Key Takeaways
• Belarus visa waiver allows 38 European countries to enter visa-free for up to 90 days per year.
• Traditional Belarusian visas needed for longer stays, work, study, or ineligible countries; cost €60–€120.
• Visa waiver program valid until December 31, 2025, with over 1.14 million Europeans using it since 2022.
When planning a trip to Belarus, Europeans have two main options for entry: using the Belarus visa waiver program or applying for a traditional Belarusian visa. Each path offers unique benefits and challenges, depending on your nationality, travel purpose, and length of stay. This comparison will help you understand the differences between these options, so you can choose the best route for your situation.
Overview of Entry Options for Europeans
Belarus has made it much easier for many Europeans to visit by introducing and expanding its visa waiver program. At the same time, the traditional visa process remains available for those who do not qualify for the waiver or need to stay longer. Here’s a breakdown of both options:
- Belarus Visa Waiver: Allows citizens of 38 European countries to enter Belarus without a visa for short visits.
- Traditional Belarusian Visa: Required for those not eligible for the waiver or for longer stays and specific purposes.
Let’s look at each option in detail, compare their requirements, timelines, and costs, and discuss which is best for different situations.
Belarus Visa Waiver Program: Key Features
The Belarus visa waiver program is designed to make travel easier for Europeans. Since its extension in April 2022, it has become very popular, especially among Belarus’ neighbors.
Who Can Use the Visa Waiver?
- Citizens of 38 European countries are eligible, including all European Union member states, Norway, Switzerland, and the United Kingdom.
- The list expanded in July 2024 to include 35 more countries, making it even more accessible.
How Many Europeans Use the Program?
- As of July 2025, over 1.14 million Europeans have entered Belarus using the visa waiver since April 2022.
- In 2025 alone, 111,520 Europeans visited Belarus visa-free between January and July.
- Most visitors come from Lithuania (~630,833), Latvia (~362,415), and Poland (~116,278), accounting for about 95% of all visa-waiver entries.
How Long Can You Stay?
- The visa waiver allows a stay of up to 90 days within any calendar year.
- Most travelers enter through land borders or Minsk airport.
How Long Is the Program Valid?
- The current visa waiver program is set to run until December 31, 2025.
- There is no official word yet on whether it will be extended beyond this date.
What Documents Do You Need?
- A valid passport from an eligible country.
- Proof of health insurance (sometimes checked at the border).
- Sufficient funds for your stay.
- Entry may be refused if you have certain legal restrictions or bans.
Where to Find Official Information?
- The Belarus State Border Committee website provides up-to-date details on the visa waiver, entry points, and requirements. You can visit their official site here.
- The Border of Belarus mobile app also offers guidance for travelers.
Traditional Belarusian Visa: Key Features
For Europeans who are not eligible for the visa waiver, or who need to stay longer or for specific reasons (like work or study), the traditional Belarusian visa process is still available.
Who Needs a Visa?
- Citizens of countries not included in the visa waiver list.
- Travelers who want to stay longer than 90 days in a calendar year.
- Those visiting for work, study, or other special purposes.
Types of Visas
- Short-term visa: For tourism, business, or private visits (usually up to 90 days).
- Long-term visa: For work, study, or family reunification (can be valid for up to one year or more).
Application Process
- Apply at a Belarusian embassy or consulate in your country.
- Submit a completed application form, passport, photo, invitation letter (if required), proof of insurance, and pay the visa fee.
- Processing time varies, but usually takes 5–10 business days. Expedited service may be available for an extra fee.
Costs
- Visa fees range from €60 to €120 for most European applicants, depending on visa type and processing speed.
- Additional costs may include courier fees or costs for supporting documents.
- Valid passport (with at least 90 days’ validity beyond your planned stay).
- Completed visa application form (available on the embassy website).
- Passport-sized photo.
- Invitation letter (for business, private, or long-term visas).
- Proof of health insurance.
- Proof of funds (bank statement or similar).
- Visa fee payment receipt.
Where to Find Official Information?
- Each Belarusian embassy or consulate has its own website with application forms and instructions. For example, the Belarusian Embassy in the UK provides detailed guidance.
Side-by-Side Comparison: Visa Waiver vs. Traditional Visa
| Feature | Belarus Visa Waiver | Traditional Belarusian Visa |
|---|---|---|
| Eligibility | Citizens of 38 European countries | All other nationalities; those needing longer stays or special purposes |
| Purpose of Visit | Tourism, business, family, short-term visits | Tourism, business, work, study, family reunification, long-term stays |
| Length of Stay | Up to 90 days per calendar year | Usually up to 90 days (short-term); longer for long-term visas |
| Application Process | No application needed; present passport at border | Apply at embassy/consulate with documents and fee |
| Processing Time | Immediate at border | 5–10 business days (standard); faster for expedited service |
| Cost | Usually free (may pay for insurance) | €60–€120 (plus possible extra costs) |
| Documents Needed | Passport, insurance, proof of funds | Passport, application form, photo, invitation, insurance, proof of funds, fee |
| Entry Points | Land borders, Minsk airport | Any official border crossing |
| Extension Possible? | No | Sometimes, depending on visa type |
Pros and Cons for Different Situations
Belarus Visa Waiver:
Pros:
– Fast and simple: No need to apply in advance or pay a visa fee.
– Flexible: Great for spontaneous trips, short visits, or frequent cross-border travel.
