Russia - Questions regarding visa for Belarus

I'm a US citizen working in Russia holding a one year, ME visa. I need to go to Belarus for a week in late July. This trip will be for non-business reasons. My questions are:

1. Can I get and how does one get a personal invitation from a citizen of Belarus?
2. How long does that process take?
3. Can I get this visa processed in Moscow or must it be done in my home country (the US)?
4. According to the Belarus Russian language site there is no same day processing option in Moscow. I need to fly in early in the morning and fly back to Novosibirsk late that same night. Anyone have any luck with in person, same day turns on visas to Belarus?

This makes me appreciate so much the people who traverse the Russian visa maze the first time. I'm getting so many mixed messages from consulates, travel agencies, and individuals in Belarus. Time to turn to the real experts on FT!

Thanks in advance...

The embassy website states that there is a branch in Novosibirsk 'performing consular functions'.

http://www.embassybel.ru/consular-questions/departments/
http://www.embassybel.ru/departments/novosibirsk/

You might call them and find out if they are authorized to process visa applications so that you could avoid a round-trip to Moscow.

If you can't do it at the office in Novo, then the options are either Moscow or at the airport in Belarus. Minsk airport has a desk in it where you can gain the visa right there and then... it's about $400.

The embassy website states that there is a branch in Novosibirsk 'performing consular functions'.

http://www.embassybel.ru/consular-questions/departments/
http://www.embassybel.ru/departments/novosibirsk/

You might call them and find out if they are authorized to process visa applications so that you could avoid a round-trip to Moscow.

They specialize in tractor and farm equipment issues. They also specialize in nearly falling over backward when an American walks in and asks about processing a visa there. Tried but no luck or help or knowledge there at all.

If you can't do it at the office in Novo, then the options are either Moscow or at the airport in Belarus. Minsk airport has a desk in it where you can gain the visa right there and then... it's about $400.

I would do this now if I thought it would work. By my reading of that offer (on the Minsk airport sight and a website, maybe consular, I can't remember right now) it applies only to citizens of countries that Belarus does not have an embassy in their home country. Do you know this to be otherwise? Any letters needed or proof of hotel or what have you? I'll be visiting friends in Bobruisk and traveling around staying no more than one night at given location and never in a hotel.

Also, could I board a flight in Moscow with no visa and not transiting ticket?

Questions, questions...

I would do this now if I thought it would work. By my reading of that offer (on the Minsk airport sight and a website, maybe consular, I can't remember right now) it applies only to citizens of countries that Belarus does not have an embassy in their home country.Not that I have a personal experience, but reports are very consistent that that is the condition. Nevertheless this could only be an option if you flew to MSQ from a country other than Russia.Also, could I board a flight in Moscow with no visa and not transiting ticket?Yes, you could. There are no passport controls between Russia and Belarus and the flights are considered domestic.

This is reason why nationals of no country can apply for a visa on arrival when arriving at MSQ from Russia.

Not that I have a personal experience, but reports are very consistent that that is the condition. Nevertheless this could only be an option if you flew to MSQ from a country other than Russia.Yes, you could. There are no passport controls between Russia and Belarus and the flights are considered domestic.

This is reason why nationals of no country can apply for a visa on arrival when arriving at MSQ from Russia.

Ok, so what jredknapp11 said about getting it upon arrival, at least as far as you know, is incorrect, yes?

Ok, so what jredknapp11 said about getting it upon arrival, at least as far as you know, is incorrect, yes?It is correct, but irrelevant if you come from Russia.

There's no immigration between Russia and Belarus, you arrive as a domestic flight and therefore have no opportunity to get a visa - you simply find yourself "inside" Belarus (and in a vulnerable position in terms of law).

Just the same as when traveling within Schengen (for service or diplomatic passport holders) or the CTA.

PS. I have flown to Belarus thrice and on one occasion there was a border guard check at ramp; when the saw people's Russian and Belorussian ids and passports they just waved them through without inspecting. I don't know if they were looking for someone certain; it seemed as if they stopped no one though I might have overlooked something. On two other occasions there was no check whatsoever. There was no check on the single occasion when I traveled by train.

The above is correct, since you're on a Russian flight you will come into the 2nd floor part of the terminal where customs and health service desk & officials are minimal.

If the layout is the same since I was last there, you will need to go the 1st floor where both immigration and health services are. When coming into the country as a visa holder, you will need to purchase health insurance (about $4 a day) and of course the visa. Health insurance desks are right next to customs, near the 1st floor gateways, ask for them to purchase health insurance (it's a must).

Also try this contact - bronirovanie@airport.by (---- consular at the airport.

The above is correct, since you're on a Russian flight you will come into the 2nd floor part of the terminal where customs and health service desk & officials are minimal.

If the layout is the same since I was last there, you will need to go the 1st floor where both immigration and health services are. When coming into the country as a visa holder, you will need to purchase health insurance (about $4 a day) and of course the visa. Health insurance desks are right next to customs, near the 1st floor gateways, ask for them to purchase health insurance (it's a must).

