- Capital
- Minsk (MSQ)
- Dialing Code
- + 375
- Time Zone
- UTC / GMT +3
- Language
- Belarusian & Russian
- Best Time to Go
- April - May & September
- Currency
- Belarusian Ruble (BYR)
Travel Tips
- Medical insurance is required for all foreign citizens traveling to the Republic of Belarus, if you arrive without insurance you will be required to buy state medical insurance
- All water should be regarded as being potentially contaminated, bottled water is available
- Ukrainian and Polish are widely spoken
- Certain foods should be avoided, such as dairy produce, mushrooms and forest fruits, as they may contain high levels of radiation
- It is considered bad luck to whistle inside a building
- The “thumbs up” gesture is considered rude
Last updated 28 September 2026
Visa Guide
Foreign Representation in South Africa
Embassy of the Republic of Belarus
164 Orion Avenue, Sterrewag, Pretoria, 0181
Telephone: 012 430 7709
Email: rsa@mfa.gov.by
Website: rsa.mfa.gov.by
Hours are by appointment only
To make an appointment:
Email: consul.rsa@mfa.gov.by
Telephone: 012 430 7664
Public Holidays
2026
January: 1 - 2, 7
March: 8
April: 20 - 21
May: 1, 9
July: 3
November: 7
December: 25
Visa Requirements
Visas are required by South African passport holders
If you have a valid Schengen visa, then you do not need to apply for a visa to Belarus (for stays of up to 30 days). However, you will need to meet certain entry requirements
Requirements:
All documents must be submitted with a copy
- Completed application form
- One photograph (35x45 mm., made not earlier than 6 months prior to submitting, full face, with size of face nearly 70-80 percent of the size of photo)
- Valid passport with 2 blank pages. Must be valid for at least 90 days after date of departure from Belarus
- Medical Insurance of no less than EUR10000. The document must contain the name of a foreign insurance company and its location, phone numbers or international assistance services, as well as the surname, first name, patronym (if any) of the foreign citizen. Validity period and validity area must be specified
- Payment of visa fee
- Copy of airticket / itinerary showing return dates
- Proof of financial means to support the stay
- Additional supporting documents may be applicable
For Business:
An original application of a legal entity, issued on the company letterhead with the full name of the entity, its location and telephone number, as well as the commitment of the legal entity that the foreigner shall comply with the rules of stay in Belarus, sealed by the legal entity
For tourism:
An application of a Belarusian tourist company, issued on the letterhead with full name of the tourist company, its location, contact details as well as the commitment of the tourist company that the foreigner shall comply with the rules of stay in Belarus, sealed by the tourist company
Contact the Embassy for further information
Transit (up to 48 hours):
A visa of the country of main destination. If a trip to that country does not require a visa, you should submit any other supporting documents proving that you need to transit through Belarus (copy of a ticket, itinerary from your travel agency etc)
Visa Validity
Transit (B): 2 days
Short-term (C): 90 days
Long-term (D): dependant on circumstances
Visa Cost
EUR60 - paid in rands (contact embassy for exchange rate)
- Minors under 12: free
- No visa application will be processed without payment
Payment must be made into the below bank account:
Account name: Embassy of Belarus
Bank name: FNB
Account number: 62388186085
Branch name: Brooklyn
Branch code: 251345
- Once the consular fee is paid, send the proof of payment (with reference to the surname) on the e-mail consul.rsa@mfa.gov.by
Entry Requirements
- The passport must be valid at least 90 days beyond intended date of departure from the Republic of Belarus
- Proof of financial means
- Medical insurance policy with coverage for at least 10 000 euros, valid in Belarus during the whole duration of stay
- When staying in Belarus for more than 10 working days, foreign citizens need to register with the divisions on citizenship and migration of the territorial bodies of internal affairs or via the unified portal for electronic services portal.gov.by
- When staying in hotels, hostels, sanatoriums and other collective accommodation facilities the registration of foreign citizens is carried out by the administrations of such facilities by default upon check-in
Visa Forms
Health / Vaccinations
Compulsory:
- None
Recommended Travel Vaccines:
- Hepatitis A & B
- Tick-Borne Encephalitis (Not available in SA)
- Rabies
- Polio
- Tetanus
South African Representative Abroad
Representation accredited from Moscow, Russia

