By the time you finish reading, you’ll have a clear roadmap to secure the right visa, understand new e-visa options, spot photo and passport pitfalls, and tap into visa-free zones.

Types of Visas You Can Apply For

Belarus issues several visa categories depending on your purpose and length of stay, as detailed by the official Belarus Ministry of Foreign Affairs:

• Transit Visa (Type B): For passing through Belarus en route to another country.
• Short-Term Visa (Type C): Allows up to 90 days’ stay for tourism, business, private visits, or events.
• Long-Term Visa (Type D): Issued for stays beyond 90 days, often tied to work, study, or family reunification.

You’ll also find specialized visas—student, work, private, business, each with its own set of requirements and validity periods.

Short-Term Tourist Visa (Type C)

When you apply for a Type C visa:

• Complete the official visa application form.
• Present a passport valid at least three months after your planned departure date, per the official passport validity requirements.
• Include one recent passport-style photo (see photo specs below).
• Provide proof of travel purpose (hotel booking, travel itinerary, invitation letter).
• Show valid medical insurance covering your Belarus stay.
• Pay the applicable visa fee at your nearest Belarusian embassy or consulate.

Belarus E-Visa Launching in March 2025

Starting March 1, 2025, Belarus will introduce an electronic visa system. You’ll be able to apply online for a single-entry e-visa valid up to 30 days, covering tourism, business, or private visits. Key points:

• Apply through the official portal—no embassy visit required.
• Receive your e-visa as a PDF you print or store on your phone.
• Expect processing within 5–7 business days.

Passport & Photo Requirements You Can’t Miss

Passport Validity

Your passport must:

1. Remain valid for at least three months beyond your intended exit date from Belarus.
2. Have two blank pages for entry and exit stamps.

Photo Specifications

Follow these rules exactly:

• Size: 35 × 45 mm (standard biometric dimensions).
• Background: plain white, no shadows.
• Recent: taken within the last six months.
• Face: centered, neutral expression, no headwear (unless for religious reasons).

Mismatched photo specs account for up to 20% of rejected applications, according to VFS Global’s visa photo guidelines.

Exploring Visa-Free Travel Programs

Belarus offers two main visa-free options:

30-Day Visa-Free via Minsk

Citizens of 83 countries can enter and exit through Minsk National Airport, staying up to 30 days without a visa. You must show:

• Passport valid as above.
• Confirmed return or onward ticket.
• Hotel or private-stay confirmation.
• Health insurance valid in Belarus.

15-Day Grodno-Brest Zone Entry

Over 70 nations (including stateless persons) may spend up to 15 days in the Grodno-Brest tourist and recreation zone. Rules vary slightly:

• Entry and exit points restricted to designated border crossings.
• Registration with local authorities upon arrival.
• A special zone-specific travel voucher or tour booking.

Completing Your Application Form

Applying at an embassy or via the new e-visa portal, ensure:

• Answers are legible in English, Russian, or Belarusian.
• All fields contain consistent and logical information.
• You (or a legal guardian for minors) personally sign the form.

Mistakes on the form can delay processing by weeks.

Typical Visa Fees

1. Tourist Visa (Type C): USD 60–100, depending on nationality.
2. Transit Visa (Type B): USD 25–50.
3. E-Visa: USD 35 flat rate.

Fees vary by consulate; always verify with your local mission.

Transit Rules & Extended Waivers

Transit passengers from visa-exempt countries may pass through Belarus without a visa, but not if travelling on to Russia. And good news: the 30-day visa waiver for European citizens has been extended through December 31, 2025.

Next Stop: Belarus

Whether you’re chasing medieval castles in Grodno, attending a festival in Minsk, or visiting friends in Brest, this guide arms you with everything to navigate Belarus’s visa landscape in 2025. Safe travels!