Also try this contact - bronirovanie@airport.by (---- consular at the airport.

Very helpful. Thank you. Will my own int'l health insurance work or must I use theirs? Minimal cost so I don't mind but just curious more than anything else.

Very helpful. Thank you. Will my own int'l health insurance work or must I use theirs? Minimal cost so I don't mind but just curious more than anything else.

You will have to use theirs.... western health insurance is more or less useless in Belarus.

Since you will be a visa holder, you must purchase health insurance from the Gov..

You may get a serious talking to from an official or two if you enter into the country without a visa via Russia but trust me they will just send you downstairs and into a customs office where you will go through the visa ordeal and health insurance process. I would expect the whole process to take no more then 2 hours at the most.... usually the process is under a hour.

If the layout is the same since I was last there, you will need to go the 1st floor where both immigration and health services are. When coming into the country as a visa holder, you will need to purchase health insurance (about $4 a day) and of course the visa. Health insurance desks are right next to customs, near the 1st floor gateways, ask for them to purchase health insurance (it's a must).Very interesting, I never knew one could undergo immigration even if arrived from Russia.

My query is a variation of that by the OP.

I am in the USA and sent all my documents to the Consulate General of Belarus in New York. UPS said they signed for it on 8/2/12.

I called today to just ask the Consulate if all my papers were in order. A young woman tried to look me up in the system but could not find me. When she suggested they had not received my package, I told her who signed for UPS delivery.

She passed me on to a man who didn't want to talk long and held firm that applications sent by mail were responded to only by mail.

I am just trying to calculate my liabilities here because I need my passport back to go to Greece and then will have to expedite a Russian transit visa before the next trip that takes me to Germany then Belarus.

So any comments on how long the Belarusian visa may actually take? I paid $160 for what is advertised as 5 business days: http://usa.mfa.gov.by/eng/consular/consulate/visa_requirements/

I don't know if the OP ever went on his trip to Belarus, but if he is a resident of Russia, then he doesn't need a visa AFAIK. Russian Citizens and residents do not need a visa to go from Russia to Belarus. However, they cannot exit Belarus to another country as they do not have an exit visa for Belarus, other than back to Russia.

Xeno however, needs a visa for Belarus. Also, be careful about your Russian visa, as you can only get it in the country you are a resident of (though apparently London and Madrid still bend the rules on this, as well as some agents).

bankops
It seems very doubtful what you say. In fact, Belarusian consulates in Russia only issue visas to foreigners resident here. If what you say were true, they could just close all their visa sections because there'd be no "target audience".

I don't know if the OP ever went on his trip to Belarus, but if he is a resident of Russia, then he doesn't need a visa AFAIK. Russian Citizens and residents do not need a visa to go from Russia to Belarus. However, they cannot exit Belarus to another country as they do not have an exit visa for Belarus, other than back to Russia.

Xeno however, needs a visa for Belarus. Also, be careful about your Russian visa, as you can only get it in the country you are a resident of (though apparently London and Madrid still bend the rules on this, as well as some agents).

The OP never indicated that he was a resident of RF, just holding 1 year Multi Entry visa, so he would need a visa to visit Belarus.

As far as Russian citizens not being able to go anywhere but back to Russia from Belarus - that's totally incorrect. How do you think they go by train, for example - transiting Belarus and going to Poland/ Germany? Same thing by car?

As far as Xeno's question - I would try tomorrow morning - you might get a different person, somebody in a better mood. I spoke with them number of times, they always were much friendlier than, let's say, Russians (but I happened to be a citizen of Belarus)

The OP never indicated that he was a resident of RF, just holding 1 year Multi Entry visa, so he would need a visa to visit Belarus.

As far as Russian citizens not being able to go anywhere but back to Russia from Belarus - that's totally incorrect. How do you think they go by train, for example - transiting Belarus and going to Poland/ Germany? Same thing by car?

As far as Xeno's question - I would try tomorrow morning - you might get a different person, somebody in a better mood. I spoke with them number of times, they always were much friendlier than, let's say, Russians (but I happened to be a citizen of Belarus)

Never said anything about Russian citizens. Russians can go to a number of countries with only their "internal" passport and Belarus is one of those countries.

Just because he entered the country on a 1yr ME visa does not preclude obtaining a Разрешение на временное проживание which was the reason for my question. Normally, with a TRP, travel to Belarus is permitted, no?

OP here. I'm a US citizen with just a one year ME Russian visa.

I took the trip and as I said in another thread was never asked for or showed my Belarus visa to anyone the whole trip. Entered from Moscow, treated like a domestic arriving passenger, stayed at a private residence less than 5 days, never registered, went back to Moscow so they only checked to see if I had a Russian visa which I did.

Oddly, with a Russian visa and migration card in hand, I ended up NOT needing a letter of invitation. Just took my passport, migration card, letter showing my employment, insurance (purchased in Moscow across the street from the Belarus Embassy), and a copy of my hosts picture page in her passport and her "propiska" and got it back the same day. NOT CHEAP at $320 but I was in a pinch. Ended up never being asked for it though. Argh.

