Belarus Visa-On-Arrival

Belarus is a beautiful country with a rich culture and a fascinating history. It is located in Eastern Europe and is known for its natural beauty, diverse landscapes, and friendly people. To visit Belarus, one needs a visa, which can be obtained through several ways. One of the ways is to get a visa-on-arrival at the Minsk National Airport.

The visa-on-arrival option is available for short-term visas and long-term visas. For short-term visas, the application should be submitted not later than 3 business days before the expected arrival date. For long-term visas, the application should be submitted not later than 5 business days before the expected arrival date. This means that travelers who want to visit Belarus and stay for a short or long period can easily get a visa-on-arrival.

To apply for a visa-on-arrival, the application should be made through the Foreign Admissions Division of the Consular Directorate of the Foreign Ministry of the Republic of Belarus, which is located at the airport. This division is responsible for processing visa applications for travelers who want to enter Belarus. The process is straightforward, and the staff is helpful and friendly, making it easy for travelers to get their visas quickly and efficiently.

To apply for a visa-on-arrival, travelers need to submit their passport, a photo, and a completed visa application form. The visa application form can be obtained at the airport or downloaded from the website of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Belarus. The visa fee can be paid in cash or by credit card at the airport.

It is important to note that the visa-on-arrival option is only available for certain countries. Travelers should check with the Belarusian embassy or consulate in their country to determine if they are eligible for a visa-on-arrival. If not, travelers can still apply for a visa through the embassy or consulate.

The visa-on-arrival option at the Minsk National Airport is a convenient and efficient way for travelers to obtain a visa to visit Belarus. The application process is straightforward, and the staff is helpful and friendly, making it easy for travelers to get their visas quickly and efficiently. With the visa-on-arrival option, travelers can explore the beauty and diversity of Belarus without worrying about the visa application process.

Who is eligible for a Belarus Visa-On-Arrival?

Not all foreign visitors are eligible for a Belarus Visa-On-Arrival. Currently, citizens of 75 countries are eligible for a Visa-On-Arrival at Minsk National Airport. These include countries from Europe, Asia, the Americas, the Middle East, and Africa. However, the list of eligible countries may change, and it's always best to check with the Belarusian embassy or consulate in your country before traveling.

In addition to being a citizen of an eligible country, visitors must also meet certain criteria to be eligible for a Belarus Visa-On-Arrival. These criteria include:

• The purpose of the visit must be tourism, business, or private.
• The duration of the visit must not exceed 30 days for short-term visas or 90 days for long-term visas.
• The visitor must have a valid passport that will remain valid for at least 90 days after their planned departure from Belarus.
• The visitor must have sufficient funds to cover their expenses during their stay in Belarus.
• The visitor must have a return ticket or onward travel ticket.
• The visitor must not have a criminal record or pose a threat to national security.

It's important to note that even if you are a citizen of an eligible country and meet the criteria for a Belarus Visa-On-Arrival, there is no guarantee that your application will be approved. Immigration officials at the airport have the final say on whether to grant a visa or not. It's always a good idea to have a backup plan in case your application is denied.

How to apply for a Belarus Visa-On-Arrival at Minsk National Airport?

To apply for a Belarus Visa-On-Arrival at Minsk National Airport, you will need to follow these steps:

• Make sure you are eligible for a Visa-On-Arrival based on your country of citizenship and purpose of visit.
• Prepare the required documents, including your valid passport, a return or onward travel ticket, and proof of sufficient funds to cover your expenses during your stay in Belarus.
• Fill out the Belarus Visa-On-Arrival application form, which is available online or in-person at the airport.
• Pay the visa fee in cash or with a credit card at the designated payment counter. The fee amount depends on the duration of your stay and the purpose of your visit.
• Submit your completed application form and supporting documents to the Foreign Admissions Division of the Consular Directorate of the Foreign Ministry of the Republic of Belarus, which is located at the airport.
• Wait for your application to be processed. The processing time can vary, but it typically takes around 5-10 business days.
• Once your application is approved, you will receive a Belarus Visa-On-Arrival stamp in your passport. Make sure to check the details of the visa stamp carefully before leaving the airport.

It's important to note that the application process for a Belarus Visa-On-Arrival can be time-consuming and may involve long waits at the airport. If you have the option to obtain a visa in advance through the Belarusian embassy or consulate in your home country, this may be a faster and more convenient option.

Required documents for a Belarus Visa-On-Arrival application

The required documents for a Belarus Visa-On-Arrival application at Minsk National Airport include:

• A valid passport with at least two blank pages for the visa stamp.
• A return or onward travel ticket indicating your departure from Belarus within the permitted period of stay.
• Proof of sufficient funds to cover your expenses during your stay in Belarus, such as bank statements or a credit card.
• A completed Belarus Visa-On-Arrival application form, which can be obtained online or in-person at the airport.
• A recent passport-style photo with a white background.

