Published on and written by Cyril Jarnias
Obtaining or renewing a passport in Belarus has become, in recent years, a veritable journey marked by precise rules, sometimes lengthy processing times, and, since 2023, by additional constraints for citizens living abroad. This guide aims to explain, step by step, how the system works, what the conditions are for holding a Belarusian passport, where to submit an application, which documents to prepare, how much it costs, and what pitfalls to avoid, especially for dual nationals and people residing outside the country.
Understanding the legal framework for the Belarusian passport
The issuance of the passport in Belarus is based on several key texts, the most important being Presidential Decree No. 294 titled “On the Documentation of the Population of the Republic of Belarus.” This text establishes the basic rules for all identity documents, including the passport of a citizen of the Republic of Belarus.
Since September 2023, Decree No. 278 prohibits obtaining or renewing a Belarusian passport at consulates abroad. Combined with other texts on citizenship, this forces most citizens of the diaspora to return to Belarus for any major procedure concerning their passport.
The passport serves as both an internal identity document and a travel document. Unlike other ex-USSR countries, there is no separate “internal” passport: a single blue booklet, with data in Belarusian, Russian, and English, serves to prove identity, address, marital status, and to travel.
From a legal standpoint, every citizen who has reached the age of 14 must hold a passport. Citizens who permanently reside abroad or travel outside the country must, however, possess a passport regardless of their age, which allows, in practice, for a passport to be issued to a child from birth if the parents wish.
Citizenship and the right to a passport in Belarus
One can only request a Belarusian passport if they are a citizen of the Republic of Belarus. The law on citizenship (2002, amended in 2023) provides several paths to this citizenship: by birth, origin, naturalization, registration, or based on international treaties.
Belarusian citizenship is obtained either at birth if a parent is Belarusian, or through naturalization. The latter generally requires permanent residence, a clean criminal record, legal income, and a minimal knowledge of Belarusian or Russian. Once a citizen, it is possible to apply for a passport.
Officially, Belarus does not recognize dual citizenship for adults: the law considers that a person with multiple nationalities remains, above all, a citizen of Belarus in the eyes of the Belarusian authorities. However, holding another nationality is not illegal nor punished. The nuance is important: within the country, only Belarusian rules apply, particularly for military service or tax obligations, even if the person has a second passport.
Since Law No. 242-Z of 2023, Belarusian citizenship can be lost in case of conviction for acts classified as “extremist activities” or causing “grave harm” to the interests of the country, including by judgment in absentia. The targeted offenses include the creation of criminal or extremist groups, participation in mass riots, terrorist acts, high treason, or insulting the president.
The same law requires any citizen to inform the Belarusian authorities within three months if they obtain another citizenship, a residence permit, or certain special benefits abroad. This obligation also applies in case of loss of these documents. In practice, the absence of notification does not yet clearly entail sanctions, but this requirement illustrates the increased control exercised over dual nationals.
Types of passports and technical characteristics
The passport in Belarus exists in several variants, but the ordinary citizen is almost always concerned with the “classic” passport or its biometric equivalent. The document has a blue cover and contains the usual information: last name, first name, patronymic (in Belarusian and Russian), date and place of birth, sex, identification number, issuance and expiration dates, issuing authority, residential address, visas, consular stamps, data on marital status and children under 16.
The series of Belarusian passports indicate the region or issuing authority. For example, “MP” designates the city of Minsk, “MC” the Minsk region, “AB” the Brest region, and “PP” the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (for citizens permanently residing abroad). These codes help identify the origin of the document.
Belarus introduced a biometric passport containing a chip with the digitized photo and fingerprints. This document coexists with “classic” passports but is part of a broader strategy of generalizing biometric IDs, also including an electronic identity card used within the country.
The passport also remains an instrument of mobility: according to the 2024/2025 Henley Index, it allows visa-free access or visa on arrival to approximately 81 countries and territories, placing it around 60th in the world in terms of travel freedom. Holders can, among other things, travel to Russia visa-free for short stays.
Who must have a passport and in which cases to apply for one
The first issuance of a passport in Belarus is mandatory at 14 years of age. The youth must then present themselves (or be presented by their parents) to the citizenship and migration services of the Ministry of Internal Affairs. From then on, the passport becomes the central identity document for all procedures.
