Belarus Visa: How to apply

Belarus is one of the exciting tourist destinations in Eastern Europe. It is characterized by its charming natural atmosphere, where visitors can explore dense forests and beautiful lakes. The capital, Minsk, displays a rich history and fascinating culture with its unique architectural landmarks and diverse museums. Belarus offers opportunities for skiing in the winter and water sports in the summer on its beaches. This is in addition to the opportunities to enjoy delicious cuisine and the warm hospitality of the local people.

Learn about the best tourist places in Belarus.

---Find the best Belarus hotel deals---

Types of visas in Belarus vary to suit the needs of visitors:

1. Transit Visa (B): Allows transit through Belarus while traveling to your final destination.
   
   
2. Short-term visa (G): Allows short visits for tourism or business purposes for a specified period.
   
   
3. Long-Term Multiple Entry Visa (D): Granted for long and multiple stays.

These visas are issued based on the various purposes of the visit, including diplomatic visas, work visas, study visas, and tourist visas, in addition to other purposes such as cultural, scientific, journalistic, religious, and humanitarian activities. Each visa carries special requirements depending on the purpose of the visit.

Validity periods for Belarus visas vary depending on the type of visa:

1. Transit visa (B): It can be valid once, twice, or multiple times. Its validity is no more than one year and you can stay in Belarus for up to two days per visit.
   
   
2. Short-term visa (G): It is valid for up to 90 days and can be for one visit, two visits, or multiple visits.
   
   
3. Long-Term Multiple Entry Visa (D): Issued for periods exceeding 90 days and extending up to 5 years.

The validity of the visa depends on its type and the purpose of the visit, and each visa carries certain conditions that renew its validity based on the type of visa and its planned use.

Learn about the best tourist places in Belarus.

---Find the best Belarus hotel deals---

Requirements for obtaining a Belarus visa include submitting to the competent authority in your country the following documents:

1. Completed visa application form .
   
   
2. A valid original passport, which must contain at least one blank visa page and be valid for 90 days after the end date of the trip.
   
   
3. A personal photo (35 x 45 mm) that is recent and taken within the six months prior to application, showing your full face at 70-80% of the photo size.
   
   
4. Documents supporting the visa application.

There are some additional documents and supporting letters that vary depending on the type of visa. Below are the details of each type:

1. Transit visa (B):

- Passport and at least one blank visa page.

- Travel tickets to the third country if necessary.

2. Short-term visa (C) and long-term visa (D) for sports, cultural, scientific, educational and internship activities:

- Letter of support from the Belarusian legal entity .

- Request (note verbale) from the diplomatic representation or consular institution of the foreign state or the representation of the foreign organization accredited in Belarus.

3. Visa for humanitarian activities and volunteer work:

- A letter of support from an accredited Belarusian government institution or an accredited Belarusian humanitarian organization .

4. Visa to maintain religious ties:

- A letter of support from an accredited religious association .

5. Journalist activity visa:

- Temporary accreditation from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Belarus.

6. Visa for special purposes:

- Documents proving special purposes such as family visits.

7. Visa to study:

- Invitation from the accredited Belarusian educational institution.

8. Visa for tourism:

- Support from a Belarusian tourism company, health institution, resort or entertainment center .

- A ticket to attend a cultural/sporting event.

- Confirmation of hotel reservation.

9. Visa for permanent residence:

- Decision of the Regional Branch of the Department of Citizenship and Immigration of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Belarus.

Be sure to contact the Belarusian embassy or consulate for the latest information about visa requirements and required documents.

Arab countries exempt from Belarus visa

There are 9 Arab countries whose citizens can travel to Belarus without a visa for 30 days, but some of them are subject to certain conditions:

1. The United Arab Emirates .
2. Qatar.
3. Bahrain.
4. Kuwait.
5. Sultanate of Oman.
6. Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
7. Lebanon (for holders of European Union or Schengen visas).
8. Jordan (for holders of European Union or Schengen visas).
9. Egypt (for holders of European Union or Schengen visas).

To apply for a Belarus visa, you can submit your application at one of the following Belarusian embassies or consulates located in your country of residence:

1. Consular departments of Belarus.
   
   
2. Diplomatic representation offices of Belarus.
   
   
3. Consular post at Minsk Airport, in case there is no Belarusian embassy or consulate in your country of residence.

You need to visit the official website of the Belarusian embassy or consulate in your country to get the exact information about visa requirements and application procedures. Make sure you prepare all the required documents and adhere to the specified procedures to facilitate the process of obtaining your visa.

Belarus visa processing time

The processing time for a visa application in Belarus is usually 5 business days. However, order processing can be expedited within 48 hours with additional fees. In addition, you should expect up to 2-3 business days to receive your passport by regular mail or courier if you submit your documents to the Belarusian embassy or consulate. Please keep this schedule in mind when planning your trip.

Learn about the best tourist places in Belarus.

---Find the best Belarus hotel deals---