Passport renewal in Belarus
Renewing a Belarusian passport typically involves submitting an application and required documents to the relevant authority, either within Belarus or at a diplomatic mission abroad. The process includes verification of identity and citizenship information.
It is generally advisable to begin the passport renewal process several months before the current passport's expiration date. This allows ample time for gathering necessary documents, scheduling appointments if required, and accounting for the typical processing times, which can vary depending on where the application is submitted.
Start 90 days ahead
Processing times can vary, but generally, it can take up to one month or more for applications submitted within Belarus, and potentially longer for applications submitted at diplomatic missions abroad due to additional logistics and international mail. Starting 2-3 months in advance provides a buffer.
The process
- 1Determine the appropriate application authority: Ministry of Internal Affairs for residents in Belarus, or a Belarusian embassy/consulate for those abroad.
- 2Obtain the necessary application forms, usually available from the authority or its official website.
- 3Gather all required supporting documents, which typically include the expiring passport, birth certificate, marriage certificate (if applicable), and photographs.
- 4Pay the applicable state fee, as confirmed by the relevant authority.
- 5Submit the completed application form and all supporting documents in person to the chosen authority.
- 6Attend any required interview or provide additional information if requested by the processing officer.
- 7Collect the new passport once notified that it is ready for issuance.
What to bring
- The expiring or expired passport.
- Birth certificate.
- Marriage certificate (if applicable).
- Divorce certificate (if applicable).
- Photos meeting official specifications (number and size to be confirmed with the authority).
- Proof of payment of the state fee.
- Identity documents of parents (for minors).
- Application form (заявление).
Who handles it
Ministry of Internal Affairs of Belarus (Міністэрства ўнутраных спраў Рэспублікі Беларусь) for citizens within Belarus, or the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Міністэрства замежных спраў Рэспублікі Беларусь) via Belarusian diplomatic missions (embassies or consulates) for citizens residing abroad.
The state fee for passport renewal should be confirmed directly with the relevant authority (Ministry of Internal Affairs or the specific embassy/consulate), as fees can vary and are subject to change. Fees are typically paid in Belarusian Rubles (BYN) within Belarus or in the local currency at diplomatic missions abroad.
What commonly goes wrong
- Ensure all required documents are current, complete, and in the correct format, especially photographs, as incorrect documents can cause delays.
- Confirm the specific requirements and processing times with the chosen application authority, as these can vary based on location (e.g., within Belarus vs. abroad) and individual circumstances.
- Be aware that specific rules might apply for citizens permanently residing abroad, such as the need to first register their permanent residence abroad.
- If applying through an embassy or consulate, verify their specific operating hours, appointment procedures, and payment methods in advance.
Sources
This guide is based on one official source.
Other documents in Belarus
Passport renewal in other countries
Often renewed together
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