Belarus does not offer a practical visa on arrival for tourists in 2026. A limited airport visa exists at Minsk National Airport, but it requires advance document submission two days before travel. The Belarus eVisa, available to 67 nationalities including the UK, is the standard digital alternative, costing €41-66 and processing in up to 7 calendar days.
UK passport holders are not eligible for visa-free travel but are fully eligible for the eVisa. The total cost for a UK adult is €66 (€60 consular fee plus €6 internet-acquiring and service fee), payable by Mastercard only on E-Pasluga. Applications must be submitted at least 7 calendar days before the desired entry date, with no express processing available.
Does Belarus Offer a Visa on Arrival?
Belarus does not offer a spontaneous tourist visa on arrival. A restricted airport visa at Minsk National Airport requires an advance formal request submitted at least 2 business days before arrival to the Foreign Admissions Division (contact: +375 17 279 28 72), making it impractical for most visitors. This procedure is limited to citizens of countries without a Belarusian embassy, official delegations, and travellers facing serious illness or death of a close relative.
A 2017 airport visa-free decree covering 80 countries is often mislabelled as a “visa on arrival.” That programme has been superseded: the Belarus eVisa launched on 20 March 2025 and is available to citizens of 67 countries, including the United Kingdom, via the E-Pasluga portal. The Belarus eVisa is the standard digital alternative for most leisure and business travellers.
Belarus eVisa vs Visa on Arrival: Key Differences
The Belarus eVisa costs €41-66 (incl. €6 service fee), processes in 7 calendar days, and is accepted at all international checkpoints. The visa on arrival is limited to Minsk National Airport with a 2-day advance document submission rule.
| Feature | Belarus eVisa | Visa on Arrival | Visa-Free | Embassy Visa |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Total Cost | €41 (EU) / €66 (UK) incl. €6 service | €60 consular + insurance | €0 | €60 + travel to consulate |
| Processing Time | 7 calendar days | 2-day advance submission | None | 5 business days (standard) / 2 working days (urgent) |
| Entry Points | All 6 airports + road/rail | Minsk Airport only | Minsk Airport + Brest-Grodno zone | All |
| Max Stay | 30 days single-entry | 30 days | 30 days | Up to 90 days (Type C) |
How to Apply for a Belarus eVisa and UK-Specific Guidance
UK passport holders are excluded from visa-free travel but are eligible for the Belarus eVisa (€66, 7 calendar days) via the E-Pasluga portal.
Confirm eligibility
UK citizens qualify for the Belarus eVisa but are not visa-free.
Check passport validity
Must be valid ≥90 days beyond eVisa expiry with ≥1 blank page.
Visit the E-Pasluga portal
Access the E-Pasluga portal (English available).
Complete the online form
Data entry only, no document uploads.
Pay the fees
€60 consular fee + €6 service fee = €66; Mastercard only.
Wait for processing
Up to 7 calendar days; no express option exists.
Print the approved eVisa
Carry it at entry, during stay, and at exit.
The Belarus eVisa is single-entry, valid ≤30 days (arrival and departure both count as full days), and cannot be extended. Travel insurance with €10,000 minimum coverage is required. After entry, register with local authorities if staying 5+ consecutive days. The eVisa is not valid for Russia under the January 2025 mutual recognition agreement.
All pricing and processing times are sourced from the E-Pasluga portal (e-pasluga.by) and the Consular Department of Belarus, cross-referenced with belarusfacts.by and uk.mfa.gov.by. The National Centre of E-Services, operator of E-Pasluga, is located at 220140, 64 Pritytskogo street, Minsk, Republic of Belarus (email: [email protected]). For emergency consular assistance, the Chief Consular Directorate operates a 24/7 line at +375 17 222 26 75.
FAQ
Does Belarus offer a visa on arrival for UK tourists in 2026?
A limited visa on arrival exists at Minsk Airport (requires advance submission 2 business days before arrival). The Belarus eVisa (7 calendar days via E-Pasluga) is the recommended digital alternative for UK tourists.
How much does a Belarus eVisa cost for UK citizens?
The consular fee is €60 plus a €6 service fee, totalling €66, payable by Mastercard only on E-Pasluga.
How long does Belarus eVisa processing take?
Processing takes up to 7 calendar days via E-Pasluga, with no express option. Submit at least 7 calendar days before your intended entry date.
Can I enter Belarus on a visa on arrival at any airport?
No. The visa on arrival is available only at Minsk National Airport. The Belarus eVisa is accepted at all six international airports plus designated road and rail checkpoints.
How long can I stay in Belarus on an eVisa?
Up to 30 days single-entry. Both arrival and departure days count as full days (e.g., arrive 1 September, depart by 30 September).
Can I extend my Belarus eVisa while in the country?
No. The single-entry eVisa cannot be extended. You must leave Belarus before it expires and reapply via E-Pasluga if needed.
What payment methods are accepted for the Belarus eVisa?
Only Mastercard is accepted on E-Pasluga. Visa, American Express, Mir, and UnionPay are not supported.
Do I need travel insurance to enter Belarus?
Yes. All travellers must carry medical/repatriation insurance with minimum €10,000 coverage, valid in Belarus, regardless of entry type.
Can I use a Belarus eVisa to enter Russia?
No. The Russia-Belarus mutual visa recognition agreement (effective 11 January 2025) does not apply to eVisas. A separate Russian visa is required.
What documents do I need to apply for a Belarus eVisa?
A passport valid ≥90 days beyond eVisa expiry with ≥1 blank page, plus accurate personal and travel data. No document uploads are required; the approved eVisa must be printed and carried.
