Belarusian tourists are being graciously welcomed by France as they set out to discover the attractions of the Schengen Area. France has a wide variety of experiences that may capture any traveler, whether they are seasoned explorers of European landscapes or are visiting the continent for the first time. Paris, home of the Eiffel Tower and several other historic sites is the perfect place to start your adventure in France. Explore France outside of its crowded city to see its picturesque countryside, stunning coastline, and diverse cultural heritage. The procedure for obtaining a Schengen visa from Belarus to France is explained in this guide. Make sure you have the necessary travel insurance to enter Schengen, carefully plot out your vacation dates and accommodations, and navigate the application procedure. Embark on a captivating trip into the heart of Europe by immersing yourself in the charm of France. Each city and area provides a distinct combination of history, art, and culinary delights.
If the allure of a French Schengen Visa beckons you from countries beyond Belarus – perhaps from the pristine shores of Sri Lanka, the tropical beauty of the Maldives, the bustling cities of Nigeria, the dynamic landscapes of Pakistan, the cultural richness of China, the exotic charm of Morocco, the vibrant energy of Thailand, the bustling streets of Bangladesh, the opulence of Qatar, the diverse archipelago of Indonesia, the cosmopolitan flair of Bahrain, the ancient beauty of Oman, the historic landscapes of Jordan, the timeless wonders of Egypt, the vibrant cities of Saudi Arabia, the enchanting allure of Turkey, or even the vast expanses of Canada and the United States – dive into the details and find the information you need through the attached links. Your French adventure awaits, no matter where you start your journey!
Visitors who applied for a French Schengen Visa from Belarus
According to Schengen Visa Statistics about 8,975 Belarusians applied for French Schengen visas in 2022.
| Years | Schengen State | Country | Consulate | Number of Visa Applications | Visas Issued | Visas Denied | Not issued rate for uniform visas |
| 2022 | France | BELARUS | MINSK | 8,975 | 8,818 | 53 | 0.6% |
| 2021 | France | BELARUS | MINSK | 1,336 | 1,299 | 4 | 0.31% |
| 2020 | France | BELARUS | MINSK | 1,879 | 1,856 | 7 | 0.38% |
Applying for a French Schengen Visa from Belarus
A French Schengen visa from Belarus requires certain standards and processes for seamless Schengen travel. Belarus is not a member of the EU, hence visitors visiting France must follow French consular requirements. Schengen visas enable brief stays of up to 90 days in France and other Schengen countries within 180 days.
Requests for French visas from Belarusian citizens must be sent to the French consulate in Minsk along with the following documents: a filled-out application form; passport-sized photos; evidence of travel plans; details of where the applicant will stay; proof of financial resources; and travel insurance. In addition, applicants need to provide evidence of the cause for their travel, be it for business, tourism, or any other legitimate purpose. The processing period for a Schengen visa might vary, so candidates must apply well in advance of their anticipated trip dates. Your application’s chances of success will increase if you carefully examine the particular criteria and provide correct and comprehensive paperwork.
In order to arrange a visa application appointment, Belarusian citizens may visit the France Visas website. They may then submit an application for a French Schengen visa. The expediency and simplicity of the visa application process are guaranteed by the French Embassy Minsk Visa Application Centres through the utilization of their well-appointed facilities. Throughout the entire application process, visa candidates are met with cordial and supportive personnel.
Categories of French Schengen Visas issued at The French Embassy in Belarus
Visa requirements vary depending on the reason for your trip from Belarus to France:
- Short stay French Schengen Visa valid for individuals traveling for tourism, visiting family or friends, or pursuing brief educational goals can apply for the French Schengen Visa, allowing a maximum duration of ninety days.
- Long stay French Schengen visa applicable for purposes such as employment, business, education, or family reunification, extending beyond the 90-day limit.
- Airport Transit Visa for passengers connecting through an airport to another destination
Application Procedure for a Schengen Visa to France from Belarus
France Visas Minsk is an exclusive service provider for the French government, authorized to provide administrative support services to visa applicants in Belarus.
