Belarus Travel Guide

Belarus — Passport and Visa Information

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Passports

Country	Passport Required	Visa Required	Return Ticket Required
British	Yes	Yes	No
Australian	Yes	Yes	No
Canadian	Yes	Yes	No
USA	Yes	Yes	No
Other EU	Yes	Yes	No

Passport valid for 90 days after departure required by all nationals referred to in the chart above.

Passport Notes

All foreign nationals (except British foreign nationals) must hold medical insurance. All foreign nationals must register their passports at the local police station within three days of their arrival. If staying at a hotel, reception will do this automatically.

Visas

Required by all nationals referred to in the chart above.
Note: Nationals not referred to in the chart above are advised to contact the embassy to check visa requirements.

Visa Note

(a) Tourist visas are only available to those booking through a travel agency in Belarus or from a travel agency in another country which has an agreement with Belarus state travel and can supply state travel vouchers. (b) Children traveling on their parents' passports do not need a visa but must be accounted for on parents' visa application form. (c) Journalists can only apply for a Business visa after being accredited by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Belarus.d) Generally entrants on short-term business visa require a letter of invitation from a legally recognized body, although EU nationals and visitors from some other countries are exempt for periods of less than 30 days

Types of Visa and Cost

Transit: £50, express £100; Visitor and Business: £75, express £145 (single-entry); Long-term (multiple entry) £230, £460 for express 48 service. Group visas are also available; nationals are advised to contact the embassy for further information.

Validity

Visitor and Business: 90 days (single-and double-entry); one year (multiple-entry). Tourist: 30 days. Transit: 48 hours, valid for one year.

Applications to:

Nearest consulate (or consular section at embassy). Visas can be obtained at Minsk-2 International Airport in exceptional cases, such as illness or death of a Belarusian relative, only provided the traveler is met at the airport by their official sponsor with the original letter of invitation or tourist vouchers. In this case, the fee may be higher.

Working Days Required

Five, or 48 hours for express processing.

Travel Warnings

The threat from terrorism is low. But travelers should be aware of the global risk of indiscriminate terrorist attacks which could be against civilian targets, including places frequented by foreigners.

You must register your stay with the Belarus authorities if you intend to remain in the country for more than three days. Travelers should register with the local police office in the district in which they are staying. If you are staying in a hotel this will be arranged by the hotel. If you are not staying in a hotel this must be organized by your host. Visas are required to enter or travel through Belarus, including on popular train routes such as Warsaw-Moscow and St. Petersburg-Kiev.

Flu epidemics have been declared in Minsk and Gomel. Hospitals have been closed to visitors. This is not connected to outbreaks of Avian Influenza in Russia or elsewhere.

There are strong penalties for possession or use of drugs.

Avoid taking photographs of military or government installations.

This advice is based on information provided by the Foreign and Commonwealth Office in the UK. It is correct at time of publishing. As the situation can change rapidly, visitors are advised to contact the following organizations for the latest travel advice:

British Foreign and Commonwealth Office
Tel: 0845 850 2829.
Website: www.fco.gov.uk

US Department of State
Website: http://travel.state.gov/travel

Health Care

There is a reciprocal health agreement with the UK. Hospital treatment, some dental treatment and some other medical treatment is normally free. Visitors can expect to pay for prescribed medicines. A UK passport must be shown to receive medical treatment. Medical insurance is compulsory for all travelers to Belarus. Foreign visitors are usually required to pay medical insurance starting from €1 (up to 10 days) to €85 (up to one year). It is also advisable to carry an adequate supply of prescribed medicines which may be unobtainable in Belarus. Comprehensive travel insurance is advised for all nationals (including UK travelers).