The procedure for obtaining visas to enter the Republic of Belarus

E-mail of the Consular Service: fr.consul@mfa.gov.by

According to the Law of the Republic of Belarus “On Legal Status of Foreign Citizens and Stateless Persons in the Republic of Belarus” of January 4, 2010 a foreign citizen may enter the Republic of Belarus, leave the Republic of Belarus and transit through the territory of the Republic of Belarus with a foreign travel document [a foreign travel document means a valid passport or another similar document intended for foreign travel and issued by the appropriate authorities of the state of citizenship or residence of a foreigner or by an international organization] if there is a visa of the Republic of Belarus  [vizas of other states are not recognized], unless otherwise stipulated by international treaties of the Republic of Belarus or by the decisions of the President of the Republic of Belarus. 

Notes: visa-free regime is provided for the citizens of Armenia, Azerbaijan; Cuba (up to 30 days); Georgia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan; Macedonia (provided that there is a private invitation or tourist voucher); Moldova; Mongolia (provided that there is a private invitation or tourist document); Montenegro (up to 30 days), Qatar (up to 30 days); Russia; Serbia (up to 30 days); Tajikistan, Ukraine, Uzbekistan; Venezuela (up to 90 days).

To obtain an entry visa, a foreign citizen should submit the following documents to the Consular Service of the Embassy:

1. A duly completed visa application form [The visa application form is filled out legibly by hand or by using technical means in an official language of the host country of a foreign institution, or in Russian, or in Belarusian, or in English. Answers to the questions of the visa application form must be complete and logically consistent and indicate the real purpose of the trip. The visa application form is signed by the foreign citizen personally. The visa application form for a minor is signed by his or her legal representative.]
2. One photograph; [the photograph must meet certain requirements specified in the international standard ISO / IEC 19794-5: size 35x45 mm, full face, against an even light background, high resolution, no corrugation or ink allowed, 70 — 80 percent of the picture placed vertically, 6 months-older photos not accepted;
3. A foreign travel document / passport; [a foreign travel document, submitted by the foreign citizen, must: 

• contain a photograph of the owner. In case, minors accompanying the foreigner are included into the entry visa, the foreign travel document should contain photographs of those persons; 
• have at least two blank pages intended for visas; 
• the document shall be valid as long as at least 90 days after the expected date of departure of the foreign citizen from the Republic of Belarus. 

A foreign travel document, submitted by the foreign citizen, must not: 

• be dubious in terms of authenticity or ownership,
• contain marks, entries, erasures and corrections that are not certified by the competent authorities of the respective foreign state. There must be no torn pages either. 

4. Visa support documents (see details below)

By the prior consent of the consular officer for citizens of the EU, a simplified visa procedure is provided, which does not require visa support documents confirming the purpose and conditions of  travel, when applying for private and business visas up to 30 days. 

4. Medical insurance
5. Additional documents required for issuance of  an entry visa:

• If you formerly had USSR or Belarusian citizenship – documents proving the loss of USSR/Belarusian citizenship;
• If applicant is a child under 18 years of age – a copy of child's birth certificate and copies of parents’ passport main information pages (with passport number, expiration date, photo etc.).

6. An interview (at the request of the consular officer); 
7. A confirmation of the visa fee paid

REGISTRATION: During 5 days (Sundays are not included) after arriving in Belarus a foreign citizen should report the information about the address and duration of his/her stay to the local citizenship and migration authoruty so that a registration stamp be put on his/her passport.

Alternatively, the foreigner can be registered on-line through the www.portal.gov.by (free of charge, avalable when arrived to Belarus)

If staying in a hotel or similar establishment, the registration will be arranged by the hotel services (reception bureau).

MIGRATION CARD is filled in only in case when the foreigner then procedes to the Russian Federation. In other cases the migration card is no longer needed.

Please note that visas cannot be changed, extended or transferred. If your travel plans changed after the visa has been issued you have to reapply for a new visa. The visa decision can not be appealed. Visa applications are considered within five working days (one week). Express visas (processed within 2 working days) are charged with an extra fee (200%). If the application is not completed your visa application will not be processed. Visa processing starts only after the Embassy has received all the necessary documents filled in and composed properly.

