Citizenship: USA
- For U.S. citizens only. If you are not a U.S. citizen, call (914) 592-2760.
- Your U.S. passport must be signed, valid for 6+ months, and have 2–3 blank visa pages (not "Amendment" pages).
- The fee for reformatting uploaded documents is $35.00..
Important Travel Update
Starting in late 2026, travelers from visa-exempt countries will be required to obtain an ETIAS (European Travel Information and Authorization System) travel authorization before visiting the European countries requiring it. We recommend checking the official European Union ETIAS website for the most current requirements and implementation timelines.
Entry Requirements
- Valid signed passport + color copy of bio page.
- Visa application form (complete all fields; use “N/A” or “NONE” where applicable; original ink signature).
• Belarus Visa Application (PDF) - Photo: one 2×2 color photo (taken within 6 months, not the same as in passport). See Passport Photo Requirements.
- Itinerary & hotel confirmation from an authorized Belarus travel company (must show visa reference/confirmation number).
- Medical insurance valid in Belarus or worldwide (see details below).
- Passport and visa are required.
- Medical insurance is mandatory (effective July 1, 2014).
- Belarus requires at least two blank visa pages and passport validity of ≥ 90 days after the requested visa expiry date.
Photo Requirements
- Your head must face the camera directly with full face in view.
- Neutral facial expression or natural smile, with both eyes open.
- Taken in clothing normally worn on a daily basis.
- Taken in the last 6 months.
- Plain white or off-white background.
- 2 x 2 inches (51 x 51 mm).
- Head between 1–1 3/8 inches (25–35 mm) from chin to top of head.
- Printed on matte or glossy photo quality paper, in color.
- No glasses.
- No hat or head covering (exceptions for documented religious or medical reasons).
- Full face visible; no shadows on face.
- No headphones or wireless hands-free devices.
If Traveling for Business
- U.S. company cover letter (on letterhead, signed by someone other than the traveler; include traveler’s passport details and who pays expenses). Self-employed: include a recent bank statement.
See sample: Business Letter Example. - Belarus host invitation on official letterhead with registration number, head’s signature, corporate seal, and stay dates/guarantees. Multiple-entry business visas require MFA confirmation.
If Traveling for Tourism
- Valid, signed U.S. passport with blank pages.
- Completed/signed visa application (see link above) + one 2×2 photo.
- Round-trip flight itinerary and hotel confirmation from an authorized Belarus travel company (with reference number).
- Tourist invitation (one of):
- Visa-support letter from a Belarusian tour company (on letterhead with contact info and compliance guarantee).
- Visa-support letter from a sanatorium/resort or recreation center (on letterhead; include purpose, dates, services, voucher confirmation, prepayment, and compliance guarantee).
- Visa-support letter from a certified farm-tourism provider (with proof of right to provide services).
- Medical insurance valid in Belarus or worldwide (see below).
Health Requirements
- Vaccinations are not required unless traveling from/through an infected area.
- See the CDC for up-to-date guidance: CDC.gov.
Register Your Trip (STEP)
Give yourself peace of mind.
JIDS can enroll your trip with the nearest U.S. Embassy/Consulate for $25.00 via the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program.
Accompanying Minors
- Application signed by both parents/guardians.
- Notarized consent letter signed by both parents/guardians.
- Original and copy of the minor's birth certificate.
Non-U.S. Citizens
- Include a copy of your U.S. Green Card (permanent residents) or your U.S. visa (visa holders).
- Visa requirements vary by nationality. Call JIDS at (914) 592-2760 for assistance.
Additional Information
Visitor (Private) Visa
- Original invitation from the local Citizenship & Migration Dept. (Ministry of Interior) in Belarus; or invitation notarized in person at the Belarus Consulate in New York by a Belarusian citizen on temporary U.S. visit.
- For U.S./Canada/EU citizens applying for private visas up to 30 days: invitation may be waived, but the inviter’s full name and home address must be listed in the application.
- Alternates:
- Original certificate proving a close relative’s grave in Belarus (from Red Cross/local authority/cemetery).
- Doctor-certified fax from Belarus confirming emergency (illness/death of close relative).
All documents must be on official letterhead with registration number, issue date, signature, and seal.
Transit Visa
- Copy of visa for the destination country (if required) or proof of onward travel (ticket/itinerary) when transiting to visa-free destinations.
Medical Insurance (Required)
Provide an original or copy of a letter from your insurer containing:
- Insurer name, address, phone number
- Policyholder full name and policy number
- Coverage valid in Belarus or worldwide
- Validity dates covering the entire trip
- Minimum coverage: €10,000 (≈ US $13,500)
Insurance card photocopy alone is not sufficient.
Tourist insurance accepted providers (examples): Travelex, TravelGuard, RoamRight, Allianz Global Assistance, Travel Mate, Seven Corners, IMG International Medical Group.
Return Shipping & JIDS Fees
Return Shipping
- FedEx charge according to ZIP code.
- Saturday/8AM delivery available.
- Include a printed airbill to avoid extra charges. (No UPS accounts can be processed through us.)
Service Fees
- See JIDS pricing or call (914) 592-2760.
- If JIDS pays government fees on your behalf, a 5.9% processing fee applies.
