Renewing Your Belarus Passport In The Usa: A Step-By-Step Guide

The process of renewing a Belarusian passport in the United States has been affected by recent political developments. A decree issued by the Lukashenka regime in September 2023 prevents Belarusian citizens from exchanging or extending their passports at embassies and consulates abroad, requiring them to return to Belarus instead. This has stranded thousands of Belarusians living abroad, particularly those who cannot or will not return to the country due to safety concerns. The decree has been condemned by the US as a form of oppression against Belarusian citizens. As a result, the US Embassy in Belarus has suspended all consular services, and Belarusian citizens in the US seeking consular services are advised to leave the country and contact a US embassy or consulate in another country. Currently, the Embassy of the Republic of Belarus in Washington, DC, is the only diplomatic mission of Belarus in the United States.

Where to apply for Belarus passport renewal in the USA

The Belarusian Embassy in the United States of America is located at 1619 New Hampshire Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20009. The telephone number is +1 202 986 1606.

The Consulate General of Belarus is located in New York, at 708 Third Avenue, 20th Floor, New York, NY 10017.

Both the Embassy and the Consulate General can be contacted for information on how to renew your Belarusian passport in the USA.

Required documents for Belarus passport renewal

As of September 2023, citizens of the Republic of Belarus can no longer exchange or extend their passports at Belarus embassies and consulates abroad. This means that if your passport is expiring and you cannot return to Belarus, you will need to rely on alternative documents such as a foreigner's travel document or a Geneva passport.

If you are able to return to Belarus, you will need to bring the following documents with you to have your passport renewed:

• Your current passport
• Valid proof of identity, such as a valid passport from any country, a valid driver's license with a photograph, a national identity card with a photograph, a valid US or state government ID card, or a US military ID card
• Original marriage certificate or court order showing a change of name if it has changed since your last passport was issued
• Passport photographs

Please note that the US Embassy in Belarus has suspended all operations until further notice.

Cost of renewing a Belarus passport in the USA

As of September 2023, the Lukashenka regime has prohibited the renewal of passports for Belarusians living abroad. This has affected thousands of Belarusians living in the USA and has prevented families from obtaining citizenship and travel documents for their children. It has also made it nearly impossible for Belarusians in the USA to maintain control over their homes and property in Belarus.

Prior to this, the cost of renewing a Belarusian passport in the USA was 110 USD for an adult passport book. The U.S. Embassy in Minsk could issue emergency passports in certain limited circumstances. These passports are generally issued only to enable stranded citizens to return home. The fee for an emergency passport is a non-refundable processing fee of 110 USD, which is retained by the Department of State whether or not the passport is issued.

Time taken to renew a Belarus passport in the USA

The time taken to renew a Belarus passport in the USA depends on several factors, including the individual's specific circumstances and the current processing times at the Embassy of the Republic of Belarus in Washington, DC. As of February 2022, the U.S. Embassy in Minsk suspended all routine and emergency consular services, which may impact the passport renewal process.

• Gather Required Documents: Before initiating the renewal process, individuals must gather all the necessary documents, including their current passport, proof of identity, and passport photographs. This step can vary in time depending on the ease of accessing these documents.
• Complete Application Form: Applicants need to fill out Form DS-82, Application for a U.S. Passport. The form must be printed on separate sheets of paper and cannot be printed front and back on the same sheet. Completing the form typically takes around 30 minutes to an hour.
• Schedule an Appointment: After completing the application form and gathering the required documents, individuals can schedule an appointment at the Embassy of the Republic of Belarus in Washington, DC. The waiting time for appointments may vary depending on the current demand and staffing levels at the embassy. It is recommended to schedule the appointment as early as possible to secure a preferred time slot.
• Submit Application and Documents: During the scheduled appointment, applicants will submit their completed application form, supporting documents, and passport photographs. This step should not take more than a few hours, depending on the efficiency of the embassy staff and the number of applicants being processed that day.
• Processing Time: The actual processing time for the passport renewal can vary. In some cases, the embassy may provide an estimated processing time during the application process. This time frame can be affected by various factors, such as the complexity of the case, the volume of applications being processed, and the availability of resources at the embassy.
• Passport Collection: Once the passport is renewed, individuals will need to collect it from the embassy. This step may involve travelling to the embassy a second time, depending on the arrangement made during the application process.

It is important to note that the above time frames are estimates and may not reflect the exact duration for each step. Additionally, the political situation in Belarus, as mentioned in the decree by President Lukashenka, may impact the passport renewal process and the time it takes to complete the renewal. Individuals are advised to stay updated with the latest information provided by the Embassy of the Republic of Belarus in Washington, DC, and seek their guidance for a more accurate understanding of the time frames involved.

What to do if your Belarus passport is lost or stolen

If your Belarus passport is lost or stolen in the United States, you should take the following steps:

First, report the loss or theft to the local police department and obtain a police report. This will be required when applying for a replacement passport. Next, contact the Embassy of the Republic of Belarus in the United States of America. The embassy is located at 1619 New Hampshire Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20009, and can be reached by phone at +1 202 986 1606.

Inform the embassy staff about your situation, and they will guide you through the process of obtaining a new passport. You will likely need to fill out an application form and provide evidence of your identity and citizenship, such as a birth certificate or a consular report of birth abroad. Make sure to carry Apostilled copies of any U.S.-issued documents, such as birth or marriage certificates, as these are required by the Government of Belarus.

Additionally, if you are a dual citizen of the United States and Belarus, be aware that you are required by U.S. immigration law to use your U.S. passport when entering or leaving the United States, and by Belarusian law to use your Belarusian passport when entering or departing Belarus.

Frequently asked questions