Please also note that your visa application form and all relevant documents will only be considered after you provide us with a payment receipt for your visa fee.

In the Republic of Belarus, the following types of visas are provided: 

B – transit visa; 

C — short-term visa, valid for up to 90 days; 

D — long-term visa, valid for up to 1-3 year/s with the right to stay up to 90 days, unless otherwise stipulated by the international treaties of the Republic of Belarus. 

Entry visas may be single-entry, double-entry and multiple-entry. 

Single-entry visa entitles to a single entry, stay and departure from the Republic of Belarus for the period specified in the visa and within a specified number of days of stay, but not more than 90 days. 

Double-entry visa entitles to a double entry, stay and departure from the Republic of Belarus for the period specified in the visa and within a specified number of days of stay, but not more than 90 days. 

A multiple-entry visa entitles to the numerous (more than 2 times) entries, stays and departures from the Republic of Belarus for the period specified in the visa and within a specified number of days of stay, but not more than 90 days per year, unless otherwise stipulated by the international treaties of the Republic of Belarus. 

A consular officer makes a decision about granting an entry visa on the basis of the documents submitted, the results of an interview within 5 working days from the date of application (as a matter of urgency — within 2 working days), which is final. 

A consular officer may reduce the number of entries granted by the visa and the validity of the visa.

A consular officer is not obliged to indicate the reasons for visa denial. 

In the event of visa denial the consular fee is not reimbursed. 

To extend the term of stay of a foreign citizen in the territory of the Republic of Belarus the citizenship and migration authority at the place of registration of a foreign citizen should be contacted to obtain:

• an exit visa;
• a permit fpr temporary / permanent residence and, if necessary, an exit-entry visa in addition to it.

Transit visa (type B) is issued for transit through the territory of the Republic of Belarus for the stated period, but not more than for 1 year, and is valid for 2 days from the date of entry of a foreign citizen into the Republic of Belarus.

The transit is always the entry to the territory of Belarus from one country and the exit from Belarus to the terrirory of the third country.

Transit visa is issued for single, double and multiple transit through the territory of the Republic of Belarus in case the foreigner has the visa of the country of his or her final destination. 

If a visa to enter a third country is not required, other grounds for issuance of a transit visa are taken into account, including railroad, motor or airline tickets or booking confirmation. 

Visa support documents confirming the purpose and conditions of the visit include: 

FOR SHORT TERM VISA

(type C, period of visa validity 90 days maximum) with single, double or multiple entries:

- making a business trip, participating in sports / cultural activities — an original application of a legal entity, issued on the letter-head with the full name of the entity, its location and telephone number, and the commitment of the legal entity that the foreigner shall comply with the rules of stay in the Republic of Belarus, sealed by the legal entity. 

If it is necessary to exercise control over the work of a representative office of a foreign enterprise in the Republic of Belarus or to undertake other activities directly related to the work of this office, managers and employees of this office or a foreign enterprise (organization), which has established this office, can be granted a short-term business visa on the basis of the original application of a foreign enterprise office  in the Republic of Belarus issued on the letter-head with its full name, location and telephone number, and the commitment of the representative office that the foreigner shall comply with the rules of stay in  the Republic of Belarus, sealed by the representative office.

Visa is issued for up to 90 days and may be single-entry, double-entry and multiple-entry. 

To provide legal grounds for the issuance of a short-term visa for the purpose of making a business trip or participating in sports / cultural activities by the prior consent of the consul a copy of the application can be accepted, including facsimiles or copies transmitted by other channels of communication. 

To see an application form for issuance of a short-term visa for the purpose of making a business trip, participating in sports / cultural events please click here (In Russian)

- study — the original invitation from an organization, which, in accordance with the laws of the Republic of Belarus, is entitled to issue such invitations, coordinated with theCitizenship and Migration Department of the Ministry of Internal Affairs, in the territory of which the organization is situated, for a period specified in the invitation. 

Visa is issued for up to 90 days and may be single-entry, double-entry and multiple-entry. On arrivalin Belarus with a short-term student visa in accordance with the rules a foreign citizen shall seek to receive a sojourn permit and, if necessary, — a multiple exit-entry visa from the Citizenship and Migration Department of the Ministry of Internal Affairsof the Republic of Belarus.