The steps to follow when applying for a French Visa are as follows:
Step 1 – Gathering information and Selecting the type of French Schengen Visa
Step 2 – Online application setup
Step 3 – Booking of appointment
Step 4 – Submit your application
Step 5 – Track your application
Step 1 – Gathering information and Selecting the type of French Schengen Visa
The France Visa portal assists in compiling the necessary information essential for your online French Schengen visa application submission. Utilize the visa wizard to ascertain, based on your specific circumstances, the requisites for the visa, along with associated fees and the mandatory supporting documentation.
Step 2 – Online Application Setup
Create an account on the website portal and fill in the French Schengen Visa online application form. To complete a visa application, you need to furnish, at a minimum, the following:
- A well-preserved travel document (original + copy) issued within the last 10 years, possessing a minimum of two blank pages.
- Two recent ID pictures
- Supporting documents (originals and copies) specific to your situation and itinerary.
Step 3 – Booking of Appointment
Ensure that you allocate sufficient time before your departure to arrange an appointment for your application review. Verify the typical waiting period for appointments, ensuring you can submit your application within three months to two weeks before your departure date for a long-stay visa and six months to two weeks before your departure date for a short-stay visa.
Step 4 – Submit your Application
Attend your appointment with the necessary documentation, including the CERFA form and receipt. Upon arrival, the service provider or consulate will greet you, assess your application, collect the visa fee, gather your biometric data (photo and fingerprints), and retain both your passport and copies of all supporting documents for submission to the consulate. Expect the entire visa application procedure to last approximately 20 minutes during your visit to the visa center.
Step 5 – Track your Application
The visa center overseeing your application keeps track of its progress. To obtain specific information, please visit our dedicated page to track your application status. Upon completion of the processing, you will receive a notification indicating that your passport is ready for collection at the visa center where you submitted your application. Typically, visa applications are processed within a 15-day timeframe. However, in certain circumstances where a more thorough examination is warranted, this processing period may extend up to 45 days.
French Schengen Visa Application fee from Belarus
The sole payment necessary for this process is the visa fee, which must be presented in cash, specifically in euros, at the time of application at the visa office. It is advisable to use new banknotes without any creases, damage, or writing. It’s important to be aware that in the event of a rejection, the fees will not be refunded.
Short-stay for Belarus nationals = 125 BYN
Short-stay for Belarus nationals = 354 BYN
Required Documents for French Schengen Visa from Belarus
Belarusian citizens applying for a French Schengen Visa must provide a specific set of documents. The required documents include:
Pre-requisites:
- A travel document issued within the last 10 years, featuring a minimum of two blank pages. Its validity should extend at least 3 months beyond the intended departure from the Schengen Area.
- ID photograph.
- Proof of legal residence in the country of application if not a national of that country
Travel Purpose:
- Reservation confirmation of an organized trip or any document outlining the planned program.
- Reservation of a return ticket or travel itinerary.
Professional Status:
- Proof of socio-professional status (e.g., employment contract, certificate of employment, trade and companies’ register extract, school attendance certificate, pension proof).
- Documents demonstrating personal ties to the country of residence (e.g., copy of marriage certificate, family record book).
Funding:
- Bank statements, pay slips, pension statements.
- Provide the evidences that you have sufficient funds for your trip completion.
Proof of Accommodation:
- Hotel reservation or adequate resources to cover hotel expenses (minimum €120/day) or a tenancy agreement or certificate of ownership. If staying with a private individual: proof of accommodation (CERFA form).
Travel Health Insurance:
- Certificate of travel health insurance (CERFA FAQ).
Processing Duration for French Visa Application from Belarus
The French Embassy in Minsk has a consular section that reviews visa applications received in Belarus. The only people with the authority to make decisions about visas are those working in this section. Submit your application for a short-stay visa at least eight days before your intended departure date. Give yourself one to three weeks before your planned departure date to submit your application for a long-stay visa.
To ensure you don’t miss out, it’s best to book your appointment well in advance of your planned departure date.
French Embassy Minsk Visa and Consular Service
