Visa details

As of May 1, a Russian visa is no longer valid for transit through Belarus. Poland-bound travelers should make sure the train or bus they intend to take does not pass through Belarus. If it does, you will need a visa.

Types of visas

You have three choices:

• A transit visa valid for 72 hours, intended for those who only want to pass through.
• A single-entry visa (also known as an 'ordinary' visa) which is valid for 30 days. It only allows you to enter Belarus once within the 30 days stipulated on the visa.
• A multiple-entry visa can be valid for up to one year (maximum 30 days stay at any one time) and intended mainly for business travelers wanting to go in and out of the country a number of times.

Where to get them?

Transit visas, single-entry and multiple-entry visas can be obtained from any Belarusian embassy or consulate abroad. Visas are NOT issued at any land borders. You can get a visa on arrival at Minsk-II International airport if the country you have come from does not have a Belarusian embassy or consulate. Note that if you do this, you still need an invitation or proof of accommodation. We strongly recommended that you get your visa before leaving your home country however.

How to apply?

Apply for a visa from any Belarusian embassy or consulate well in advance of the day of your intended departure. For all visas, you will have to submit:

• A completed Belarusian visa application form (available from embassy or consulate)
• A valid passport
• One passport size photo (35mm x 45mm)
• An invitation from an officially registered company or proof of pre-booked accommodation in Belarus.

Customs details:

Following goods and articles may be brought to Belarus without paying customs duties:

• Goods and articles (except furniture, vehicles, car bodies and agricultural products that fall under special regulations), not exceeding $1,000 in value per person, with a maximum weight of 50 kg (110 lbs), for personal use only.
  NOTE : There is a weight limitation on the luggage that can be brought into the country without paying customs duties. If the weight exceeds 50 kilograms (110 lbs) it is necessary to pay 2 euros for every extra kilogram.
• Foodstuffs, with a total weight not exceeding 5 kilograms per person.
• No more than 1 (one) liter (33.8 fl. oz.) of alcohol beverages per person, that has reached the age of 18.
• 200 cigarettes or 200 grams of tobacco or other tobacco products per person that has reached the age of 18.
• No more than 5 jewelry items.
• No more than 3 natural leather or (and) fur clothes items.
• No more than 1 video-recording or video-playing unit per person, that costs no more than $1,000.

The import of foreign cash into the Republic of Belarus by natural person is not limited provided that other custom formalities are observed.

The export of foreign currency in cash from Republic of Belarus by natural person without special permit and without obligatory declaration in writing is allowed up to the amount not exceeding $3,000.

Import/export prohibited

The following goods and articles cannot be transferred through the customs border of the Republic of Belarus by natural persons without a special permission:

• Fire-arms and ammunition of any kind of military patterns, military equipment.
• Narcotics, psychotropic, toxic, poisonous, virulent substances, explosives and nuclear materials.
• Printed or audio-visual materials deemed injurious to the Republic of Belarus, to its State security or to the health and morality of the people.
• Other goods and articles banned by the legislation of the Republic of Belarus.