In practice, the cases in which a passport is issued or exchanged are clearly listed by regulations:
Several situations require Belarusian citizens to apply for a new passport. This includes: reaching the age of 14 (first issuance); request by a legal representative for a child under 14; acquisition of Belarusian citizenship; loss or theft of the document; a plan for permanent residence abroad; expiration of its validity; a change of last name, first name, or patronymic; correction of errors in the data; saturation of pages reserved for visas; deterioration rendering the document unusable; or a change of gender.
Each situation corresponds to a slightly different application, but the logic remains the same: prove one’s identity, citizenship, the event justifying the request (loss, marriage, name change…) and pay the fees.
Where and how to submit an application in Belarus
For persons residing in the country, the procedure is relatively standardized. One must go to the citizenship and migration department of the internal affairs agency at the declared place of residence. In some cities, a “passport officer” at the community information and service center plays this role.
The key steps to follow to submit a passport application and ensure its proper processing.
Retrieve and fill out the official application form.
Gather all required supporting documents.
Have passport photos taken that meet the standards.
Pay the necessary stamp duties.
Submit the complete file to the competent counter.
Pick up the new passport in person after the processing period.
The standard processing time is one month from the date of submission. In Belarus, this period is counted in calendar days and not business days, which slightly reduces the effective wait. There are also expedited options, for an additional fee, with issuance in 15 days or, for persons registered in Minsk and regional centers, in 7 days.
Several local services offer SMS notification when the passport is ready. However, collection is always physical: the holder must appear in person at the counter, often with the old passport, to pick up the new document.
Table – Main processing times and costs in Belarus (replacement)
| Type of procedure | Estimated time | Standard cost* |
|---|---|---|
| Issuance / exchange (normal procedure) | 1 month | 1 base unit ≈ 40 BYN |
| Expedited procedure | 15 days | 2 base units ≈ 80 BYN |
| Urgent procedure (Minsk and major centers) | 7 days | 3 base units ≈ 120 BYN |
| Exchange due to administrative error | Same as standard | Free |
| Issuance/exchange for child < 14 | Depending on procedure | Free (if covered by the state) |
Amounts given for illustrative purposes based on rates mentioned in the texts.
Additionally, fines may apply if the passport is not renewed on time. Using an expired passport within Belarus can lead to a penalty of up to 4 base units, while attempting to cross the border with an expired document can result in a fine of up to 50 base units.
Applying for or exchanging a passport from abroad: before and after 2023
For a long time, Belarusians permanently settled abroad could manage their passports through embassies and consulates. The diplomatic mission, in coordination with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, handled receiving the file and sending back the passport once ready, with an additional delay due to diplomatic pouch.
Since Presidential Decree No. 278 of September 4, 2023, Belarusian consulates can no longer issue, renew, or extend passports for citizens residing abroad. Their authority is now limited to withdrawing passports (in case of expiration or cancellation) and issuing certificates for return to Belarus for persons who have lost or do not have a travel document.
Concretely, a citizen whose passport is expiring, or who must change it due to a name change, must travel to Belarus and submit their application to the internal affairs agencies, at the place of their last registration or current residence if they maintain it. Powers of attorney must be established on Belarusian territory, which greatly reduces the possibility of delegating the procedure from abroad.
Table – Possibilities for procedures abroad (after Decree No. 278)
| Type of procedure | At consulate abroad | In Belarus (presence required) |
|---|---|---|
| First passport issuance | No | Yes |
| Passport renewal / exchange | No | Yes |
| Validity extension | Yes, for temporary stay only | Yes (by issuing a new passport) |
| Passport withdrawal (cancellation) | Yes | Yes |
| Return certificate after loss | Yes | No (unnecessary, already on territory) |
This evolution has left many residents abroad in a difficult situation, especially those who fear returning for political or security reasons. Countries like Lithuania or Poland have set up alternative travel documents (passport for a foreigner, Polish travel document) to try to address this deadlock, but these papers do not replace citizenship nor are they recognized as a Belarusian passport.
Documents to provide: overview by situation
The lists of required documents vary depending on the applicant’s age and the reason for the procedure (first application, renewal, loss, change in civil status, acquisition of citizenship, permanent residence abroad, etc.). However, a few common elements are systematically found: an application form, one or more photos in the required format, the old passport when it exists, civil status records, and proof of fee payment.
