While the unrest in the wake of President Lukashenko's recent election victory may have done little to enhance tourism to Minsk, some tourists are drawn to the little-known country and a Belarus visa is mandatory packing for those who want to sample the delights of the country known as White Russia. Here is a quick guide through the formalities.
Belarus Visa Types – Transit, Tourist, Private, Business, Humanitarian
There are various types of visa, depending on the purpose of your visit and, with the tourist visa being the most common. With the exception of the transit visa, an invitation is required.
Private visa These are issued by the Ministry of the Interior, following an application from a Belarus citizen, but the process is bureaucratic and not advised.
Transit visa For travellers wishing to pass though Belarus, a 48-hour transit visa is available, permitting an overnight stay in the country. While no invitation letter is required, proof of onward travel is, in the form of visa or onward ticket to a neighbouring country.
Tourist visa A tourist visa can be obtained through an invitation from a travel agent and proof of hotel booking in the form of a voucher. The embassy website provides a list of approved agencies who offer this service. These visas tend to be single or double-entry valid for 30 days.
Business visa Business visas are granted to foreigners wanting to do business in Belarus upon presentation of an official invitation from a company registered in Belarus. They are valid for up to 90 days from issue. Local representative offices and banks of international companies, as well as private entrepreneurs are not allowed to issue an invitation letter if they are not a Belarusian legal entity. Citizens of the European Union states, Australia, the USA, Israel, Canada, New Zealand and South Africa who intend to spend less than 30 days in the country do not need to provide this letter, although they will have to refer to the host company in the application form.
Humanitarian visa There is no fee associated with humanitarian visas, which are valid for 90 days, if the invitation letter is issued by the Department of Humanitarian Aid, Ministry of Education, Ministry of Health, Committee on the Consequences of the Chernobyl Catastrophe or Regional Executive Committees. A faxed letter is acceptable.
Visa processing times vary, but emergency visas can be issued for a fee within 1-2 hours.
Visa Requirements And Health Insurance
Belarus visa requirements are as follows:
A valid original passport or travel document with not less than two blank pages available for the visa. The passport must be valid not less than 90 days beyond the date of planned departure from Belarus.
- A completed application form, downloaded from the embassy website.
- One recent passport-sized (45mm x 35 mm) colour photograph.
- Payment of the visa fee.
Proof of health insurance is also required to enter Belarus (although not on a transit visa). A letter stating that the traveller is covered in Belarus will suffice, although the option to purchase local insurance is available at the airport and elsewhere.
Visas for Travel to Minsk Airport
Visas are generally not issued on the border with the notable exception of Minsk Airport. Tourist visas can be obtained here by prior arrangement with the host travel agency. While this service is available for all nationalities, there is a surcharge for citizens from countries where a Belarus embassy exists. Payment is strictly cash only, with dirty and torn notes often rejected.
Fee Structure for Belarusian Visas By Country
Visa fees vary from country to country, with no charge for some countries - Serbia and Japan – and free visas for younger citizens of others (Hungary, Malta, Slovakia,
Slovenia and Czech Republic up to 16, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland up to 6 years old). At time of writing the standard fee for a standard transit fee is £50 for British citizens, $65 for American citizens, £75 for business, tourist and private visas for Brits, $90 for Americans. These rates are subject to change and it is advisable to check the embassy websites for current information.
While undoubtedly bureaucratic obtaining a Belarus visa is relatively straightforward if the clear rules and instructions are followed.
Source: Belarus Embassy in London
Paul Bradbury - Author of Hvar: An Insider's Guide to Croatia's Premier Island, and Lebanese Nuns Don't Ski
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