Xeno, the adventure continues for you, eh? Sorry about that. I echo trying back tomorrow. I know the angst you feel.

Sorry I did not update this thread after my trip. Hopefully this helps any of us traversing the Belarus visa maze.

I just wanted to report that I checked the tracking number for my return envelope (because one must include a self-addressed envelope with stamps), and my 'certified letter' (with passport inside) was apparently sent out last night. This would mean that my application was processed in 5 business days as advertised.

Woody, you probably needed the visa only on the off-chance someone asked you for it. If you'd been staying in a hotel, for instance, or stayed long enough to need registration.

Xeno, sounds like you've got quite a trip planned. Good luck!

I checked with my friends in Moscow and they confirmed to me that even as permanent residents they need a visa for Belarus (they are EU citizens).

OP, under normal circumstances, you would not be asked to show your visa since it is a "domestic" flight. The problem is if policeman or other official asks to see it while you are there.

OP here. I'm a US citizen with just a one year ME Russian visa.

I took the trip and as I said in another thread was never asked for or showed my Belarus visa to anyone the whole trip. Entered from Moscow, treated like a domestic arriving passenger, stayed at a private residence less than 5 days, never registered, went back to Moscow so they only checked to see if I had a Russian visa which I did.

Oddly, with a Russian visa and migration card in hand, I ended up NOT needing a letter of invitation. Just took my passport, migration card, letter showing my employment, insurance (purchased in Moscow across the street from the Belarus Embassy), and a copy of my hosts picture page in her passport and her "propiska" and got it back the same day. NOT CHEAP at $320 but I was in a pinch. Ended up never being asked for it though. Argh.

Xeno, the adventure continues for you, eh? Sorry about that. I echo trying back tomorrow. I know the angst you feel.

Sorry I did not update this thread after my trip. Hopefully this helps any of us traversing the Belarus visa maze.

I am back at it again and your post here Woody confuses me a bit. Can you elaborate in light of your next trip to Belarus?

Here is my post from http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/20187972-post19.html

Now, I am having some difficulty in getting a tourist visa. I sent email both to the Prime Apartment Agency and the Jubileiny Hotel asking for a invitation letter or voucher and no response at this point.

I am going by what I see at the VisaHQ web http://belarus.visahq.com/ in terms of the documents I need.

I really want to stay at the apartment rather than the hotel so would not a receipt of having prepaid for the apartment meet these criteria?

Tourist Voucher/Invitation. Copy of tourist voucher/invitation issued by tourist company or hotel in Belarus approved by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

I just found this page which may suggest I just need a receipt for having paid for my room in advance or perhaps I am misreading this? http://www.minskguide.travel/belarus_travel_tips/belarus_immigration/belarus_voucher.html

Here is another scenario.

I may return to MSQ in early June but I will not have a firm date until I am in the middle of a month long stay in HKG. Is my only option in HKG to overnight papers to the Belarusian consulate in Shanghai or go there myself?

I went to MSQ in April after having spent the night in Moscow and my Belarusian visa was checked at SVO before I was allowed to go to the departure gate. Once at MSQ, there was no one there checking any credentials or selling insurance which I bought after my arrival. Of course another important thing to remember is registration which was required since I was there more than 5 working days.

I take it, too, that the notion mentioned earlier in this thread about buying Belarusian visas for $400 at the MSQ airport does apply only to those without consulates in their country. Is that not correct?

Is my only option in HKG to overnight papers to the Belarusian consulate in Shanghai or go there myself?

That's all I see. At least our Belarusian friends still allow the deal to be done through the mail without the ILS step that Russia has in the US.


I take it, too, that the notion mentioned earlier in this thread about buying Belarusian visas for $400 at the MSQ airport does apply only to those without consulates in their country. Is that not correct?

I've never even seen that office open at MSQ much less inviting me as citizen of a country with a Belarusian Embassy to come in. Short answer, yes, only for those who do not have such consulates in their country.

That's all I see. At least our Belarusian friends still allow the deal to be done through the mail without the ILS step that Russia has in the US.


Thanks Woody.

Can someone with an experience like the above - mail visa application from HKG to Shanghai or go there in person - tell me what this is like? I mean, how would I monitor my visa application if I send it by mail? If I fly to Shanghai, can I process the visa application in a single day at the Belarusian Consulate? And so on.

Thanks Woody.

Can someone with an experience like the above - mail visa application from HKG to Shanghai or go there in person - tell me what this is like? I mean, how would I monitor my visa application if I send it by mail? If I fly to Shanghai, can I process the visa application in a single day at the Belarusian Consulate? And so on.

I have friends in Abu Dhabi, Americans, that do this regularly to the Belarus consulate there. They drop things off in person and pick them up 5 or 6 working days later. They say the Belarusians don't get many visitors apparently in Abu Dhabi so they are always excited to have people come in. Maybe Shanghai is similar?

I say give it a shot!