Belarus raises visa costs for US, EU countries

The cost of the Belarusian visas has been increased for the citizens of the United States and the countries that joined the Schengen visa-free agreement last year: Slovakia, Slovenia, Estonia, Hungary, Latvia. Lithuania, Malta, Poland and the Czech Republic. According to the Belarus's foreign ministry, the measure has been taken in respond to the increase of visa costs by Schengen member states up to Euro 60 to the citizens of Belarus.

However, in relations with Lithuania, Latvia, Poland and Estonia, Belarus will use the so called differentiated tariffs. The citizens of these countries will pay Euro 25 for single-entry and tourist visas, Euro 35 for a double-entry visa and Euro 60 for a three-month multiple visa. Lithuanian citizens will be issued a double-entry guest visa free of charge for visiting the graves of close relatives.

Belarus has also increased the consular fees for the citizens of Slovakia, Slovenia, Hungary, Malta and the Czech Republic. For example, Hungarians pay Euro 60 for a 90-day Belarusian visa.

U.S. national will have to pay $131 for a single-entry Belarus visa; $232 for a double-entry visa and $333 for a multiple visa. The increase in visa costs for Americal citizens took place after the US raised the cost of its visa for Belarusians from $100 up to $131, reports Charter'97