FAQ on Belarus Visa

Yes, since July 1, 2014, all applicants for a visa for Belarus are required to provide proof of international health insurance for the entire duration of their stay. The insurance policy (original or copy) must be submitted with the other application documents. Please refer to our detail page on mandatory insurance for foreign nationals in Belarus for information on policy requirements.

Yes, we need your original passport because the consulate issues the visa endorsement upon approval of the application in your identification document.

Our processing times for Belarus visas are usually 15, 10, or 5 business days. Additionally, an express option is available, where we can obtain your entry permit within one day at the embassy. In the order form, you have the option to select a period. Please note that shorter processing times incur higher fees. It is therefore advisable - if possible - to place the order well in advance of your trip. Please note that timely processing depends on having your documents fully available to us. Additionally, times for mail delivery and closures of consular sections on holidays must be considered. In exceptional cases, there may therefore be slight deviations from the estimated processing time.

Driving through Belarus to Russia by car, motorcycle, or motorhome is common practice. Please note that both countries require a visa for foreigners. You will need a main visa for Russia that corresponds to your travel purpose (e.g., tourist visa, business visa, work visa) etc., and a visa for transit through Belarus. Typically, the transit visa or a tourist visa might be suitable. The transit visa is available for single, double, or multiple entries. If you are traveling through Belarus on both the outward and return journeys, a visa for double entry is required. You have a maximum of 2 days per direction of travel (48 hours). For longer stays, you will need a tourist visa for visits of up to 30 days. Please read our notes under the respective visa categories.

Yes, since August 1, 2013, fees apply on some routes (a total of about 1180 km). Before using the relevant roads, registration on the website of the electronic toll system Beltoll is required. The site is available in multiple languages - including German.

Yes, passport and visa requirements also apply to children and infants, i.e., each traveler needs their own identification documents. Entries in the parents' passports are not possible.

For children up to 14 years old, we charge only the service fees for the visa procurement. Consular fees are waived. 

OVIR is the abbreviation for Otdel Vis and Registration, the Belarusian immigration authority. It is responsible for the registration of foreign travelers. In addition, OVIR is the contact point for visa extensions.

If you are staying in Belarus for more than 5 working days, please note the 5-day deadline for registration with the OVIR. Please read our notes on registration and the requirements for travelers in Belarus and contact the Belarusian embassy if you have any questions.