Belarus offers several visa types to accommodate different travel purposes, from tourism to business to transit. The eVisa Belarus system covers the most common categories including tourist, business, and transit visas. This guide explains all available Belarus visa types and helps you choose the right one.
Overview of Belarus Visa Categories
The Republic of Belarus issues visas in several categories depending on the purpose and duration of your visit. The eVisa Belarus system provides an online application option for the most common visa types, while specialized categories may require a traditional consular application.
Main Belarus Visa Types:
| Visa Type | Purpose | Duration | Entries | Fee |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tourist (B) | Sightseeing, leisure | Up to 30 days | Single | 60 EUR |
| Business (C) | Meetings, conferences | Up to 90 days | Single/Multiple | 60 EUR |
| Transit (B) | Passing through Belarus | Up to 2 days | Single/Double | 50 EUR |
| Private (B) | Visiting family/friends | Up to 30 days | Single | 60 EUR |
| Student (D) | Education | Up to 1 year | Multiple | Varies |
| Work (D) | Employment | Up to 1 year | Multiple | Varies |
| Diplomatic (A) | Official government | Varies | Multiple | Exempt |
The eVisa Belarus online portal currently supports tourist, business, transit, and private visa applications. For student, work, and diplomatic visas, you must apply through a Belarusian embassy or consulate.
Tourist Visa (Category B)
The tourist visa is the most common type of Belarus visa and is fully available through the eVisa system. It is designed for travelers visiting Belarus for leisure, sightseeing, cultural experiences, or visiting attractions.
Tourist Visa Features:
- Duration: Up to 30 days from the date of entry
- Entry type: Single entry (enter and exit Belarus once)
- Fee: 60 EUR through the eVisa Belarus portal
- Processing: Up to 5 business days
Required Documents for Tourist eVisa:
- Valid passport (6+ months validity)
- Passport photo (35x45mm, white background)
- Travel insurance (minimum 10,000 EUR coverage)
- Hotel booking or accommodation confirmation
- Return or onward travel ticket
- Proof of financial means
The tourist eVisa Belarus is ideal for first-time visitors who want to explore Minsk, the capital city, as well as other destinations like Brest, Grodno, Vitebsk, and the beautiful Belarusian countryside.
Popular Tourist Activities in Belarus:
- Exploring Minsk’s Soviet-era architecture and modern developments
- Visiting the UNESCO-listed Mir Castle and Nesvizh Palace
- Discovering the Białowieża Forest (shared with Poland)
- Experiencing traditional Belarusian cuisine and culture
- Visiting memorial sites from World War II history
Business Visa (Category C)
The business Belarus visa is for travelers visiting Belarus for professional purposes such as attending meetings, conferences, negotiations, exhibitions, or conducting business activities.
Business Visa Features:
- Duration: Up to 90 days (longer than tourist visa)
- Entry type: Single or multiple entry options
- Fee: 60 EUR through the eVisa Belarus portal
- Processing: Up to 5 business days
Additional Requirements for Business Visa:
- Invitation letter from a Belarusian business entity or organization
- Letter from your employer confirming the business purpose
- Conference or event registration (if attending a specific event)
- Details of business contacts in Belarus
The business eVisa Belarus allows multiple entries within the visa validity period, which is convenient for travelers who need to make several trips to Belarus within a short timeframe. This is a key advantage over the tourist visa, which only permits single entry.
Transit Visa (Category B)
The transit visa is for travelers passing through Belarus on their way to another destination. It is the most affordable eVisa Belarus option at only 50 EUR.
Transit Visa Features:
- Duration: Up to 2 days (48 hours) from the date of entry
- Entry type: Single or double entry
- Fee: 50 EUR (the cheapest eVisa Belarus option)
- Processing: Up to 5 business days
Transit Visa Requirements:
- Valid passport with 6+ months remaining validity
- Visa for the destination country (if required)
- Travel ticket showing transit through Belarus
- Passport photo and travel insurance
The transit eVisa Belarus is useful for travelers who are flying through Minsk Airport to another destination, or driving through Belarus between neighboring countries. The 2-day limit means you cannot use this visa for a short tourist visit – you need the tourist visa for that purpose.
