Europe – BelarUS Visa

1. Do I need a visa to travel to Belarus as a European citizen?


No, citizens of European countries do not need a visa to travel to Belarus for stays of up to 30 days. They are granted entry upon arrival with a valid passport and proof of sufficient funds for their stay. However, if staying longer than 30 days, a visa is required.

2. How do I apply for a Belarusian visa?


To apply for a Belarusian visa, you need to follow these steps:

1. Determine the type of visa you need: There are different types of visas depending on your purpose of travel, such as tourist, business, student, or transit visa. Make sure you choose the correct type of visa to avoid any delays or issues with your application.

2. Fill out the application form: You can download and fill out the application form from the website of the Embassy of Belarus in your country or use an online visa application system (if available). Make sure to answer all questions accurately and provide all required documents.

3. Gather required documents: The documents needed for a Belarusian visa may differ depending on your nationality and type of visa. Generally, they include a valid passport with at least 6 months validity beyond the intended stay in Belarus, recent passport-sized photos, travel itinerary, proof of accommodation in Belarus, and proof of sufficient funds.

4. Get a medical insurance policy: All foreign citizens entering Belarus must have a valid medical insurance policy that covers their entire stay in the country.

5. Submit your application: After completing your application form and gathering all required documents, you can submit them to the nearest Belarusian embassy or consulate in person or through a designated visa agency (if applicable).

6. Pay the visa fee: Visa fees vary depending on your nationality and type of visa. Check with the embassy or consulate for exact fees and accepted payment methods.

7. Wait for processing: The processing time for a Belarusian visa may take up to 10 business days. It is recommended to apply at least 3-4 weeks before your planned trip.

8. Collect your passport: Once your visa is approved, you can collect your passport from the embassy or consulate where you submitted your application.

9. Enter Belarus: Your visa will indicate how many times you can enter Belarus and how long you can stay during each entry. Make sure to follow the conditions of your visa to avoid any issues at the border.

Note: These steps may vary depending on your country of residence. It is best to check with the nearest Belarusian embassy or consulate for specific instructions.

3. What are the documents required for a Belarusian visa application?


The documents required for a Belarusian visa application may vary depending on the type of visa being applied for, but generally they include:

1. A completed visa application form (can be obtained from the consulate or embassy)
2. Valid passport with at least 6 months validity beyond the intended stay in Belarus
3. Passport-sized photos (usually two)
4. Proof of financial means to support oneself during the stay in Belarus (e.g. bank statements, proof of employment/salary)
5. Proof of accommodation in Belarus (hotel bookings, invitation from a friend/family member living in Belarus, etc.)
6. Travel itinerary or roundtrip tickets
7. Visa fee payment (varies depending on nationality and type of visa)
8. Health insurance valid for the duration of stay in Belarus
9. Invitation letter issued by an organization or individual in Belarus, if required for the specific visa type.
10.Optional: Vaccination certificates if traveling from a country that requires them.

It is recommended to check with the respective embassy or consulate for a complete list of required documents before submitting the visa application.

4. What is the processing time for a Belarusian visa?


The processing time for a Belarusian visa can vary depending on the type of visa and the applicant’s country of origin. Generally, it can take anywhere from 5-10 business days to process a visa application. It is recommended to apply for a visa well in advance of your planned trip to allow sufficient time for processing.

5. Can I apply for a Belarusian visa online?


Yes, you can apply for a Belarusian visa online through the official website of the Embassy of Belarus in your country or through the e-visa portal of the Republic of Belarus.

6. Is there an e-visa option available for Belarus?

Yes, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Belarus offers an e-visa option for citizens of certain countries. This allows visitors to apply for a visa online and receive an electronic visa instead of a physical sticker in their passport. The e-visa is valid for 30 days and allows single entry into Belarus for the purpose of tourism, business, or humanitarian reasons. However, not all countries are eligible for the e-visa option and some restrictions may apply. It is recommended to check with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs website for more information on eligibility and application process.

7. How much does a Belarusian visa cost for European citizens?


The cost of a Belarusian visa for European citizens varies depending on the type and duration of the visa, as well as the country where the application is submitted. Here are some general guidelines for different types of visas:

1. Short-term tourist visa: This type of visa is valid for up to 30 days and costs around €60-€80.

2. Transit visa: A single-entry transit visa costs around €20-€40, while a double-entry transit visa costs around €30-€50.

3. Business visa: The cost of a business visa depends on the number of entries and validity period. A single-entry business visa costs around €55-€70, while a multiple-entry business visa (valid for 90 days) costs around €120-€150.

4. Work or study visa: The cost of these visas may vary depending on the purpose and duration of stay. In general, they are more expensive than tourist visas and can range from €180 to €350.

It’s important to note that there may be additional fees for processing and other services such as invitation letters or expedited processing.

Additionally, some countries have a reciprocal agreement with Belarus regarding visa fees, so it’s best to check with your respective embassy or consulate for updated information on fees.

