and Mumbai, and arrive at Minsk National Airport. The average duration of the journey is 10 hours and 50 minutes, and prices start from $274. Airlines that operate this route include Belavia Belarusian Airlines, Aeroflot Russian Airlines, and Uzbekistan Airlines.

When booking your flight, it is worth noting that the Republic of Belarus provides visa-free entry for Indian Nationals for up to 30 days, but only if you are entering and exiting through Minsk National Airport. To take advantage of this, you must have a valid ordinary passport, €25 (or the equivalent in another currency) for each day of your stay, medical insurance that covers at least €10,000, a valid multiple-entry visa from a European Union or Schengen Area member state, and a confirmed return flight departing from Minsk within 30 days of arrival. If you are staying for more than five days, you must register with the territorial departments of the Ministry of Home (Internal) Affairs of Belarus. If you are staying in a hotel, the hotel management will take care of this for you.

If you are not eligible for visa-free travel, or you wish to enter or exit Belarus through a different airport or via land, you will need to apply for a visa. To do this, you must book an appointment with the Embassy of the Republic of Belarus in New Delhi by sending an email to [email protected]. In your email, you must specify the purpose of your visit, the duration of your stay, the name of your inviting company or person, and your permanent address in India. The embassy will then reply with a date and time slot for your visa application submission. The visa fee is €60, or €120 for urgent visas, and is payable in Indian Rupees at the RBL Bank close to the embassy.

Airports with visa-free entry

The Republic of Belarus allows Indian citizens to enter the country without a visa for up to 30 days, as long as they fulfil the following requirements and enter and exit through Minsk National Airport. This does not apply to those arriving from or departing to the airports of the Russian Federation.

Requirements

• A valid ordinary passport for travelling abroad. The passport must be valid for at least 90 days beyond the intended date of departure from Belarus.
• Financial means: at least 25 Euros (or the equivalent amount in dollars or Belarusian rubles) for each day of stay.
• Medical insurance with coverage for at least 10,000 Euros that covers the territory of Belarus. This can be provided by Indian companies or bought at Minsk Airport on arrival.
• A valid multiple-entry visa from a European Union or Schengen Area member state, which has been used at least once before.
• Flight tickets with confirmation of departure from Minsk National Airport within 30 days of entry.

Registration

If you are staying in Belarus for more than 5 days, you must register with the territorial departments of the Ministry of Home (Internal) Affairs of Belarus. If you are staying in a hotel, the hotel management will do this for you. If you are staying in other accommodation, you or your host must register at the local Home Affairs office within 5 days of arrival.

Onward travel within Belarus

Once you're in Belarus, there are several ways to get around the country. Here are some tips for onward travel within the country:

By Air

Belavia Belarusian Airlines, Aeroflot Russian Airlines, and Uzbekistan Airlines are some of the airlines that service the country. You can fly from Minsk to other cities in Belarus, such as Brest, Gomel, or Grodno.

By Train

Belarus has a well-developed railway system, with trains connecting major cities and towns. You can purchase tickets at train stations or online through the Belarusian Railway website. The country's rail network is an efficient and affordable way to travel between destinations within Belarus.

By Bus

Buses are another affordable and convenient option for travelling within Belarus. They are often more frequent than trains and can connect you to smaller towns and villages that may not be serviced by trains. You can find bus schedules and purchase tickets at bus stations or through local travel agencies.

By Car

If you prefer more flexibility, renting a car in Belarus is also an option. Keep in mind that you will need an international driving permit, and driving is on the right-hand side of the road. The road network in Belarus is generally well-maintained, making it easy to navigate the country by car.

By Taxi

In larger cities like Minsk, you can find official taxis, which are usually metered and relatively affordable. Ride-sharing apps like Uber may also be available in urban areas.

Border Crossings

It's important to note that due to the current political situation, crossing land borders into neighbouring countries may be unpredictable and subject to restrictions. For example, U.S. citizens are advised that they may not be allowed to enter or exit Belarus over a land border, even with a valid visa. Always check the latest travel advisories and border regulations before planning any international travel within the region.

Registration requirements

Indian citizens can enter Belarus without a visa for up to 30 days, but only if they enter and exit through Minsk National Airport, Airport Brest, Airport Gomel, Airport Grodno, Airport Mogilev, or Airport Vitebsk. To enter Belarus without a visa, Indian citizens must have:

• A valid ordinary passport for travelling abroad.
• Financial means: at least 25 Euros (or the equivalent in dollars or Belarusian rubles) for each day of stay.
• Medical insurance (this can be provided by Indian companies or bought at Minsk Airport on arrival) with coverage for at least 10,000 Euros within Belarus.
• A valid (not expired) multiple-entry visa from a European Union or Schengen Area member state with the relevant entry stamp (meaning that the visa must have been used at least once before entering Belarus).
• Flight tickets with confirmation of departure from Minsk National Airport within 30 days of entry.

If you are staying in Belarus for more than five days, you must register with the local office of the Citizenship and Migration Department of the Ministry of Interior (formerly OVIR) within five days of arrival (excluding Sundays and national holidays). This requirement applies to both visa holders and those who enter Belarus under the 30-day visa-free regime. If you are staying in a hotel, the hotel will complete the registration for you. If you are renting an apartment or house, the rental agent may be able to assist you with this. If you are staying in a private home, you must complete the registration process yourself.

If you fail to register or if you remain in Belarus longer than 30 days, you will face administrative action, which may include a fine of up to €550, deportation, and prohibition from entering Belarus in the future.

Frequently asked questions