Belarus Short-term (C-type) Visa

If you are planning to travel to Belarus for a short period, you can apply for a Belarus Short-term visa. This visa is suitable for various temporary travel purposes such as tourism, visiting family or friends, business trips, short-term education, exchange programs, short-term work, and many other non-permanent nuances. The validity period of the Belarus Short-term visa is up to a maximum of 90 days.

To apply for a Belarus Short-term visa, you will need to provide the necessary documents, such as a valid passport, a completed visa application form, proof of travel arrangements, proof of financial means to support your stay in Belarus, and any additional documents required for your specific purpose of travel. Once your visa application is approved, you can enter Belarus and stay for the duration of the visa's validity period. It is essential to ensure that your visa remains valid throughout your stay in Belarus, as overstaying your visa can result in penalties and difficulties with future travel to Belarus.

Types of Belarus Short-term (C-type) Visa

Belarus offers several types of short-term (C-type) visas for visitors who wish to stay in the country for up to 90 days. The types of C-type visas available include:-

• Tourism
• Business/congress/sports travel
• Private visit
• Studying (short-term)
• Employment (short-term)

Tourism

A short-term tourist visa is designed for people who want to visit Belarus for sightseeing, entertainment, or recreational purposes. It allows travelers to stay in the country for up to 30 days. The visa application process requires the submission of a passport, a completed visa application form, and a recent photograph. Additionally, travelers must provide evidence of travel arrangements, such as airline tickets and hotel reservations.

Business/congress/sports travel

This visa is for people who are traveling to Belarus for business or sports-related activities, such as attending a conference or participating in a sports event. The visa allows a stay of up to 90 days. The application process requires a letter from the inviting company or organization in Belarus, along with other standard documentation such as a passport, visa application form, and a recent photograph.

Private visit

This visa is intended for individuals who are traveling to Belarus to visit family or friends. It allows a stay of up to 90 days. The application process requires the submission of a passport, a completed visa application form, and a recent photograph. Additionally, travelers must provide an invitation letter from their host in Belarus.

Studying (short-term)

This visa is for students who are traveling to Belarus for a short-term study program. It allows a stay of up to 90 days. The application process requires the submission of a passport, a completed visa application form, and a recent photograph. Additionally, students must provide an acceptance letter from the educational institution in Belarus

Employment (short-term)

This visa is for individuals who are traveling to Belarus for short-term employment. It allows a stay of up to 90 days. The application process requires a letter from the employer in Belarus, along with other standard documentation such as a passport, visa application form, and a recent photograph. Additionally, travelers must obtain a work permit from the Belarusian authorities before entering the country.

Required Documents for Belarus Short-term Visa Application

To apply for a Belarus Short-term Visa, the following documents are required:

• Completed Application Form: The applicant must fill out an application form in English and sign and date it. In case of minors, the form should be signed by both parents.
• Passport: The applicant must possess a passport that is valid for at least three months beyond the date of departure from Belarus. The passport should not be older than 10 years, have at least one or two free “visa pages”, and have undamaged pictures securely affixed to it.
• Photo: The applicant must provide a recent photo that is not older than six months. The photo should be a frontal view of the face, covering 70-80% (32-26mm) of the photo, with a uniform and white background, and clear facial features and eyes not covered by hair or glasses frame.
• ID Card Copy: The applicant must provide a copy of their ID card that is valid for at least three months beyond the date of departure from Belarus.
• If the applicant's country of residence and citizenship are different: they must provide a copy of their valid residence permit/visa that is valid for at least three months beyond the date of departure from Belarus.
• Photocopies: The applicant must provide copies of the main page of their passport, previous visas, and visa for the final destination (if any).
• Travel Itinerary: The applicant must provide a flight reservation (return ticket) and a valid hotel/accommodation booking/reservation with the full address (name, street, city, zip code, contact information, booking ref.).
• Letter from Local Employer/Sponsor (Proof of Occupation): The applicant must provide a letter from their local employer/sponsor that includes their name, postal address, and telephone number of sponsor/company, details regarding their working position, starting date of the employment, and salary, and the timeframe of work leave (expected date to resume duties) and purpose of travel.
• Medical Insurance: The applicant must have valid medical insurance that covers their entire stay in Belarus.
• Supporting Documents that Show Your Reason for a Trip: Depending on the purpose of the trip, the applicant must provide supporting documents that show the reason for the trip.-
  • For tourism: You must provide one of the following documents as a proof of tourism purpose:
    • A letter of visa support by a Belarusian travel agency
    • A letter of visa support by a sanatorium, resort, or recreation center
    • A letter of visa support by a representative of an agritourism business
  • For business/congress/sports travel: You must provide one of the following documents as a proof of business, congress or sports travel purpose:
    • A letter of visa support by a Belarusian company
    • An original invitation letter by the company/organization
  • For private visit: You must provide the following documents as a proof of private visit purpose:
    • An original invitation letter by the inviting person
    • An original document that confirms the ownership of the estate (home) of the inviting person, if you are going to stay there
    • Copies of the passport, ID card/residence permit of your inviting person
  • For studying (short-term): You must provide the following documents as a proof of studying purpose:
    • An original invitation letter by the educational establishment in Belarus
    • An acceptance letter to the Belarusian education establishment
  • For employment (short-term): You must provide the following documents as a proof of employment purpose:
    • An original invitation letter by a Belarusian company
    • A copy of the employment permit that is issued for you
    • Confirmation by Citizenship and Migration Department in Belarus
• For Minors: If the applicant is a minor, they must provide a copy and English translation of their birth certificate/proof of adoption/custody decree if parents are divorced/death certificate of parent and a letter of consent from parent/s or legal guardian/s if traveling unaccompanied