- religious reasons– an application of a religious association issued on the letter-head with the full name of the religious association, its location and telephone number, and the commitment of the religious association that the foreign citizen shall comply with the rules of stay in  the Republic of Belarus, sealed by the religious association and approved by the Commissioner for Religious and Ethnic Affairs. 

To provide legal grounds for the issuance of a short-term visa for religious reasons by the prior consent of the consul a copy of a duly completed application may be accepted, including a facsimile or a copy transmitted by other channels of communication. 

Visa is issued for up to 90 days and may be single-entry, double-entry and multiple-entry.

To see a sample application for the issuanceof a short-term visa for religious reasons please click here (in Russian) 

- tourism — one of the following original documents for the period specified in the document, but not more than 30 days: 

• an application of a Belarusian tourist company, issued on the letter-head with the full name of the tourist company, its location and telephone number, and the commitment of the tourist company that the foreigner shall comply with the rules of stay in the Republic of Belarus, sealed  by the tourist company; 
• an application of a treatment center or a health improvement organization, issued on the letter-head indicating its full name, location and telephone number, purpose, period of stay of a foreign citizen, the services provided, confirmation of the voucher reservation and full or partial prepayment for the services, as well as the commitment of the treatment center or health improvement organization that the foreigner shall comply with the rules of stay in the territory of the Republic of Belarus, sealed by the organization; 
• an applicationof a rural tourist business with its name and address, purpose, period of stay of a foreign citizen, the services provided and the commitment of the rural tourist business that the foreign citizen shall comply with the rules of stay in the Republic of Belarus and copies of the documents confirming the right to provide its services in the sphere of rural tourism. 

For citizens of EU by the prior consent of the consul short-term tourist visas could be obtained on the basis of: 

• a copy of a duly completed application  including a facsimile copy or a copy transmitted by other channels of communication; 
• an accomodation booking confirmation received by facsimile or other communication channels, for a period of the documented reservation, but not more than for 10 days. 

Please note that hotel`s bookings made ​​via booking.com and similar sites are NOT ACCEPTED

When booking a hotel, the reservation`s confirmation issued by the hotel (a letter signed and stamped) has to be attached to your file.

To see a sample application for a short-term tourist visa please click here (in Russian) 

- for private purposes — one of the following documents: 

• an original invitation issued by the local citizenship and migration authority; 
• official confirmation (such as physician certified report or death certificate) on serious illness or death of a close relative or spouse – for processing a visa to a foreigner, as well as to his close relatives and family members, whose close relative or spouse became seriously ill or died in Belarus;  
• a subpoena, including the one received by facsimile or other means of communication; 
• an original document confirming the ownership of the real estate property in Belarus for processing a visa to the owner of that property and to his or her family members; 
• petition made by Belarusian healthcare institution or contract for medical services with Belarusian healthcare institution prepared in accordance with Belarusian legislation – for processing a visa to a foreigner who needs to receive a medical care in Belarus as well as to his escort person, if required;

by the prior consent of the consul — an application prepared by a citizen of the Republic of Belarus in accordance with a specified form, whose signature is certified by: [The application of a citizen of the Republic of Belarus is valid for 90 days from the date of the notarial certification of the signature of the citizen of the Republic of Belarus.] 

• Belarusian Embassy or Consulate officer authorized to perform notarial acts; 
• a notary public of the Republic of Belarus. 

Visa is issued for up to 90 days and may be single-entry, double-entry or multiple-entry. 

- visits to cemeteries — an original certificate of a local executive committee confirming the fact of  burial in the Republic of Belarus and the maintenance of the graves of close relatives or spouse of a foreign citizen. 

Visa is issued for up to 90 days and may be single-entry, double-entry or multiple-entry. 

-  implementation of humanitarian programs, including foreign donations, children’s rest and recuperation and voluntary gratuitious works — an application of the Humanitarian Activities Department of the Presidential Administration of the Republic of Belarus or another governmental body authorized by the laws of the Republic of Belarus, regional executive committees and Minsk City Executive Committee, including applications  received by facsimile or other channels of communication; 

- journalism – a journalist visa is issued to mass media representatives of foreign states in connection with their temporary accreditation in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Belarus; 

- employment (hire entitlement) — one of the following documents: 

• a notary certified copy of an employment permit in the Republic of Belarus issued by the citizenship and migration authority of Minsk city and regions (oblast); 
• a notification to the Embassy from the citizenship and migration authority of Minsk city and regions on the issuance of the employment permit in the Republic of Belarus. 

