BELARUS VISA FOR USA TRAVELERS
A detailed, though somewhat unexciting, manual on how to apply for a visa to Belarus for a USA applicant. Or a Canadian applicant, should one feel like saving money on flights via Istanbul.
Paper package normally includes:
– visa form printed on one sheet of A4 paper, both sides (signed plus photos);
– 2 color photos 35 mm by 45 mm;
– invitation printed out;
– insurance policy by one of these operators: omc.beg.by and https://bgs.by/en/11424/
(if it failed, buy one with besure.by);
– visa fee for the consulate (normally, cash in the envelope, check their website instructions carefully);
– and your valid passport, of course, with two spare pages at least and 90 days or more between the end of the trip and expiry of the passport.
Belarus Consulate in Washington, USA: https://usa.mfa.gov.by/en/usa/payment/
Donations to the channel are most welcome:
https://www.patreon.com/minskguide
Message me via andrei.burdenkov@gmail.com or +375 29 3846689
Join @minskexpats on Telegram to learn about Belarus
Forest Inn Farmstay https://goo.gl/maps/n1NKTqqjdVosST7K7
30-day visa-free program in human English: https://youtu.be/tShC6uVdaFI
Official details about 30-day visa-free travel through Minsk National airport
https://mfa.gov.by/en/visa/freemove/airport/
Minsk-Vilnius bus operators:
expressbus.by
infobus.by
eurolines.by
ecolines.by
Insurance providers in Belarus:
omc.beg.by and https://bgs.by/en/11424/
It is mandatory to have insurance (it’s recommend to have local insurance) and you DON’T have to show it at the border.
In my experience Belarusbank and Paritetbank ATMs are commission free.
Payments in state agencies are ONLY online using a local online bank. Banks are not always nearby!
Use platform.gov.by for the online registration. It’s fun and English version bugs. If your address has an extra building section, e.g. Building 13-1 (and 1 makes a separate building not entrance!) the platform might cut out the “1”.
Visa process at the Minsk National Airport (visa on arrival):
https://youtu.be/uBZxKcWZDb8
TIMESTAMPS
00:00 Introduction
00:15 Why would USA and Canadian travelers need a visa?
00:44 Visa agencies are an evil
01:29 Short-term visas (tourism or business)
01:45 Visa package includes… (tourism or business)
04:24 USA travelers – no restrictions
05:09 Your passport must still be…
05:30 Ex citizenship of a USSR republic
06:01 2 pictures 35x45mm
06:34 Visa fee bank notes – mint quality
07:02 Visa can take 5 or 2 days to be issued (in person or post)
08:07 Visa form: key issues
09:00 Medical insurance – local or international?
10:19 Any drills at the border?
10:50 Invitation – why and when…
11:58 Americans can apply worldwide
Source: Belarus TravelChannel – Full credit to the creator. Visit the channel, leave a like, and subscribe to stay updated with all the latest content!
