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.
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:
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.
To apply for a Belarus Visa-On-Arrival at Minsk National Airport, you will need to follow these steps:
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.
The required documents for a Belarus Visa-On-Arrival application at Minsk National Airport include:
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.
Here are some tips for a smooth Belarus Visa-On-Arrival application process:
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.
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.
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 of a Belarus Visa-On-Arrival:
Disadvantages of a Belarus Visa-On-Arrival:
No, it's not possible to extend a Belarus Visa-On-Arrival. If you need to stay longer in Belarus, you'll need to apply for a new visa.
No, you can only apply for a Belarus Visa-On-Arrival at Minsk National Airport. If you enter Belarus through a different port of entry, you'll need to have a visa in advance.
No, a Belarus Visa-On-Arrival is only available for travelers arriving by air at Minsk National Airport. If you're entering Belarus by land or sea, you'll need to have a visa in advance.
It's possible that your application for a Belarus Visa-On-Arrival may be denied if you have a criminal record. It's recommended to check with the Belarusian embassy or consulate in your home country before traveling to Belarus to ensure that you're eligible for a visa.
The validity of a Belarus Visa-On-Arrival depends on the type of visa and the number of entries allowed. Short-term visas are valid for up to 30 or 90 days, while long-term visas are valid for up to 1 year. It's important to check the validity of your visa before traveling to Belarus to ensure that it meets your needs.
No, a Belarus Visa-On-Arrival only allows you to stay in Belarus. If you plan to travel to other countries, you'll need to have the necessary visas or travel documents for those countries.
If your Belarus Visa-On-Arrival application is denied, you'll need to apply for a visa in advance before traveling to Belarus. It's recommended to check with the Belarusian embassy or consulate in your home country to understand why your application was denied and what steps you can take to reapply.