It's important to note that additional documents may be required depending on the purpose of your visit to Belarus, such as an invitation letter from a Belarusian company or organization for business visits, or proof of accommodation for tourism visits. It's recommended to check the specific requirements with the Consular Directorate of the Foreign Ministry of the Republic of Belarus or with a Belarusian embassy or consulate in advance of your trip.

Tips for a smooth Belarus Visa-On-Arrival application process

Here are some tips for a smooth Belarus Visa-On-Arrival application process:

• Ensure you have all the required documents before you travel: It's important to gather all the necessary documents before you travel to Belarus to avoid any delays or complications during the application process.
• Arrive at Minsk National Airport during the visa office working hours: The visa office is open 24/7, but it's recommended to arrive during the normal working hours to ensure a smooth application process.
• Be patient and polite: The application process can take some time, so it's important to be patient and polite with the immigration officers. Being rude or aggressive can lead to a denial of your visa application.
• Keep your travel documents safe: Make sure to keep your passport, visa, and other travel documents in a safe place during your trip to Belarus. Losing any of these documents can lead to complications and delays in your travel plans.
• Check the validity of your passport: Ensure that your passport is valid for at least six months beyond the date of your intended departure from Belarus.
• Double-check the information on your visa: Before leaving the visa office, double-check that all the information on your visa is accurate and matches your travel plans.
• Follow the rules and regulations of Belarus: Once you receive your visa, make sure to follow all the rules and regulations of Belarus during your stay. This includes registering with the local authorities if required and adhering to all local laws and customs.

How long does it take to get a Belarus Visa-On-Arrival?

The Belarus Visa-On-Arrival is usually processed on the same day if all the required documents are submitted and there are no issues with the application. However, the processing time may vary depending on the number of applications being processed at the time and the workload of the visa office. It's recommended to arrive at the airport during the normal working hours to ensure a smooth application process and allow enough time for any unexpected delays. Generally, the visa office at Minsk National Airport is open 24/7, so you can arrive at any time of the day or night to apply for the visa.

Differences between short-term and long-term Belarus Visa-On-Arrival

The main difference between a short-term and long-term Belarus Visa-On-Arrival is the duration of the stay in the country.

A short-term visa is typically issued for a period of up to 90 days within a six-month period, with the possibility of a single or multiple entries. This type of visa is suitable for tourists, business travelers, and those visiting family or friends.

On the other hand, a long-term visa allows the holder to stay in Belarus for more than 90 days, up to a maximum of one year, with the possibility of single or multiple entries. This type of visa is suitable for those who plan to work, study or conduct research in Belarus for an extended period of time.

The application process for a long-term visa is usually more complicated and requires additional documents, such as a work permit, study invitation, or research agreement, depending on the purpose of the visit. The application for a long-term visa must also be submitted at least 5 business days before the expected arrival date, whereas the short-term visa application can be submitted up to 3 business days before arrival.

It's important to note that the visa-on-arrival option is only available for a limited number of countries. Citizens of some countries may still need to apply for a visa in advance through the Belarusian embassy or consulate in their home country.

Belarus Visa-On-Arrival Payment Methods

Payment for the Belarus Visa-On-Arrival can be made in cash or by credit card at the airport upon arrival. It's recommended to have the exact amount in cash to avoid any issues with change. Credit card payments may also be subject to additional fees or surcharges.

It's important to confirm the visa fees and payment methods with the Belarusian embassy or consulate in your home country before traveling to Belarus to ensure that you have the correct amount and payment method available.

Advantages and disadvantages of a Belarus Visa-On-Arrival

Advantages of a Belarus Visa-On-Arrival:

• Convenience: One of the main advantages of a Belarus Visa-On-Arrival is that it provides a convenient way to obtain a visa for those who have not been able to apply for a visa in advance.
• Speed: The visa application process is relatively quick, and applicants can receive their visas in a matter of hours.
• Flexibility: A Visa-On-Arrival allows travelers to adjust their plans without the need for an extensive visa application process.
• Cost-effective: The fees for a Belarus Visa-On-Arrival are relatively low compared to other visa types, and travelers can save money on visa application fees and travel expenses.

Disadvantages of a Belarus Visa-On-Arrival:

• Risk of rejection: While the Visa-On-Arrival process is relatively quick, there is still a chance that the application could be rejected, which can lead to delays or even cancelation of travel plans.
• Limited duration: A Visa-On-Arrival is only valid for a limited period and cannot be extended. This means that travelers may need to leave the country and reapply for a visa if they need to stay for a more extended period.
• Limited travel purposes: Belarus Visa-On-Arrival is only issued for tourism, business or private purposes. Other purposes of travel such as study, work or residency may require a different type of visa.
• Limited ports of entry: Visa-On-Arrival is only available at Minsk National Airport, which may not be convenient for travelers arriving at other ports of entry.
• Limited validity: A Belarus Visa-On-Arrival is only valid for a single entry, and travelers will need to reapply for a visa if they leave and return to Belarus.

Frequently asked questions