For a U.S.-issued birth certificate to be accepted in a Belarusian passport application, it must be apostilled, as both countries are signatories to the Hague Convention. The apostille must be affixed by the Secretary of State of the U.S. state that issued the certificate. Then, the document must be translated into Belarusian or Russian by a sworn translator, unless an international treaty stipulates otherwise.
Table – Examples of required documents by scenario
| Applicant’s situation | Main documents required (examples) |
|---|---|
| First application at 14 | Form, birth certificate, 4 photos 40×50 mm, identity document of legal representative if minor, proof of payment |
| Issuance for child < 14 | Form signed by representative, child’s birth certificate, representative’s passport, 4 photos of the child |
| Renewal due to expiration (adult) | Form, old passport, 4 photos, marriage/divorce certificates if name changed, child(ren)’s birth certificate(s) |
| Name change (marriage, divorce, court decision) | Form, old passport, marriage or divorce certificate, official name change certificate, 4 photos |
| Loss/theft in Belarus | Form, statement of circumstances, birth certificate (if children), civil status records, photos, payment |
| Loss/theft abroad | Declaration, local police report if possible, consular forms, photos, proof of citizenship, fees |
| Acquisition of citizenship (14+) | Form, identity document from country of origin, proof of right of residence abroad (if applicable), 4 photos |
| Permanent residence abroad | Form, passport, 4 photos, foreign document confirming right to reside abroad, proof of payment |
In all cases, for minors under 14, it is the legal representative (parent, guardian, adopter) who submits the application and presents their own identity documents.
Strictly regulated photos: a detail that can block the entire application
Belarusian authorities are particularly strict about the technical requirements for passport photos. Non-compliance can lead to rejection of the application, hence the importance of planning ahead.
The standard required format is 40 millimeters wide by 50 millimeters high. The image will later be cropped by the services to end up with a 35×45 mm format, but the applicant must provide the original photo in the 40×50 format. The head should occupy about 68% of the height, corresponding to a face size between 32 and 35 mm, with a free space of 2 to 3 mm between the top of the head and the upper edge of the photo.
The background must be plain and light (gray or white), without shadows or visible elements. The photo must be in color, with a natural rendering of skin and hair; black and white photos are not accepted. The resolution must be high (reference 600 dpi), the image sharp, without “red-eye” effect, blur, or pixelation.
The shot must be taken strictly from the front, head straight, eyes open (except for infants), shoulders visible, neutral expression and mouth closed. Selfies are excluded: the photo must be taken by another person or using a stable device (tripod, placed camera), at about one meter distance, camera at eye level.
Eyeglasses are, in principle, prohibited in the passport photo. An exception is only tolerated for medical reasons, documented by a certificate signed by a doctor and attached to the application; even then, the lenses must be transparent, without reflections, and allow the eyes to be perfectly visible. Earphones, headphones, or any audio device are prohibited.
Clothing must be ordinary (street clothes), prohibiting uniforms, costumes, and official attire. Head coverings are prohibited, except for religious or medical reasons, requiring a justification. The face must be entirely visible, without shadow or occlusion.
Jewelry and piercings are allowed as long as they do not hide facial features. Hair must not cover the eyes; if bangs are too low, they must be held back. Showing the ears is recommended but not mandatory.
For infants and young children, the same principles apply, with some flexibility: a baby can be photographed lying on a light-colored sheet or in a seat covered with plain fabric. Only the child’s head should appear; no parent, hand, or toy should be visible. It is acceptable for the eyes of very young children to not be completely open. For children beyond early childhood, however, the eyes must be open.
Passport validity: durations, extensions, and return certificate
The validity period of the passport in Belarus can be confusing, as several regimes coexist depending on age and, in some cases, whether the document is issued for permanent residence abroad.
For the vast majority of adults, a passport is valid for 10 years. For children, the general rule is a validity of 5 years, with a maximum limit at 14 years for certain user categories. In the texts, for example, one finds the following durations for passports issued for permanent residence abroad:
Table – Typical validity of the Belarusian passport
| Holder category | Usual validity period |
|---|---|
| Child under 13 (permanent residence abroad) | 5 years, but not beyond 14 years of age |
| Person aged 13 to 63 | 10 years |
| Person aged 64 and over | Extended validity up to a ceiling age (e.g., 100 years) |
| Single extension (citizen temporarily abroad) | Maximum 2 years after the expiration date |
| Return certificate after loss abroad | Up to 6 months (single entry into Belarus only) |
In case of prolonged temporary stay abroad with a passport about to expire, diplomatic missions retain the possibility to extend the validity once, for a maximum of two years. This extension is only granted if the citizen can prove the necessity to stay outside the country for a long period (work contract, study certificate, etc.). Processing takes, in principle, one month, and a fee of 20 euros applies.
