Exploring Guest Invites: Belarus Edition

If you are planning to invite guests to the Republic of Belarus, it is important to be aware of the country's visa requirements and other entry procedures. The type of visa required depends on the purpose of the visit and the duration of the stay. For instance, a short-term visa (Type C) is valid for up to 90 days, while a long-term visa (Type D) is required for stays exceeding 90 days. Additionally, certain documents, such as a valid passport, insurance, and proof of sufficient funds, are necessary when entering and exiting the country. It is also important to register with the local authorities within a specified timeframe. Understanding these requirements is crucial to ensure a smooth entry into the Republic of Belarus for your guests.

Visa requirements for guests from Belarus

The visa requirements for guests from Belarus depend on the purpose of their visit, the length of their stay, and the country they are visiting. Here is a detailed overview of the visa requirements for Belarusian citizens travelling to other countries and foreigners visiting Belarus:

Visa Requirements for Belarusian Citizens:

Belarusian citizens can benefit from mobility rights within the Commonwealth of Independent States and the Eurasian Economic Union. As of 2024, they can enter 81 countries and territories without a visa or with a visa on arrival. Some of these countries include Albania, Argentina, Brazil, China, Cuba, Serbia, Turkey, and the United Arab Emirates. The duration of visa-free stays varies per country, with some allowing up to 30 days, while others permit up to 90 days within a calendar year.

Visa Requirements for Foreigners Visiting Belarus:

Most foreign travellers need a visa to enter Belarus, and the country issues three types of visas:

• Transit Visa (Type B): This visa is for travellers passing through Belarus to another destination. It can be single-entry, double-entry, or multiple-entry, and the validity cannot exceed one year, with a stay of up to two days each time, including the day of entry.
• Short-Term Visa (Type C): This visa is typically used for private or family visits and is valid for up to 90 days. It can be single-entry, double-entry, or multiple-entry.
• Long-Term Multiple-Entry Visa (Type D): This visa is suitable for frequent travellers or those wishing to stay longer in Belarus. It is issued for a period exceeding 90 days but not more than five years.

The requirements and categories of visas are determined by the purpose of the visit. These categories include visas for foreign government officials, participants in sports and cultural events, humanitarian workers, religious workers, media representatives, private trips, and permanent residence.

Additionally, citizens of certain countries, such as Albania, Argentina, Brazil, China, Cuba, Israel, and the United Arab Emirates, among others, can enter Belarus without a visa due to intergovernmental agreements. However, the duration of visa-free stays varies per country.

To obtain a visa for Belarus, applicants must submit specific documents to the Embassies or Consulates of Belarus, or the Consular Centre at Minsk National Airport. These documents include a completed application form, a recent passport-size photograph, a valid passport, supporting documents based on the purpose of the visit, medical insurance, and proof of visa fee payment. The processing time is usually within five working days, and the visa fee is €60 for all types of visas, with exemptions for certain countries and age groups.

Registration of guests from Belarus

The procedure for inviting guests from Belarus to your country will depend on the country in question and the type of visa the guest will require. For example, citizens of the EU, Australia, and several other countries can obtain a short-term visa for Belarus without requiring an invitation letter. However, for those who do need an invitation, this is usually provided by a hotel or travel agency.

If your guest is a foreign citizen who is a guest of the Heads and employees of the Diplomatic Missions in Belarus and who resides in the heads' residences or in premises of the missions, offices, or bodies, or in accommodations occupied by their employees, they must be registered with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Belarus. The following documents must be provided to the State Protocol Service no later than one working day after their arrival:

• Note from the diplomatic mission
• A registration form filled in by the foreign citizen, certified with a signature and seal of the Head of the diplomatic mission
• Two colour photographs of 30x40mm size, corresponding to the citizen's age

The registration term shall not exceed the validity of the visa or, in the case of a visa-free regime of entry and departure, cannot be more than 90 days in a calendar year. If a foreign citizen stays in the Republic of Belarus for more than 90 days, permission for temporary stay is required. To obtain this, the following documents must be provided to the State Protocol Service no later than three working days after their arrival:

