Sending Emails To Belarus: Signature Tips And Tricks

The Belarus Special Interest Group (SIG) is a part of JewishGen, Inc., an affiliate of the Museum of Jewish Heritage - A Living Memorial to the Holocaust. The group was formed in 1998 by JewishGen members with roots in Belarus to facilitate the gathering of resources and family research. The group combines the resources of time, expertise, and money to aid Jewish genealogy researchers. The Belarus-SIG Mailing List is one of many JewishGen Mailing Lists. To join the list, one must first log in to JewishGen and then subscribe to the Belarus SIG list.

The cost of sending an email to Belarus

Sending an email to Belarus is not as simple as sending one domestically, and there are a few things to consider when it comes to cost. Firstly, you will need to send your email as a physical letter or parcel, and the cost will depend on the weight and dimensions of the package, as well as the speed and level of service you require.

Courier Services

Using a courier service such as DHL, UPS, or TNT is one option for sending an email to Belarus. These companies offer express delivery services, but they may operate in Belarus to a limited extent and may not provide their full scope of services.

Postal Services

Another option is to use a postal service such as USPS, which offers international mail services to Belarus. The cost will depend on the weight and size of your package, as well as the type of service you choose.

For example, USPS offers Priority Mail Express International, which includes flat-rate envelopes with a maximum weight of 4 pounds and costs $114.50. They also offer First-Class Mail International for letters and postcards up to 3.5 ounces, which costs $1.40.

Additional Costs

In addition to the base postage cost, there may be other fees to consider when sending an email to Belarus. These can include:

• Customs duties: From 5-15%, depending on the product type.
• Value-Added Tax (VAT): 20% calculated on the total customs value, including duties paid.
• Excise taxes: 25-100% on tobacco, alcohol, and fuel.
• Handling and processing fees: For inspections and declarations.
• Storage fees: For delayed shipments.
• Licenses and permissions: For restricted goods like electronics, medicine, or weapons.

Volume-Based Discounts

If you plan to send multiple emails to Belarus, you may be eligible for volume-based discounts by signing a long-term contract with a courier service. For example, TSM offers discounts of up to 20% on frequent shipments.

In conclusion, the cost of sending an email to Belarus will depend on the specific services and options you choose. Be sure to consider the weight and dimensions of your package, the speed of delivery, and any additional fees that may be incurred during the customs process. By carefully considering these factors, you can choose the most cost-effective option for your needs.

How to send a letter to Belarus

Sending a letter to Belarus requires careful consideration of the country's specific regulations and guidelines. Here is a comprehensive guide on how to send a letter to Belarus:

Choosing a Courier Service:

Select a reputable courier service that offers shipping to Belarus, such as USPS, DHL, FedEx, or Time Saving Machine (TSM). Each courier will have its own rates, delivery times, and procedures, so it is essential to review their websites for detailed information.

Understanding Restrictions and Prohibited Items:

Before sending a letter to Belarus, familiarize yourself with the country's prohibited and restricted items. Belarus has strict regulations on certain goods, including narcotics, firearms, explosives, counterfeit products, hazardous materials, and more. Ensure your letter's contents comply with these restrictions to avoid legal consequences and shipping complications.

Preparing the Letter:

Weight and dimensions play a crucial role in determining shipping costs. Measure and weigh your letter accurately, rounding up to the nearest ounce if needed. Ensure your envelope is rectangular, bendable, and of uniform thickness. Non-standard envelopes, such as squares or irregular shapes, may incur additional charges or be returned.

Addressing and Stamping:

Place the recipient's address in the centre of the envelope, with your return address in the upper-left corner if desired. Affix the correct number of stamps to the upper-right corner, ideally in a single row. You can use Global Forever Stamps ($1.55 each) or a combination of domestic forever stamps that add up to $1.55. For letters over 1 ounce, you will need extra postage.

Customs Forms and Documentation:

When sending a letter to Belarus, you may need to attach a customs declaration form to your package. This form will depend on the value of the items inside. For items valued up to £270 or $270, use customs form CN22. For items valued over these amounts, use form CN23 and a clear plastic wallet SP 126. These forms can typically be found on courier websites or at post offices.

Additionally, certain items may require specific documentation for Belarus customs. For example, medicaments and vitamin preparations need authorization from the Public Health of Belarus. Provide detailed and accurate information on the customs forms to facilitate a smooth clearance process.

Delivery Times and Tracking:

Delivery times to Belarus can vary depending on the courier and shipping method chosen. Standard international shipping can take anywhere from several days to a few weeks. Express delivery services usually offer faster options, typically delivering within a few days. Some courier services also provide parcel tracking features for an additional fee, allowing you to monitor your letter's progress.

Shipping Costs and Discounts:

Shipping costs to Belarus depend on various factors, including the weight and size of your letter, the courier service chosen, and any additional services selected. To get an accurate quote, visit courier websites and input your package details. Signing long-term contracts or utilizing volume-based discounts, such as those offered by TSM, can help reduce shipping costs for frequent senders.