Visa is issued for up to 90 days and may be single-entry, double-entry  or multiple-entry. On arrival in Belarus with a short-term employment visa in accordance with the rules a foreign citizen shall seek to receive a permit for temporary residence and, if necessary – a multiple exit-entry visa — from the local citizenship and migration authority. 

To see a sample application for a an employment visa please click here (in Russian)

For issuance of a  long-term multiple-entry visa (type D) effective, as a rule, for one year (the availability for the period of more than one year is to be checked with the consular service) with the right to stay up to 90 days per year, unless otherwise stipulated in the international treaties of the Republic of Belarus, for the purpose of: 

- maintaining business contacts, participating in sports / cultural events: 

• an original letter of invitation of a legal entity, issued on the letter-head with the full name of the entity, its location and telephone number, and the commitment of the legal entity that the foreign citizen shall comply with the rules of stay in the Republic of Belarus, sealed by the legal entity; 
• copies of the contract (cooperation agreement) between the Belarusian legal entity and a foreign citizen or foreign organization in which he works, confirming the existence of stable business relationship, or any documents of the Belarusian legal entity (including the articles of incorporation) confirming that the foreigner is an incorporator of Belarusian commercial organization or is an employee of foreign company which established commercial company in Belarus, sealed by the Belarusian legal entity or the organization in a contractual relationship with the Belarusian legal entity, or a copy verified by the consular officer against the original document; 
• the certified photocopy of the statute of the Belarusian entity to which the foreigner is a (co)owner;
• if necessary, where decided by the consular officer — must be submitted other documents confirming information contained in the application and the existence of business contacts.      

A long-term visa for the purpose of business contacts maintenance can be issued on the basis of an application of a representative office of a foreign company or bank in the Republic of Belarus for an entry visa: 

• to managers and employees of the representative office  of a foreign company or bank in the Republic of Belarus; 
• to founders, managers and employees of a foreign enterprise (organization), which has established this office — in order to supervise the representative office or any activities directly related to the work of the representative office. 

To see a sample application for a multiple-entry long-term visa for the purpose of maintaining business contacts or participating in sports / cultural events please click here (in Russian)

A multiple-entry  long-term visa is also issued by the order of the Consular Directorate of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on the basis of the applications from the governmental authorities, regional executive committees and Minsk City Executive Committee, received by the Consular Directorate of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

- for private purposes – on the basis of one of the following original documents: 

• an original of the invitation issued by a local citizenship and migration authority;
• by the prior consent of the consul — application prepared by a citizen of the Republic of Belarus — husband (wife) or a close relative of the foreign citizen whose signature is certified by a foreign official authorized to perform notarial acts, in accordance with a specified form plus a marriage certificate bearing apostille and translated into Belarusian / Russian by the translator accredited at the Embassy, or by the notary in Belarus. 

- Religious reasons – the application of a religious association, issued on the letter-head with the full name of the religious association, its location and telephone number, sealed by the religious association, and the commitment of the religious association that the foreign citizen shall comply with the rules of stay in the Republic of Belarus sealed by the religious association and approved by the Commissioner for Religious and Ethnic Affairs; 

To see a sample application for issuance of a multiple-entry long-term visa for religious reasons please  click here (in Russian)

 - visits to cemeteries — an original certificate of a local executive committee confirming the fact of burial in the Republic of Belarus and the maintenance of the graves of close relatives or a husband (wife) of a foreign citizen. 

- implementation of humanitarian programs, including foreign donations, children’s rest and recuperation and voluntary gratuitious works — the letter of invitation of the Humanitarian Activities Department of the Executive office of the President of the Republic of Belarus or another governmental body authorized by the laws of the Republic of Belarus, regional executive committees and Minsk City Executive Committee; 

- journalism – a journalist visa is issued to mass media representatives of foreign states due to their permanent accreditation in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Belarus.