• A note with a request to obtain permission for temporary stay, with the purpose of stay indicated
• A registration form filled in by the foreign citizen and certified with a signature and seal of the Head of the diplomatic mission
• Two colour photographs of 30x40mm size, corresponding to the citizen's age

Border Crossing Rules

When crossing the border into Belarus, foreign citizens must present the following documents to the border guard:

• A valid passport intended for crossing the border
• Insurance for a car registered outside Belarus
• An electronic control stamp confirming payment for disinfection services

Upon departure from Belarus, foreign citizens must present the following documents:

• A valid passport intended for crossing the border
• Insurance for a car registered outside Belarus
• A document confirming the payment of a local fee for crossing the border by drivers of vehicles registered in Belarus or abroad

Foreign citizens must also produce a document for travelling abroad with a valid visa for Belarus, if required. They will then receive and fill in a migration card, which will be stamped by the border service officer. When departing the Republic of Belarus, foreign citizens must hand over part "B" of the migration card to the official of the border service, unless they are temporarily or permanently residing in the country.

Visa Types and Requirements

The following types of entry visas are provided in Belarus:

• Transit visa (type B), valid for up to 2 days
• Short-term visa (type C), valid for up to 90 days
• Long-term visa (type D), valid for a period exceeding 90 days but not more than 5 years

To obtain an entry visa, the following documents should be submitted:

• A duly completed visa application form
• One photograph (35x45mm, made no earlier than 6 months prior to submitting)
• A foreign travel document
• Visa support documents (unless waived)
• Additional documents, if required
• Medical insurance contract
• Confirmation of the consular fee paid

The term of the visa procedure is 5 working days, or 2 working days for urgent requests.

Border crossing rules for guests from Belarus

To cross the border into Belarus, foreign citizens and stateless persons must pass border and customs control. If necessary, automobile, veterinary, sanitary-quarantine, and phytosanitary types of control may also be required.

When entering Belarus:

• Present a valid passport intended for crossing the border.
• Provide insurance for a car registered outside Belarus.
• Show an electronic control stamp confirming payment for disinfection services.

When exiting Belarus:

• Present a valid passport intended for crossing the border.
• Provide insurance for a car registered outside Belarus.
• Provide a document confirming the payment of a local fee for crossing the border by drivers of vehicles registered both in Belarus and abroad.

Foreign citizens and stateless persons can cross the border into Belarus with the following documents:

• A valid document for travelling abroad (passport) with a visa for citizens of countries with a visa regime with Belarus.
• A document for returning to the state of citizenship or residence if the passport is lost on Belarusian territory.

When crossing the border, foreign citizens must:

• Produce a valid visa for Belarus (if needed).
• Receive and fill in the migration card. This is not required when entering Belarus for temporary stays.
• Hand over part "B" of the migration card to the official of the border service body of Belarus when passing border control at state border checkpoints when leaving the country, unless the visitor is temporarily or permanently residing in Belarus.

Rules of stay in Belarus for foreign citizens:

• Foreign citizens and stateless persons must register at a registration authority at the place of actual temporary stay within ten days, excluding Sundays, public holidays, and high days.
• Foreigners who entered Belarus through checkpoints on the Belarusian border can register on portal.gov.by without visiting a local police office.
• Foreigners arriving 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.
• Belarus has agreements with Ukraine, Latvia, Lithuania, Estonia, Kazakhstan, the United Arab Emirates, and Russia, allowing citizens of these countries to stay in Belarus for up to 30 or 90 days without registration.
• To register, individuals need a computer, mobile phone, or tablet with internet access to create a personal account on portal.gov.by.
• Registration is made based on the application for registration or a written request from the receiving organization.