In summary, sending a letter to Belarus involves understanding the country's unique regulations, properly preparing and addressing your letter, completing the necessary customs documentation, selecting a reputable courier, and being mindful of shipping costs and delivery times. By following these steps, you can ensure your letter reaches its destination in Belarus smoothly and efficiently.

Belarus Special Interest Group (SIG)

The Belarus Special Interest Group (SIG) is a part of JewishGen, Inc., an affiliate of the Museum of Jewish Heritage - A Living Memorial to the Holocaust. The group was formed in 1998 by JewishGen members with roots in Belarus to facilitate the gathering of resources and family research. The group's purpose is to combine the resources of time, expertise, and money to aid Jewish genealogy researchers.

The Belarus SIG covers all or part of the following provinces: gubernias (provinces) of Grodno, Minsk, Mogilev, and Vitebsk, as well as the Lida and Vileika uyezds (districts) of the Vilna gubernia. The group is run by volunteers, and they need volunteers for a wide variety of tasks, some of which require language skills, while others require persistence and enthusiasm.

The Belarus-SIG Mailing List is one of many JewishGen Mailing Lists. To join, you must first log in to JewishGen. If you are not yet registered, you can click the "new user" link under the sign-in boxes. Once signed in, scroll down to Belarus SIG and click the "Subscribe" button. Fill out the subscription form and choose your preferred subscription management options.

JewishGen maintains archives of past messages, which you can search to see if your question has been asked and answered previously. If you still have questions about Belarus-SIG, you can contact the Help Desk, who will figure out the best way to help you.

Prohibited items when sending mail to Belarus

When sending mail to Belarus, there are several prohibited items that you should not include in your shipment. Here is a comprehensive list of items that are forbidden and must not be sent to Belarus:

• All arms, weapons, ammunition, and parts and accessories thereof. This includes items similar in construction to civilian or service weapons.
• Currencies of the Republic of Belarus and the Russian Federation.
• Explosive, combustible, or other dangerous substances, including radioactive materials.
• Metallized yarn or ornamental fabric made with or of gold thread.
• Narcotics, psychotropic substances, and their precursors, as well as plants and mushrooms containing these substances. This includes opium and other opiate-based drugs.
• Perishable food products, infectious substances, and non-infectious substances.
• Photographic and cinematographic films, undeveloped photographic plates, and photographic paper.
• Printed materials, such as books, newspapers, pictures, manuscripts, typescripts, and plans containing information that may be harmful to the political, economic, health, or moral interests of Belarus.
• Precious stones in any form, except when used in jewellery. Natural diamonds are also prohibited unless they are a part of jewellery.
• Tobacco and tobacco products, including products containing nicotine and smoking mixtures.
• Unmanned aerial vehicles like drones and copters, except for entertainment aircraft without recording equipment, which must be controlled remotely by the operator.
• Alcohol products, including ethyl alcohol and alcoholic beverages.
• Articles of cultural value.
• Substances harmful to the ozone layer.
• Animal products for human or animal consumption, including meats, poultry, milk, dairy products, feeds, and other by-products.

Please note that this list may not be exhaustive, and specific restrictions may change without notice. Always refer to the most up-to-date information from official sources and authorities for the most accurate and current list of prohibited items when sending mail to Belarus.

Courier services that deliver to Belarus

Courier services are available to deliver parcels and mail to Belarus, but it is important to be aware of the country's specific rules and regulations. International shipping to Belarus can be complex, with various customs procedures, delivery times, carrier options, and import duties to consider.

Several courier services offer delivery to Belarus, including:

• Time Saving Machine (TSM): TSM provides international courier services to Belarus and partners with major carriers such as DHL, FedEx, UPS, and TNT. They offer a range of delivery options, including door-to-door service, and can handle shipments of various sizes and weights. TSM also assists with customs documentation and offers competitive rates with discounts for frequent shipments.
• Dwarka Courier Service: Dwarka Courier Service offers cheap and fast courier services from Belarus to various countries. They provide free pickup, packaging, and online tracking. Dwarka Courier Service handles various items, including documents, food products, and electronic items.
• Parcel2Go: Parcel2Go offers cheap parcel delivery to Belarus, with prices starting at £14.90. They work with trusted international courier services to ensure secure and affordable delivery. Parcel2Go also provides customs duty documents to their customers to simplify the process.
• FedEx: FedEx offers worldwide shipping services to over 220 countries and territories, including Belarus. They provide various tools and resources to help customers with international shipping, such as estimating duties and taxes and searching country profiles.
• Parcelforce Worldwide: Parcelforce Worldwide has experience and expertise in international parcel delivery, reaching over 99% of the world's population. They guide customers through the restrictions, customs charges, and drop-off options for each country.

When choosing a courier service, it is important to consider factors such as cost, delivery time, weight and size restrictions, and the availability of additional services like tracking and insurance. It is also essential to be aware of Belarus's customs regulations and prohibited items to ensure a smooth delivery process.

Frequently asked questions