This is the maximum number of years an expired Belarusian passport can still be used to return to the country, before having to apply for a new one since 2023.
In case of loss or theft of the passport abroad, the first step is to report the incident to the local police and obtain a report. This document, along with a statement of circumstances and photos, will serve as the basis for requesting a “return certificate” from the nearest Belarusian embassy or consulate. This certificate, charged 20 euros, allows a one-way trip to Belarus, but does not grant the right to leave the country afterwards. Upon arrival, the citizen must, within a month, appear at the citizenship and migration service to apply for a new passport.
Cost of a passport: what to expect
The fees related to the passport vary depending on whether the application is made from within Belarus or from abroad, and depending on the type of service (issuance, exchange, extension, return certificate).
For residents inside the country, the amounts are expressed in base units, an indicator widely used in Belarusian legislation. For illustrative purposes, the costs indicated in the texts are as follows:
The cost in Belarusian rubles for a passport replacement in 7 days in major cities.
Abroad, the fees are expressed in euros: 40 euros for the issuance or exchange of a passport for permanent residence abroad (persons aged 14 and over), free for those under 14, 20 euros for a validity extension, and 20 euros for a return certificate after loss. The exchange of a passport for a citizen residing in Belarus, handled by consular means in some cases, is mentioned as 100 euros.
It should be recalled that these amounts do not include possible fees for sworn translations, legalization, or Apostille on foreign documents, nor the travel costs for those living abroad who must return to Belarus.
Practical effects for dual nationals and travelers
Dual nationals must respect a central rule: if they are citizens of Belarus, they must enter and exit the country with their Belarusian passport, even if they have another foreign passport. It is impossible for them to request a Belarus visa on their foreign passport because, from the authorities’ point of view, they are not foreigners.
The expiration, loss, or theft of a Belarusian passport on the territory can prevent leaving the country, as replacement can take several weeks, especially in cases involving foreign documents requiring apostille or issues related to military service for men aged 18 to 27.
Dual national travelers are therefore strongly encouraged to check the validity of their Belarusian passport before any trip, ensure it covers the entire planned stay, and carry, if necessary, apostilled copies of foreign birth or marriage certificates that could facilitate reconstructing an application in case of loss.
Foreign authorities, like the UK’s Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office, also warn about the travel risks in Belarus, mentioning both dangers related to the geopolitical context and the difficulty of consular assistance for their nationals, including for dual nationals who are primarily under Belarusian jurisdiction.
The civil majority in Belarus is set at 18 years of age. To travel, a minor must have their own passport, even though it is possible to record certain information on the parents’ passports. The document is generally valid for 5 years.
For a child traveling with one parent, no notarized consent from the other parent is required to leave Belarus. However, a minor traveling alone must present a notarized authorization from both legal representatives, specifying the duration and destination of the trip. It may also be necessary to provide documents proving the family relationship, such as a parent’s passport mentioning the child, an original birth certificate, an adoption decree, or a guardianship certificate.
Regarding the passport itself, the photo requirements remain the same as for adults, with some flexibility for very young children, as seen. Minors under 16 are not required to renew their passport solely because their appearance changes naturally with age; only major changes (surgery, significant facial transformation, gender transition) can justify a new photo.
Table – Obligations and main documents for minors
| Topic | Main rules and practices |
|---|---|
| Passport from age 14 | Mandatory issuance, possible upon parents’ request before 14 |
| Accompanied travel | Minor’s passport + document proving relationship with adult (birth certificate, etc.) |
| Travel with one parent | No written consent required by Belarusian regulations to leave the country |
| Travel alone | Notarized authorization from both parents (or legal representatives) with duration and destination |
| Passport photo | Same format (40×50 mm), same technical requirements as for adults |
| Change in appearance | No obligation for a new passport for simple growth or hairstyle change |
Obtaining a passport and new constraints for the diaspora
Since 2020, a significant number of citizens have left Belarus for economic or political reasons. Estimates mention an additional 200,000 to 500,000 departures over three years, on top of the approximately 1.5 million Belarusians already settled abroad before this period.
