Belarus visa requirements for South Africans

Travel and visa requirements

Basic Travel Requirements for South Africans visiting Belarus

Travelers are required to fulfill the following requirements in order to apply for a Belarusian Visa.

  • Applicants should ensure that every part of their application form is correctly filled and signed where necessary.
  • A valid passport with its expiry date about 6 months from the period of travel.
  • Recent passport photograph showing the full face with a white background.
  • Travel insurance covering medical cost is necessary.
  • Proof of a round ticket flight with date corresponding with likely date of departure.
  • Bank statement of at least 3 months showing steady and continuous flow of income. This is to show that you can cater for yourself during your time in Poland.
  • A signed letter from your employer stating continuing employment after period of leave.
  • Letter of invitation from the person you are going to visit, if purpose is to visit a friend or relative.
  • Confirmation of hotel accommodation that covers your stay in the country.
  • Paid return tickets to your country of origin or ticket to a third country in case the holder is boarding a connecting flight in Belarus.
  • Confirmation of payment of visa fee.

Belarus Visa for South Africans

Facts about Belarus

Tourists do not want to miss the evening stroll around Independence Square which is one of the biggest public squares in Europe. During the stroll, tourist can bask in the gorgeous view of the water fountains and dancing lights. The Braslav Lake area is also a destination not to be ignored. With 300 lakes in the region and 30 different species of fish in the water, activities like birdwatching, rambling and climbing, this is just the place to fuel your excitement.

Foreign drivers are not allowed to drive on some roads for free, a fee has to be paid. Tourists cannot take photographs of official institutions, police stations, military facilities, and the Minsk metro.

Belarus only became an independent country in 1991. The country has two official languages; Belarusian and Russian.

Types of Belarus Visa

Types of Visa Processing Time Duration of Stay
Tourist visa 15 days 90 days
Transit visa 5 days 48 hours
Business visa 5 days 90 days
Student visa 15 days 90 days
Journalist visa 15 days 90 days

General Requirements for Belarus Visa

  • Applicants should ensure that every part of their application form is correctly filled and signed where necessary.
  • A valid passport with its expiry date about 6 months from the period of travel.
  • Recent passport photograph showing the full face with a white background.
  • Travel insurance covering medical cost is necessary.
  • Proof of a round ticket flight with date corresponding with likely date of departure.
  • Bank statement of at least 3 months showing steady and continuous flow of income. This is to show that you can cater for yourself during your time in Poland.
  • A signed letter from your employer stating continuing employment after period of leave.
  • Letter of invitation from the person you are going to visit, if purpose is to visit a friend or relative.
  • Confirmation of hotel accommodation that covers your stay in the country.
  • Paid return tickets to your country of origin or ticket to a third country in case the holder is boarding a connecting flight in Belarus.
  • Confirmation of payment of visa fee.
Belarus Tourist visa Belarus Transit visa Belarus Business visa Belarus Student visa Belarus Journalist visa

Belarus Tourist Visa Eligibility & Requirements

  • This visa allows you to go anywhere in the country for the duration of stay.
  • You are allowed to visit any place of interest of your choice in the country.
  • This visa type allows you to visit relatives and friends whenever you see fit.
  • Applicants are not allowed to take up work with this type of visa.
  • Original copy of birth certificate of minors should be presented.
  • You must be able to afford spending 25 euros for each day you stay in the country.
  • Tourist visa is usually processed for about 15 days.
  • You are required to exit the country after the time on your visa has expired.
  • The visa costs €60 and €120 if the visa need is urgent
  • The visa type is a multiple entry visa.

Belarus Transit Visa Eligibility & Requirements

  • Holders of this visa can stay in the airport while they await the flight to their destination.
  • You are not allowed to go on visits or tour the country.
  • With this visa type, you are exempted from privileges such as study or work.
  • Visa and flight ticket of the destination country is required.
  • Minors should ensure they have a copy of their birth certificate.
  • This visa type is valid for only 48 hours.
  • It takes 15 days to process.
  • Holders of this visa type are given multiple entry depending on if the holder still needs to connect another flight from Belarus to another destination.

Belarus Business Visa Eligibility & Requirements

  • This is the appropriate visa type for the business-oriented people.
  • This visa type allows you to meet with business partners to discuss business and sign contracts.
  • The visa does not allow you to take up paid employment in the country.
  • You will need to present a letter of invitation from your intending business partners.
  • Certificate of registration of the company you are partnering with in Belarus should be accompanied with the letter of invitation.
  • Proof of incentive of returning to South Africa.
  • If you are traveling with a minor, ensure that the original copy of the person’s birth certificate is available during the visa application process.
  • The visa costs €60.
  • It takes about 15 days to be ready and is valid for 90 days.

Belarus Student Visa Eligibility & Requirements

  • This visa is issued to people who have the intention to study in one of the institutions in the country.
  • The visa allows its holder multiple entry into the country.
  • A letter of admission from the institution with details of the course of study.
  • Original copy of birth certificate for minors.
  • If you are less than 18, your application form should be signed by both parents.
  • Proof of sustenance for the duration of stay.
  • Proof of accommodation is mandatory.
  • The visa is usually processed during a period of 15 days.
  • This visa will set you back €60.

Belarus Journalist Visa Eligibility & Requirements

  • This visa type is issued to media people to cover an event or a story in the country.
  • You are not allowed to take up paid employment or study with this visa.
  • A letter from your employer stating the purpose and duration of visit.
  • Holders of this visa are allowed to gather information that will make up their story.
  • If the applicant of this visa is less than 28 years old, an original copy of birth certificate is needed. Copies of passports of parents is also required.
  • A letter showing that you have a valid medical insurance.
  • Medical insurance should be valid for the duration of stay in Belarus.
  • Confirmation of temporary accreditation at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) of the Republic of Belarus.
  • The visa costs $75 to process.

Belarus Visa Fees

Visa Type

Sub Types

Visa Fees

Tourist visa

60.00 (USD)

Transit visa

60.00 (USD)

Business visa

60.00 (USD)

Student visa

75.00 (USD)

Journalist visa

75.00 (USD)

Belarus Visa Application Centres & Embassies in South Africa

Location

Address

Pretoria

164, Orion Avenue, Sterrewag, Pretoria 0181 South Africa.

http://www.rsa.mfa.gov.by

rsa@mfa.gov.by

+27 12 430 7709

Frequently Asked Questions

How much is visa for Belarus?

The visa fee for Belarus is the same across all visa types. It  costs €60

Is Belarus the same as Russia?
No, Belarus is not the same as Russia.
What is the main Religion in Belarus?

The main religion is the Orthodox religion. There are many other religions as well such as the Roman Catholics.

Is Belarus a free country?

Belarus is a free country. The country gained independence in 1991

Do I need a visa to travel to Belarus?

Yes, South Africans require a visa to travel to Belarus.