Starting from March 20, 2025, Belarus opens a new chapter in its visa policy by introducing electronic visas for citizens of 67 countries. This step, initiated by the government and supported by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) of Belarus, aims to simplify the visa application process and make the country more accessible to tourists, businesspeople, and other visitors. In this article, we will explain what an electronic visa is, who can obtain it, how to apply, and what advantages it offers.
Electronic Visa: Key Features
An electronic visa (e-visa) is a single-entry individual visa that allows staying in Belarus for up to 30 days. It is suitable for various purposes of travel:
- Tourism: discovering the cultural and natural riches of Belarus.
- Business: participating in business meetings and negotiations.
- Education, science, culture: attending conferences, internships, and events.
- Private affairs: visiting relatives or friends.
The main advantage of this innovation is the ability to apply for a visa completely online, without the need to visit Belarusian embassies or consulates.
Who Can Obtain an Electronic Visa?
The list of 67 countries includes such states as:
- USA and Canada;
- All European Union countries (e.g., Germany, France, Poland);
- United Kingdom;
- Australia and New Zealand;
- Japan, South Korea, Saudi Arabia, and others.
The full list is available on the MFA of Belarus website. Important: if your country already participates in a visa-free regime with Belarus, it will continue to apply — the electronic visa will simply be an additional option.
How to Apply for an E-Visa?
The process of obtaining an electronic visa is maximally simplified thanks to the "E-Pasluga" platform. Here is a step-by-step guide:
- Registration: Create a personal account on the "E-Pasluga" website or in the mobile application.
- Filling out the form: Select the service with code 3.04.01 ("Issuance of electronic visas") and fill out the application form.
- Payment: Pay the consular fee and the service fee (6 euros) using a bank card (Visa or Mastercard).
- Waiting: The application is processed within 7 calendar days. Expedited processing is not available.
- Receiving: You will receive the ready visa electronically. It must be presented at the border — in digital format or printed.
No additional documents or visits to the consulate are required, making the process convenient and modern.
How Much Does an Electronic Visa Cost?
The cost depends on the applicant's citizenship:
- 35 euros: for citizens of most EU countries (e.g., Austria, Belgium, Italy, Poland).
- 60 euros: for citizens of other countries, such as the USA, Canada, Australia.
- Free: for citizens of Japan, children under 12 from EU countries, and under 14 from other countries.
Additionally, a service fee of 6 euros is charged per applicant, regardless of age or citizenship.
Where Can You Enter with an E-Visa?
The electronic visa grants access through all international checkpoints:
- Airports: Minsk National Airport, as well as airports in Brest, Vitebsk, Gomel, Grodno, and Mogilev.
- Land borders: road and railway checkpoints.
This gives travelers the freedom to choose their route depending on their plans.
Visa-Free Regimes Remain in Effect
If you already have the right to visa-free entry into Belarus, the new e-visa system does not cancel this possibility. For example, citizens of some CIS countries or participants in special tourist programs will be able to continue using the existing benefits.
Why Is This Important?
The introduction of electronic visas from March 20, 2025, is not just a technical innovation. It is a signal that Belarus aims to become more open and attractive to international guests. Simplified access can:
- Increase the flow of tourists wishing to see the sights of Minsk, Belovezhskaya Pushcha, or the castles of Grodno.
- Promote the development of business ties.
- Strengthen cultural and scientific exchange.
For travelers, this means less bureaucracy and more time for trip planning.
Conclusion
With the launch of electronic visas, Belarus takes a step towards global standards of convenience and digitalization. From March 20, 2025, citizens of 67 countries will be able to quickly and easily apply for a visa online, choosing the purpose of their trip and entry point at their discretion. This is great news for everyone who wants to discover this unique country — whether for leisure, work, or new experiences. Apply on "E-Pasluga" and start your journey to Belarus without unnecessary hassle!