Application Process for Belarus Short-term Visa

The application process for a Belarus short-term visa typically involves the following steps:

• Gather Required Documents: Collect all the necessary documents as per the requirements listed by the Embassy of Belarus or the Belarusian Consulate in your country.
• Fill Out Application Form: Fill out the application form accurately and completely. It is important to provide correct information, and ensure that the information matches with the information in your supporting documents.
• Schedule Appointment: Schedule an appointment with the Embassy of Belarus or the Belarusian Consulate in your country to submit your application and supporting documents. Some countries may also allow you to submit your application through a visa application center.
• Pay Fees: Pay the visa processing fee as per the instructions provided by the Embassy of Belarus or the Belarusian Consulate.
• Attend Appointment: Attend the appointment at the designated time and location with all the required documents. Your fingerprints may be taken, and you may be asked additional questions about your trip.
• Wait for Processing: Wait for the visa processing time as per the instructions provided by the Embassy of Belarus or the Belarusian Consulate. Processing times may vary, so it is important to apply well in advance of your planned travel dates.
• Collect Visa: Once your visa application is approved, you will need to collect your passport with the visa stamp from the Embassy of Belarus or the Belarusian Consulate. Make sure to check the visa details and ensure that they match your travel plans.

It is important to note that the visa application process and requirements may vary depending on the country of your citizenship or residency, so it is recommended to check the specific instructions provided by the Embassy of Belarus or the Belarusian Consulate in your country.

Validity and Duration of Belarus Short-term Visa

The validity and duration of a Belarus short-term (C-type) visa depend on the specific visa type, the purpose of the visit, and the applicant's individual circumstances.

Tourism, business, and private visit visas can be issued for up to 90 days, while short-term study visas can be issued for up to 180 days. Employment visas can be issued for up to 90 days, with the possibility of an extension for up to one year.

It's important to note that the duration of stay allowed with a Belarus short-term visa is different from its validity period. The duration of stay is typically indicated on the visa itself and cannot be extended beyond that period. The validity period, on the other hand, is the period during which the visa can be used to enter Belarus.

For example, if a tourist visa is issued with a validity period of 6 months, it means that the visa holder can enter Belarus at any time during that 6-month period, but the duration of stay allowed will be a maximum of 90 days. Similarly, a business visa may be issued with a validity period of 1 year, but the duration of stay allowed will still be a maximum of 90 days.

It's important to carefully consider the intended purpose and duration of the trip when applying for a Belarus short-term visa to ensure that the visa type and validity period are appropriate.

Processing time for Belarus Short-term Visa

The processing time for a Belarus Short-term Visa varies depending on the country where you are applying from and the volume of visa applications received at the embassy or consulate. Generally, the average processing time is between 3-15 calendar days, but it could be longer during peak travel seasons or if additional processing is required. It is recommended that you apply for your visa well in advance of your intended travel dates to allow for sufficient processing time. You may also be able to expedite the visa processing by paying an additional fee, depending on the embassy or consulate's policy. It's important to note that the processing time is not a guarantee, and delays can occur due to various factors such as incomplete application forms, missing documents, or the need for additional information or clarification. Therefore, it's advisable to carefully review the visa requirements and application instructions and ensure that all necessary documents are submitted to minimize processing delays.

Fees for Belarus Short-term Visa

The cost of a Belarus Short-term Visa is 35 EUR for a single-entry visa and 60 EUR for a multiple-entry visa. However, the fee may vary based on your nationality and the country where you apply. In addition to the visa fee, you may also be required to pay administrative fees such as the Visa Application Center fee and courier service fee, which can depend on the location where you submit your documents.

Extension of Belarus Short-term Visa

It is possible to extend a Belarus Short-term Visa while you are still in Belarus. To do so, you must submit an application to the Citizenship and Migration Department of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Belarus at least five working days before your visa expires. The decision to extend your visa is at the discretion of the immigration authorities and is not guaranteed. If your visa extension is approved, you will need to pay a fee, which varies depending on the length of the extension. It is important to note that overstaying your visa can result in fines, deportation, and difficulty obtaining future visas for Belarus.

Restrictions and Limitations of Belarus Short-term Visa

There are some restrictions and limitations that apply to Belarus Short-term Visa holders. Some of them are:

• Stay duration: The maximum stay for a Belarus Short-term Visa is 90 days within a 180-day period. If you overstay your visa, you may face fines, deportation, or even a ban on entering Belarus in the future.
• Work restrictions: Belarus Short-term Visa holders are not allowed to work in Belarus. If you are planning to work in Belarus, you will need to apply for a work visa.
• Travel restrictions: Belarus Short-term Visa holders are not allowed to travel to certain areas of Belarus, such as border zones or military zones, without special permission.
• Health insurance requirement: All Belarus Short-term Visa holders are required to have valid health insurance coverage for the duration of their stay in Belarus.
• Criminal record: If you have a criminal record, you may be denied a Belarus Short-term Visa or may be required to provide additional documentation or information.
• Visa expiration: It is important to note that the validity period of the Belarus Short-term Visa does not guarantee entry into Belarus. The final decision on entry is made by the border authorities upon arrival in Belarus.

Frequently asked questions