Belarus attracts many visitors from the UK hoping to discover its unique and welcoming culture. Whether you’re hoping to explore the capital city of Minsk or surround yourself with nature at Pripyatsky National Park, you’ll want to read up on the visa requirements before you start planning your trip.
If you are a UK citizen visiting the country, you’ll be pleased to learn that for short stays in the country of up to 30 days, you are not required to obtain a visa.
Although you don’t need a pass for short stays, there are important points to consider when gaining entry to the country. From information on passport requirements to the designated airports where you’re permitted to enter visa-free, read on to find out more about travelling to Belarus from the UK.
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Do I Need a Visa for Belarus From the UK?
If you’re asking yourself “Do UK citizens need a visa for Belarus?”, then you’ll be pleased to know that UK citizens are not required to obtain authorisation to enter the country. Brits can enter the country visa-free if their stay is for a maximum of 30 days. If you want to stay longer than 30 days, you’ll need a visa.
Although Brits can visit without a pass for short stays in the country, it’s very important that you read up on the entry requirements, as there are a few stipulations if you are to enter visa-free. Provided you meet the entry requirements explained below, you should be on your way to exploring all the country has to offer.
It’s important to bear in mind that if you are travelling immediately from or to Russia, then this visa-free arrangement doesn’t apply, and you’ll need a visa.
Belarus Visa Requirements for UK Citizens
Although you are not required to obtain a visa, UK travellers visiting for short stays of up to 30 days need to meet a few entry requirements to gain access to the country. To ensure your entry into the country runs smoothly and your adventure gets off to a good start, make sure you have checked the following points.
Until recently, it used to be the case that British nationals were only allowed to enter the country visa-free via Minsk National Airport. However, since 17 October 2021 British nationals can arrive and depart via the following airports:
- Brest Airport (BQT)
- Vitebsk Vostochny Airport (VTB)
- Gomel Airport (GME)
- Grodno Airport (GNA)
- Magileu Airport (MVQ)
- Minsk National Airport (MSQ)
On arrival at the airport, you’ll need to show the immigration officer the following documents/ information:
- Documentary evidence of medical insurance to the value of 10,000 EUR.
- Proof of funds equivalent to 25 EUR (or approximately 20 GBP) per day. This can be in any currency and in the form of cash, credit card or traveller’s cheques.
- Passport with at least 3 months validity on the date of entry and with at least 2 blank pages.
It’s important to ensure that you receive an exit stamp in your passport when you leave the country. If you don’t, you will be denied entry on your next visit.
What Is the Cost of a Belarus Visa From the UK?
If you are a UK citizen who qualifies as visa-exempt, there are no direct costs associated when entering the country. If you are travelling to the country for a maximum of 30 days and you can meet the entry requirements listed above, you will be granted entry to the country free of charge.
If you wish to stay longer than 30 days, or plan to enter on a diplomatic or official passport, you’ll need a visa – which will have costs attached.
Travelling to Belarus as a UK citizen
Despite not being a staple summer tourist destination for British travellers, Belarus offers an original and rewarding travel experience. With welcoming people, pristine nature, traditional villages and a glimpse into the country’s Soviet past, you can expect to find something a bit different to the typical summer holiday European destinations.
Beyond the country’s capital city Minsk, you can expect to find tiny towns with a medieval atmosphere and national parks with lush ancient forests and unspoilt ecosystems.
If you’re travelling directly from the UK, the fastest way is to fly. The majority of travellers will choose to enter through Minsk National Airport, as it’s the most well-used airport and offers the most flight options from the UK. The airport is situated about 40 km east of Minsk. You can choose to make the hour-long journey from the airport to central Minsk via the airport bus or by taking a taxi.
UK Embassy in Belarus
The British Embassy here is based in the country’s capital city. It is located near the Belarusian National Arts Museum in the centre of Minsk.
The British Embassy in Minsk is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Its address is 37 Karl Marx Street, Minsk 220030, Belarus.
Belarus Visa for British citizens FAQs
Below you will find answers to some common FAQs.
Can All British Citizens Travel to Belarus?
Yes, UK citizens travelling here for a maximum of 30 days can visit the country visa-free, so long as you can meet the entry requirements. If you require a longer stay in the country, you will need to obtain a travel pass prior to travel.
Is It Safe for UK Citizens to Travel to Belarus?
Generally speaking, most visits are trouble-free for Brits, and so long as your visit is of general interest you should have no problems. It’s important to be aware that there is a strong presidential system in the country, and the authorities show little tolerance for opposition. You should maintain a high level of security awareness, particularly in public places and avoid demonstrations.
What Do I Need to Know Before Travelling to Belarus From the UK?
The currency used here is the Belarusian ruble (BYR). Currency can be exchanged at banks and official bureaux de change in Minsk and the larger towns. However, US dollars (USD) and euros (EUR) are often preferred here, and shops may not accept pound sterling (GBP).
In terms of credit and debit cards, you can expect Mastercard and Visa to be accepted at the larger hotels and tourist restaurants, but American Express and Discovery may not be accepted at all. ATMs are widely accessible in major towns, but keep in mind that banking hours are usually Monday to Friday, 9:00 am to 5:00 pm.
More Information on the Belarus Visa for British Citizens
Now that you know what you need to arrange before your trip, you may want to find out some facts about this country. You can learn more, including what languages are spoken here and the best times to travel, through our Visit Belarus page and our Belarus visit visa page.