– Popular for neighbors: Especially useful for Lithuanians, Latvians, and Poles who visit often for family, shopping, or business.
– No embassy visit needed: Just show up at the border with the right documents.
Cons:
– Limited stay: Maximum 90 days per year; not suitable for long-term stays.
– Not for work or study: Can’t be used for employment or formal education.
– Subject to change: Program is only guaranteed until December 31, 2025.
Traditional Belarusian Visa:
Pros:
– Longer stays possible: Good for those who need to stay more than 90 days.
– Covers more purposes: Needed for work, study, or family reunification.
– Available to more people: Option for those not eligible for the visa waiver.
Cons:
– Takes time and effort: Must gather documents, fill out forms, and possibly attend an interview.
– Costs more: Visa fees and possible extra costs.
– Processing time: Can take up to two weeks, which may not suit last-minute travel.
Recommendations for Specific Circumstances
1. Short Tourist or Family Visit (Up to 90 Days)
– If you are a citizen of one of the 38 eligible European countries, use the visa waiver. It’s faster, cheaper, and easier.
– If you’re not eligible, or if you want extra peace of mind, apply for a short-term visa.
2. Business Trip
– For short business visits (meetings, conferences), the visa waiver is usually enough for eligible Europeans.
– For longer business stays or if you need to sign contracts, a business visa may be required.
3. Work, Study, or Long-Term Stay
– You must apply for a traditional visa. The visa waiver does not cover these purposes.
4. Frequent Cross-Border Travel
– The visa waiver is ideal for people living near the Belarus border, especially from Lithuania, Latvia, and Poland. It allows for multiple short visits each year.
5. Uncertain Travel Plans
– If you’re not sure how long you’ll stay or your plans may change, consider applying for a visa to avoid problems at the border.
Decision-Making Framework
To decide which option is best for your trip to Belarus, ask yourself these questions:
- Are you a citizen of one of the 38 eligible European countries?
- Yes: You can use the visa waiver for short visits.
- No: You must apply for a visa.
- How long do you plan to stay?
- Up to 90 days: Visa waiver (if eligible) or short-term visa.
- More than 90 days: Traditional visa required.
- What is the purpose of your visit?
- Tourism, family, or short business: Visa waiver (if eligible).
- Work, study, or long-term stay: Traditional visa.
- Do you need to travel soon?
- Immediate travel: Visa waiver is best (if eligible).
- Can wait for processing: Visa is an option.
- Do you have all required documents?
- For visa waiver: Passport, insurance, proof of funds.
- For visa: Additional documents like invitation letter, application form, and fee payment.
Real-World Examples
Example 1: Lithuanian Family Visit
A Lithuanian family wants to visit relatives in Belarus for two weeks. They use the visa waiver, cross the land border with their passports and insurance, and enjoy a hassle-free trip.
Example 2: British Student
A student from the United Kingdom 🇬🇧 is accepted to a university in Minsk for a year. They must apply for a student visa, providing an acceptance letter, passport, and other documents at the Belarusian embassy.
Example 3: Polish Business Traveler
A Polish businessperson needs to attend a conference in Minsk for five days. They use the visa waiver, saving time and money.
Example 4: Swiss Long-Term Worker
A Swiss 🇨🇭 engineer is hired for a one-year project in Belarus. They apply for a long-term work visa, submitting a job contract and other required paperwork.
Trends and Future Outlook
According to analysis by VisaVerge.com, the high number of Europeans using the Belarus visa waiver shows strong trust in the system and Belarus’ appeal for short visits. The program’s popularity is especially clear among neighboring countries, where cross-border ties are strong.
The Belarusian government’s decision to extend the visa waiver through 2025 and expand it to more countries signals a commitment to open borders and regional cooperation. However, the future of the program after December 2025 is still uncertain. Travelers should keep an eye on official updates, especially if planning trips for 2026 or beyond.
Practical Guidance and Next Steps
- Check your eligibility: Visit the Belarus State Border Committee website for the latest list of eligible countries and program updates.
- Prepare your documents: Make sure your passport is valid, get health insurance, and have proof of funds.
- Plan your trip: If you need a visa, start the application process early to avoid delays.
- Stay informed: Use the Border of Belarus mobile app and official government sites for real-time updates.
Conclusion
For most Europeans, the Belarus visa waiver offers a fast, easy, and cost-effective way to visit Belarus for up to 90 days. It’s especially useful for those living in neighboring countries or making short trips. For longer stays or special purposes, the traditional visa process remains necessary. By understanding the differences and following the steps above, you can choose the best option for your travel needs and enjoy a smooth journey to Belarus.
Learn Today
Visa Waiver Program → A policy allowing eligible citizens to enter a country without a visa for short stays.
Traditional Visa → A formal permit obtained via embassy allowing longer or specialized stays in a foreign country.
Invitation Letter → A document from a host required for visa applications to prove purpose of visit or sponsorship.
Proof of Funds → Financial evidence travelers must show to confirm they can support themselves during their stay.
Belarus State Border Committee → The government authority managing border controls and visa waiver program information for Belarus.
This Article in a Nutshell
Belarus offers Europeans either a visa waiver for short visits up to 90 days or traditional visas for longer stays and special purposes. The visa waiver covers many countries, is free, and valid until 2025, while traditional visas require applications, fees, and more documentation for extended travel.
— By VisaVerge.com
