Belarus visas
Whether you need a visa for Belarus depends on your nationality and the purpose and length of your stay: some travellers qualify for visa-free entry or an e-visa, while others must obtain a visa in advance, and longer stays for work, study, family or settlement require a residence permit. Short-stay entry visas and e-visas are handled by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Belarus, while residence permits, work permits and citizenship are administered by the Department for Citizenship and Migration under the Ministry of Internal Affairs. Always confirm the current rules for your nationality on the official MFA visa pages before you travel.
Belarusian visa categories
Explore visa categories by the purpose of your trip.
- Visitor & short-stay visasShort stays in Belarus — tourism, visiting family or friends, business visits and transit, plus any visa-free or e-visa options.5 visas
- Work visasComing to Belarus to work — the employment and skilled-worker routes and the permits they require.1 visa
- Study visasStudying in Belarus — student visas and permits for accepted students.1 visa
- Family visasJoining or sponsoring a partner, child or other relative in Belarus.1 visa
- Business & investor visasInvesting, doing business or coming to Belarus as a highly skilled individual.1 visa
- Residence & citizenshipLiving in Belarus long term — residence routes and, where available, the path to citizenship.3 visas
Belarusian visa application at a glance
From start to finish in five simple steps.
- 01Choose the right visa
- 02Check eligibility & documents
- 03Apply online
- 04Provide biometrics
- 05Wait for a decision
Belarus — key facts
- Visa authority
- Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Belarus
- Application
- Online (in most cases)
- Biometrics
- Usually required
- Currency
- Belarusian ruble (BYN)
- Time zone
- Minsk Time (UTC+3, Europe/Minsk)
Official sources
For the most accurate and up-to-date information, always refer to the official government sources.
Verified against official sources · last reviewed 2026-08-21. Information only — not legal advice.