Prepare your application

Its your responsibility to make sure that you apply for the right visa, and that you submit the right documents in support of your application. The UK Border Agency produces a series of Information Leaflets for the different types of visas available. These can be found on the UK Border Agency visa service website.

Step 1 – Fill application form and book an appointment

Fill in a visa on-line application form

Please ensure that your name on the application is spelled exactly as it is in your passport. After you have completed the form you will get a reference number for your application like GWF000000000.

After you have completed your application form you will be offered to book an appointment. You must book exact date and time suitable for you to submit your application and supporting documents to the British Embassy in Minsk. Every single applicant must have a separate appointment. After you have booked an appointment you will get a reference number for your appointment like VAR000000000. Please note that we will not be able to see you if you do not have an appointment.

Print out your application form and sign it

Attach one recent colour passport-sized photograph

It should be 35 x 45 mm taken against a solid light background, printed on normal photographic paper, full face without sunglasses, hat or other head covering unless you wear this for cultural or religious reasons.

Please note that we may not accept photographs that do not meet these specifications:

45 mm colour photograph of yourself

Taken against a light-coloured background

Printed on normal photographic paper.

Full face without sunglasses, hat or other head covering unless you wear this for cultural or religious reasons.

Please note that photographs that do not conform to these standards will be rejected.  This may cause a delay in the processing of your application.

The closest Photo Shop FOCUS is at Nezavisimosty Ave., OCTIABRSKAYA metro station.

Step 2 - Submit documents

Arrive to British Embassy Visa Section in Minsk on the date and time you have scheduled. Please arrange to arrive no earlier than 15 minutes before your appointed time. You will then be directed to the Embassy waiting room. Callers who are too early will be asked by Security Personnel to return at the appointed time. If you arrive late for your appointment you will not be admitted to the Embassy.

You will be required to provide your biometric data in the form of a electronic ten-finger scan and a digital photograph in the Visa Section.

Please submit the following:

• Your passport or travel document
• Printed online application form
• The visa fee (US Dollars in cash).
• Any supporting documents relevant to your application.

You should bring all supporting documents with the application, as a decision on your application will, in the majority of cases, be made the next day. You should pay close attention to the supporting documents requested at the time of application.

Аll supporting documentation in Belarusian or Russian must be submitted in original form only (no photocopies). The documents need to be accompanied by a translation into English. There is no requirement to certify the translation.

The submission of suggested documentation does not guarantee the issue of a visa. The list of suggested documentation is not exhaustive and other evidence may be required.

Please make sure that:

• you have answered clearly all of the required questions on the form(s)
• printed  the form(s) out and signed them
• you make your application in good time, but not normally more than 3 months before you plan to travel, unless you are applying for settlement