Private Visa (Category B)
The private visa is for travelers visiting friends, family members, or acquaintances who are residents of Belarus. This type of Belarus visa requires an official invitation from the host.
Private Visa Features:
- Duration: Up to 30 days from the date of entry
- Entry type: Single entry
- Fee: 60 EUR through the eVisa Belarus portal
- Processing: Up to 5 business days
Invitation Requirements:
The invitation for a private eVisa Belarus must be:
- Issued by a Belarusian citizen or legal resident
- Registered with the local Citizenship and Migration Department (OGIM)
- Include the host’s full name, address, and contact information
- Include your full name, passport details, and planned dates of stay
- Original document or certified copy
If your host is unable to obtain an official invitation, you may consider applying for a tourist eVisa Belarus instead, as it does not require an invitation letter.
Student Visa (Category D)
The student visa is for international students enrolled in Belarusian educational institutions. This visa type is not available through the eVisa Belarus portal and must be obtained through a Belarusian embassy.
Student Visa Features:
- Duration: Up to 1 year (renewable)
- Entry type: Multiple entry
- Fee: Varies by embassy (typically 60-100 EUR)
- Processing: 5-15 business days
Requirements:
- Acceptance letter from a recognized Belarusian educational institution
- Proof of tuition payment or scholarship
- Medical certificate and HIV test results
- Financial proof for living expenses
- Accommodation arrangement (university dormitory or private)
Belarus has several internationally recognized universities, including Belarusian State University (BSU), Belarusian National Technical University (BNTU), and Minsk State Linguistic University. Student visa holders can typically work part-time during their studies.
Work Visa (Category D)
The work visa is for foreign nationals employed by Belarusian companies or organizations. Like the student visa, it is not available through the eVisa Belarus online portal and requires embassy application.
Work Visa Features:
- Duration: Up to 1 year (renewable)
- Entry type: Multiple entry
- Fee: Varies by embassy
- Processing: 10-20 business days
Requirements:
- Work permit issued by the Belarusian employer
- Employment contract or job offer letter
- Qualification documents (diplomas, certificates)
- Medical certificate
- Background check (in some cases)
The Belarusian employer typically initiates the work visa process by obtaining the necessary work permit from the Department of Citizenship and Migration. Once the permit is issued, the employee can apply for the work visa at a Belarusian embassy in their home country.
Diplomatic and Official Visa (Category A)
Diplomatic visas are issued to foreign diplomats, government officials, and international organization representatives traveling to Belarus on official business.
Diplomatic Visa Features:
- Duration: Varies based on assignment
- Entry type: Multiple entry (typically)
- Fee: Exempt (no fee required)
- Processing: Expedited through diplomatic channels
Diplomatic visa applications are handled through the Belarusian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and bilateral diplomatic channels, not through the standard eVisa Belarus portal. Applicants must have a valid diplomatic or official passport and a note verbale from their government or international organization.
Choosing the Right Belarus Visa Type
Selecting the correct Belarus visa type is crucial for a successful application and a smooth entry into the country.
Decision Guide:
| Your Situation | Recommended Visa | Apply Via |
|---|---|---|
| Tourism, sightseeing | Tourist (B) | eVisa Belarus portal |
| Business meetings, conferences | Business (C) | eVisa Belarus portal |
| Passing through Belarus | Transit (B) | eVisa Belarus portal |
| Visiting family/friends | Private (B) | eVisa Belarus portal |
| Studying at university | Student (D) | Belarusian embassy |
| Working for Belarusian company | Work (D) | Belarusian embassy |
If you are unsure which visa type to apply for, the tourist eVisa Belarus is the safest choice for most short-term visits. It has straightforward requirements and can be obtained entirely online.
For more information about the application process, see our how to apply guide. For complete requirements, visit our requirements page.
Last updated: July 2026. Visa categories based on current Belarus immigration policy.