Invitation requirements for a Belarusian visa

To obtain a Belarusian visa, you must submit the following documents to an entry visa-issuing authority:

• A duly completed visa application form.
• One photograph (35x45mm, made no earlier than 6 months prior to submitting, full face, with the size of the face nearly 70-80% of the photo).
• A foreign travel document.
• Visa support documents, which are usually provided by a hotel or travel agency. However, if you are travelling independently, you can obtain a letter of invitation from the local unit of the Citizenship and Migration Department of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of the Republic of Belarus.
• Additional documents, if required by the consular officer.
• A medical insurance contract signed with "Belgosstrakh" or "Beleximgarant" or a medical insurance contract signed with any foreign insurance organisation.
• A confirmation of the consular fee paid.

The term of the visa procedure is 5 working days (or 2 working days for urgent cases) from the date of application. The decision is made by the consular officer and is final. The consular officer has the right to reduce the number of entries and the validity of the visa, increase the term of visa processing, and is not obliged to indicate the reasons for visa denial.

It is important to note that the availability of funds to cover the costs of your stay in Belarus and your departure must be confirmed. This can be done by providing:

• National currency of the Republic of Belarus or foreign currency convertible by the National Bank.
• A document on the basis of which it is possible to receive payment means.
• A document confirming the booking and payment of accommodation and meals in the Republic of Belarus.
• A letter of guarantee from a legal or private person confirming the payment of all expenses related to your stay and departure.
• Vehicle or travel tickets to the state of citizenship, permanent residence, or to a third country.

Rules of stay in Belarus for guests

When staying in Belarus, guests must adhere to several rules and regulations to ensure a smooth and enjoyable visit. Here are the key guidelines to keep in mind:

• Registration: Foreign citizens and stateless persons visiting Belarus must register with the local authorities within a specified timeframe. This registration process can now be completed online through the portal.gov.by website, providing convenience for those staying in the country temporarily.
• Documents: When entering Belarus, guests must present a valid passport and any required visas to the border guard. Additional documents, such as insurance for vehicles and payment confirmation for certain services, may also be requested.
• Visa Requirements: Belarus has specific visa requirements depending on the purpose of travel. These include transit visas (Type B), short-term visas (Type C), and long-term multiple-entry visas (Type D). It is important to obtain the correct visa for your intended activities.
• Financial Requirements: Foreign citizens entering Belarus must have sufficient funds for their stay. This typically equates to at least two base values per day of stay for visits under one month and 50 base values for visits exceeding one month.
• Migration Card: Upon entry, foreign citizens will receive a migration card, which must be filled out and presented to the border service officer. This card is an essential part of the entry process and must be kept safe.
• Border Crossing Rules: When crossing the border, individuals must undergo border and customs control and present the necessary documents. Belarus has specific rules for crossing by car, train, or on foot, with only Belarusian and Russian passport holders permitted to transit the land border with Russia.
• Stay Duration: Foreign citizens entering on a tourist or business visa are typically permitted to stay in Belarus for a maximum of 90 days within a calendar year. It is important to respect this time limit to avoid overstaying.
• Registration for Extended Stay: If a foreign citizen wishes to stay in Belarus for more than 90 days, they must obtain permission for temporary residence. This process involves submitting the necessary documents to the State Protocol Service and may have specific requirements.
• Accommodation Registration: Guests staying in hotels are automatically registered by the hotel management. However, those renting apartments or houses should check with their rental agent, and those staying in private homes must complete the registration themselves.
• Consequences of Non-Compliance: Failing to register or overstaying beyond the permitted duration can result in administrative action, including fines, deportation, and future entry prohibition. It is essential to comply with the registration requirements to avoid these consequences.
• Travel Insurance: Foreign citizens are required to have valid travel medical insurance with minimum coverage of €10,000 when visiting Belarus. This insurance must be valid across the country and is an essential part of the entry requirements.
• Visa-Free Entry Options: Belarus has introduced visa-free entry options for citizens of specific countries, such as Lithuania, Latvia, Poland, and several European nations. These visitors can enter through designated checkpoints and must adhere to the specified stay durations.

Frequently asked questions