Belarus Visa Policy

Belarus is a landlocked country located in Eastern Europe, bordered by Russia, Ukraine, Poland, Lithuania, and Latvia. The country has a rich history and culture, making it a popular destination for tourists from all over the world. However, before planning a trip to Belarus, it is important to understand the country's visa policy.

Belarus has a visa policy that varies depending on the traveler's nationality, purpose of travel, and length of stay. Citizens of some countries can enter Belarus without a visa for a certain period of time, while others require a visa to enter and stay in Belarus.

The countries that are exempt from visa requirements for short-term stays in Belarus include the member states of the Eurasian Economic Union (Russia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, and Armenia), as well as some neighboring countries such as Ukraine, Serbia, and Montenegro. Citizens of these countries can enter Belarus without a visa for up to 90 days within a 180-day period.

For citizens of other countries, including the United States, Canada, and most European countries, a visa is required to enter Belarus. There are several types of visas available, including tourist visas, business visas, transit visas, and work visas.

Tourist visas are issued for a period of up to 30 days and are intended for travelers who are visiting Belarus for leisure or sightseeing purposes. Business visas are issued for a period of up to 90 days and are intended for travelers who are visiting Belarus for business purposes, such as attending conferences or meetings.

Transit visas are issued for a period of up to two days and are intended for travelers who are passing through Belarus en route to another country. Work visas are issued for a period of up to one year and are intended for travelers who are planning to work in Belarus.

To obtain a visa for Belarus, travelers must submit an application to the Consulate or Embassy of Belarus in their country of residence. The application must include a valid passport, a completed visa application form, a travel itinerary, and a proof of onward travel. Depending on the type of visa and the traveler's nationality, additional documents may be required.

The processing time for a Belarus visa can vary, but it typically takes around 5-10 business days. It is recommended to apply for the visa at least 10 business days before the intended date of travel.

Eligible Countries for Belarus Visa

Citizens of most countries are required to obtain a visa to travel to Belarus. However, citizens of several countries are exempt from the visa requirement or are eligible for a simplified visa procedure.

Here is a list of eligible countries for Belarus visa:-

Visa-free travel to Belarus for certain nationalities

There are certain nationalities that can enter Belarus without a visa for a limited period of time. Here are the countries whose citizens are allowed visa-free travel to Belarus:-

It's important to note that the visa-free regime applies only to certain types of travel, such as tourism or business, and may not cover all purposes of travel

30-Days of Visa-free Stay for Travelers Entering through Minsk Airport

Belarus allows travelers from select countries to enter the country without a visa and stay for up to 30 days, provided they enter through the Minsk National Airport. This policy applies only to passport holders of certain countries. To be eligible for visa-free entry, the traveler must enter through the Minsk National Airport and hold a passport from one of the following countries:-

Citizens of Gambia, Haiti, India, Lebanon, Namibia, Samoa, and Vietnam are also eligible for visa-free entry to Belarus through the Minsk National Airport. However, they must also meet the following conditions:

• Possess a multiple entry visa or a national visa issued by an EU/Schengen Member State. Residence permits are not accepted in such cases.
• Have an entry stamp from one of these countries in their passport.
• Hold a valid return ticket from the Minsk National Airport.

10-Days of Visa-free Stay for Travelers to Brest and Grodno

Travelers who are eligible for visa-free entry to Belarus via the Minsk National Airport can also enter and stay in Belarus for up to 10 days without a visa when visiting the Brest or Grodno regions. However, they must obtain a special document issued by a certified travel agency in their home country.

To enter the Brest region, visitors must enter through one of the following checkpoints: automobile checkpoints-

• Brest (Terespol),
• Domachevo (Slawatycze),
• Peschatka (Polowce),

or the small border traffic checkpoint Pererov (Bialowieza), as well as the railway border checkpoint Brest (Terespol) and Brest Airport border checkpoint.

To enter the Grodno region, visitors must enter through one of the following checkpoints: automobile checkpoints Bruzgi (Kuznica Bialostocka) or Privalka (Raigardas), as well as the small border traffic checkpoints Lesnaya (Rudawka), Privalka (Svendubre), railway border checkpoint Grodno (Kuznica Bialostocka), and Grodno Airport border checkpoint.

It is important to note that visitors who enter Belarus visa-free and plan to stay longer than 5 days must register with the local police department within 5 days of arrival in Belarus.

Common reasons for visa application rejections

Visa application rejections can be disappointing and frustrating, especially when you have already made travel plans. There are several reasons why a visa application may be rejected, including:

• Incomplete or inaccurate information: If the visa application form is incomplete or contains inaccurate information, the authorities may reject it. It is important to fill out the application form carefully, providing all the necessary information.
• Lack of supporting documents: Visa applications require supporting documents, such as proof of accommodation, flight bookings, and financial stability. If these documents are missing or insufficient, the authorities may reject the application.
• Criminal history: If the visa applicant has a criminal history, the authorities may reject the application. Depending on the severity of the offense, the authorities may consider the individual a potential security risk.
• Previous visa violations: If the applicant has violated immigration laws in the past, such as overstaying a previous visa, the authorities may reject the application.
• Insufficient funds: If the applicant does not have sufficient funds to support their stay in the country, the authorities may reject the application.
• Inconsistencies: If the information provided in the visa application form or supporting documents is inconsistent, the authorities may reject the application. For example, if the applicant's employment history or financial information does not match the information provided on the application form, the authorities may consider it a red flag.
• Lack of ties to home country: If the authorities believe that the applicant has insufficient ties to their home country, such as a lack of employment or family ties, they may reject the application. This is because they may consider the individual at risk of overstaying their visa or not returning home at the end of their authorized stay.

It is important to note that each country has its own visa policies and application procedures. It is important to carefully read and understand the requirements before submitting an application to avoid any potential issues or rejections.

Impacts of COVID-19 on Belarus visa policy and travel

Like many other countries around the world, Belarus has implemented changes to its visa policy and travel regulations in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Here are some of the impacts:

• Visa suspensions: In March 2020, Belarus suspended the issuance of visas to citizens of certain countries, including Italy, Iran, South Korea, and China, in an effort to contain the spread of the virus.
• Quarantine requirements: Travelers entering Belarus from countries with a high number of COVID-19 cases are required to undergo a 10-day quarantine upon arrival.
• Border closures: Belarus closed its land borders with Poland and Ukraine in March 2020, but these borders have since reopened. The border with Russia remains open.
• Flight cancellations: Many airlines have canceled or reduced their flights to and from Belarus due to the pandemic. This has made it difficult for travelers to enter or leave the country.
• Health screenings: Health screenings, including temperature checks, are being conducted at airports and other entry points to detect potential COVID-19 cases.
• Vaccine requirements: As of January 2022, Belarus does not require proof of COVID-19 vaccination for entry. However, this may change in the future depending on the situation with the pandemic.

It is important to note that the situation with COVID-19 is constantly evolving and travel restrictions and regulations can change at any time. Travelers should regularly check the latest updates from the Belarusian government and their airline before making any travel plans.

Frequently asked questions