The 2023 reform prevents the renewal of Belarusian passports abroad without returning to the country, exposing holders to risks of prosecution or surveillance. This situation also complicates travel and remote administrative procedures, such as managing real estate, authenticating diplomas, or family acts, which often require a physical signature in Belarus.
Faced with this deadlock, some EU member states have developed ad hoc solutions: Lithuania, for example, issues a one-year passport for foreigners to Belarusians in regular status who cannot renew their national passport, while Poland offers a one-year travel document for entry into its territory to Belarusian nationals holding certain residence permits. Austria, for its part, uses a “Fremdenpass” for foreigners unable to obtain a passport from their country of origin.
These documents facilitate mobility and access to certain rights, but do not affect the relationship with Belarus. In Minsk’s eyes, the holder remains a Belarusian citizen, subject to the same obligations, including the obligation to inform the authorities of obtaining these new documents within three months.
Practical tips for a successful application
Even though each case is different, several general recommendations emerge in light of the texts and practices:
It is crucial to plan passport renewal well in advance, especially for people who live or travel regularly abroad. Given the processing times (a minimum of one month) plus travel time or diplomatic pouch delays, starting the procedure six months before expiration is a reasonable margin.
It is imperative to verify that all foreign documents (civil status records, court judgments) are apostilled or legalized, and accompanied by an official translation into Belarusian or Russian. Allow sufficient time for this procedure, which varies depending on the country of origin of the documents.
Given the strict photographic requirements, it is recommended to have photos taken by a photographer familiar with Belarusian official formats or to use specialized online services that automatically adjust the framing, background, and resolution. A non-compliant photo leads at minimum to a delay, or even rejection.
Dual national travelers must ensure that the validity of their Belarusian passport covers at least three to six months after the planned return date. This precaution is essential to prevent any border exit block in case of an unexpected extension of stay or change of plans.
Finally, it is useful to keep copies (digital and paper) of all identity pages of the passport, as well as key civil status records, in a separate location. In case of loss or theft, these elements will facilitate proving citizenship and speed up the issuance of a return certificate or new passport.
The passport in Belarus as a key to mobility
Beyond its administrative role, the passport in Belarus determines to some extent the radius of movement of its citizens: it allows visa-free access or visa on arrival to just over eighty destinations, facilitates travel to Russia and, combined with bilateral agreements, opens the door to various forms of professional or student mobility.
Obtaining a Belarusian passport through naturalization is a long process, requiring several years of residence, language integration, and compliance with administrative requirements. For citizens by birth, it represents belonging to a legal system that has become stricter, now including rules on loss of citizenship and the obligation to declare any foreign status.
In any case, mastering the rules for issuance, renewal, and management of this document has become essential, whether one lives in Minsk, in a small provincial town, or thousands of kilometers away, in Warsaw, Vilnius, Berlin, or elsewhere. At a time when international mobility is more than ever linked to the validity and nature of travel documents, the passport in Belarus remains the cornerstone of the administrative life of every Belarusian citizen.
Disclaimer: The information provided on this website is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial, legal, or professional advice. We encourage you to consult qualified experts before making any investment, real estate, or expatriation decisions. Although we strive to maintain up-to-date and accurate information, we do not guarantee the completeness, accuracy, or timeliness of the proposed content. As investment and expatriation involve risks, we disclaim any liability for potential losses or damages arising from the use of this site. Your use of this site confirms your acceptance of these terms and your understanding of the associated risks.
Cyril Jarnias is an independent expert in international wealth management with over 20 years of experience. As an expatriate himself, he is dedicated to helping individuals and business leaders build, protect, and pass on their wealth with complete peace of mind.
On his website, cyriljarnias.com, he shares his expertise on international real estate, offshore company formation, and expatriation.
Thanks to his expertise, he offers sound advice to optimize his clients' wealth management. Cyril Jarnias is also recognized for his appearances in many prestigious media outlets such as BFM Business, les Français de l’étranger, Le Figaro, Les Echos, and Mieux vivre votre argent, where he shares his knowledge and know-how in wealth management.
