Visiting Belarus: visa-free rules and tourist visa

Belarus applies several separate exemptions. Bilateral or presidential regimes cover citizens of states such as Türkiye (up to 30 days), Israel (90 days in 180), the United Arab Emirates (90 days), China (30 days, up to 90 per year) and most CIS states. Citizens of 76 countries may come for up to 30 days through Minsk National Airport and the airports of Brest, Gomel, Grodno, Mogilev and Vitebsk, but not on flights from Russia. Citizens of 35 European countries can enter for up to 30 days through road and rail checkpoints, and 90 days for Poland, Lithuania and Latvia.

C visas are short-term visas valid for up to 90 days, with one, two or multiple entries; tourist visas are single or double entry and issued for up to 30 days. The applicant submits the completed form, a 35 x 45 mm photo taken within six months, the passport, medical insurance and the visa support document for the purpose, for example a support letter from a Belarusian tour company, sanatorium or agritourism business, a hotel reservation or, for family visits, proof of kinship with a Belarusian citizen. For citizens of countries without migration risk the consular officer may waive support documents for trips of up to 30 days.

Since 1 January 2017 the fee is EUR 60 for any visa type and any number of entries, and EUR 35 for EU citizens under the visa facilitation agreement. Children under 14 pay nothing. Urgent processing within two working days doubles the fee; otherwise the decision is taken within five working days. The consular officer may shorten the validity or the number of entries, does not have to give reasons for a refusal, and the fee is not refunded.

At the border foreigners show their passport, any visa and medical insurance valid in Belarus with at least EUR 10,000 of cover, or buy a policy at the checkpoint. They must have at least two base values per day for stays under a month, or 50 base values per month, which can be shown by cash, cards, prepaid accommodation and meals, or a letter of guarantee. Taking photos at the checkpoint is prohibited. Visitors register their place of stay within ten days online or at a citizenship and migration unit; hotels and sanatoriums do this on check-in.

A visa does not guarantee entry. If entry is refused, the visa is cancelled and border authorities do not give the reasons. A foreigner can be added to the list of persons whose entry is prohibited or undesirable for six months to thirty years. Border zones require a special permit.