8. Is there a multiple entry visa option for Belarus?


Yes, there is a multiple entry visa option for Belarus. This type of visa allows the holder to enter and exit Belarus multiple times within a specific period of time, usually 1 year. Multiple entry visas are typically more expensive than single entry visas and may require additional documentation, such as an invitation letter from a company or organization in Belarus. The length of stay for each entry may also be limited to a maximum of 90 days within a 180-day period.

9. How long is the validity of a Belarusian visa?


The validity of a Belarusian visa can vary depending on the type of visa and the purpose of travel. Generally, tourist visas are valid for up to 90 days within a 180-day period, while business visas can be valid for up to one year. It is important to check the specific validity of your visa before traveling to Belarus.

10. Is it possible to extend my stay in Belarus with my current visa?

It depends on the type of visa you have. If you have a short-term or single-entry visa, you will not be able to extend your stay in Belarus and will need to leave the country before your visa expires. If you have a long-term or multiple-entry visa, you may be able to extend your stay by renewing your visa or obtaining a temporary residence permit. You should contact the Belarusian embassy or consulate in your home country for more information on extending your stay.

11. Can I enter other countries in Europe with a valid Belarusian visa?


It depends on your citizenship and the type of visa you have. Some countries in Europe accept Belarusian visas as a valid entry document, while others do not. It is important to check with the embassy or consulate of the country you wish to visit before making any travel plans.

12. Do I need to have travel insurance for my trip to Belarus?


It is highly recommended to have travel insurance for your trip to Belarus. In the event of unexpected medical emergencies, lost or stolen possessions, or flight cancellations, travel insurance can provide coverage and financial protection. Additionally, some countries may require proof of travel insurance before allowing entry.

13. Are there any specific vaccination requirements for entering Belarus from Europe?


As of July 2021, individuals entering Belarus from Europe must present a negative COVID-19 PCR test result taken no more than 72 hours before arrival. There are currently no specific vaccination requirements for entry into Belarus from Europe. However, travelers should regularly check the official websites of both their home country and Belarus for any updated entry requirements or restrictions.

14. Will I need an invitation letter from someone in Belarus for my visa application?

No, you do not need an invitation letter for your visa application. However, if you are applying for a business or work visa, you may need to provide an invitation letter from your host company in Belarus.

15. Can I visit both mainland and non-mainland regions of Europe with my Belarusian visa?


No, a Belarusian visa only allows you to enter and travel within the Republic of Belarus. You will need a separate visa from each country you wish to visit in Europe, including mainland and non-mainland regions. Depending on your nationality, you may also be able to travel within the Schengen area with a valid Schengen visa.

16.Can I work or study in another country on my Belarussian tourist or business visa?


No, a Belarussian tourist or business visa does not allow you to work or study in another country. It is only valid for short-term stays for tourism or business purposes in Belarus. If you wish to work or study in another country, you must obtain the appropriate visa for that specific country.

17.Can I get a refund if my visa is denied?

If your visa is denied, you may be able to get a refund for the application fee. This will depend on the visa type and specific circumstances. It is best to check with the embassy or consulate where you submitted your application for specific refund policies.

18.Do children also require visas when traveling with their parents to Belarus?

Yes, all children, regardless of age, require a visa when traveling with their parents to Belarus. They must apply for a separate visa from the parent’s visa application. The type of visa required will depend on the purpose of the child’s visit and the duration of their stay. Parents should contact the Belarusian embassy or consulate for specific guidelines and requirements for obtaining a visa for their child.

19.What are the consequences of overstaying my permitted period of stay in Europe?

The consequences of overstaying your permitted period of stay in Europe can include:

1. Fines and penalties: Each country has its own set of fines and penalties for overstaying, which can range from a few hundred to several thousand euros.

2. Deportation: In some cases, overstaying can result in deportation from the country. This can impact your ability to travel or enter Europe in the future.

3. Ban on re-entry: Overstaying may result in a ban on entering any other EU countries for a certain period of time, depending on the length of your overstay.

4. Difficulty obtaining visas: Your overstay will be recorded and it may affect your chances of obtaining future visas to Europe or other countries.

5. Problems with employment or studying: Overstaying can also cause problems with employment or studying, as you may not have a valid visa or residence permit.

6. Impact on immigration status: If you were planning to apply for a longer-term visa or residency in Europe, an overstay can negatively impact your application and immigration status.

7. Legal consequences: In extreme cases, overstaying could result in legal action being taken against you, such as imprisonment or deportation.

It is important to adhere to the terms of your visa and leave Europe before your permitted period of stay ends to avoid any potential consequences. If you are facing circumstances that prevent you from leaving on time, it is advisable to seek guidance from the appropriate authorities before your allowed stay expires.

20.How far in advance should I apply for my Belarussian visa before my intended travel dates?


It is recommended to apply for a Belarussian visa at least 4 weeks before your intended travel dates. This will allow enough time for the processing of your application and any potential delays. However, it is always best to check with the nearest embassy or consulate for specific processing times and requirements.