Gateway to Britannia: A Guide to UK Visas for Belarusian and Belgian Citizens

The United Kingdom, a land of deep-rooted history, vibrant culture, and global influence, continues to draw visitors from every corner of the world.1 For citizens of Belarus and Belgium, planning a trip to the UK involves navigating the specific visa requirements set by UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI).2 While both nationalities aim for entry, their pathways and the required preparations differ significantly. This article will serve as a comprehensive guide to obtaining a UK visa or the necessary travel authorization, highlighting essential information for both Belarusian citizens and Belgian citizens.

UK Visa for Belarusian Citizens: A Mandatory Application

Belarusian citizens are classified as visa nationals by the UK government.3 This means that a UK visa is mandatory for any type of entry, whether it's for tourism, business, study, or visiting family. There are no provisions for visa-free entry or visa-on-arrival for Belarusian passport holders.

The most common UK visa for Belarusian citizens is the Standard Visitor visa. This comprehensive visa category covers a variety of short-term activities, including:

• Tourism and holidays.

• Visiting family or friends.

• Attending business meetings, conferences, or training.

• Undertaking short courses of study (up to 6 months).

• Participating in certain permitted paid engagements.

To apply for a Standard Visitor visa from Belarus, applicants must submit an online application through the official GOV.UK website. It is recommended to apply no earlier than 3 months before your intended travel date. Key UK visa requirements for Belarusian citizens typically include:

• A valid passport with at least six months' validity beyond the planned stay and at least one blank page for the visa vignette.4

• A completed online visa application form.

• Biometric information (fingerprints and a digital photograph) taken in person at a Visa Application Centre (VAC).5 VFS Global usually manages the VAC in Belarus.6

• Proof of sufficient funds to cover the entire stay in the UK without recourse to public funds. This usually involves recent bank statements (last 3-6 months), payslips, or evidence of sponsorship from a UK resident.

• Proof of accommodation (hotel bookings or an invitation letter from a host in the UK).

• Detailed travel itinerary, including flight bookings.

• Evidence of ties to Belarus, demonstrating intent to return home after the visit. This could include a letter of employment, property deeds, family commitments, or a letter from an educational institution.

• For minors, a birth certificate and consent letters from parents/guardians are required.7

• Any documents not in English or Welsh must be accompanied by a certified translation.

The UK visa application process for Belarusian citizens involves:

1. Completing the online application form on GOV.UK.

2. Paying the visa fee. The standard 6-month Standard Visitor visa fee is currently £127. Long-term visitor visas (2, 5, or 10 years) are also available for frequent travelers, allowing multiple entries with each stay not exceeding 6 months.

3. Booking an appointment at the VFS Global Visa Application Centre in Minsk (or the nearest accessible VAC) to submit documents and provide biometrics.

4. Attending the appointment and submitting all required supporting documents. The VAC may retain your passport and documents during processing.

The processing time for a Standard Visitor visa from Belarus is typically around 3 weeks from the date biometrics are submitted. Priority services may be available for an additional fee to expedite the decision.

UK Travel for Belgian Citizens: The New ETA System

For Belgian citizens, as members of the European Union, the UK travel requirements have recently undergone a significant change. Historically, Belgians enjoyed visa-free travel to the UK for short visits. However, with the full rollout of the Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) scheme, which became compulsory for EU citizens on April 2, 2025, this is no longer the case.

As of the current date (July 2025), Belgian citizens who wish to visit the UK for short stays (under six months) for purposes such as tourism, visiting family or friends, short business trips, or transit, must obtain an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA).8

Key points about the ETA for Belgian citizens:

• An ETA is not a visa.9 It is a digital travel permission linked to your passport.

• It is mandatory for all non-visa nationals (including Belgian citizens) who do not otherwise need a visa for short visits.

• Applications are submitted entirely online, either through the official GOV.UK website or the "UK ETA app".10 They are typically processed quickly, often within minutes, though it's advised to apply at least 3 days before travel.

• Once approved, the ETA is electronically linked to the applicant's passport. There is no physical document to print.

• An ETA is valid for multiple entries over a two-year period, with each individual stay not exceeding six months, or until the passport it's linked to expires, whichever comes first. If you get a new passport, you must apply for a new ETA.

To apply for a UK ETA as a Belgian citizen, applicants generally need:

• A valid Belgian passport.

• A digital photo of their face.

• Personal and contact details.

• Basic travel information.

• A credit or debit card to pay the fee (currently £10).

For Belgian citizens who intend to work, study for longer than six months, or settle in the UK, a specific UK visa will still be required. These categories include:

• Skilled Worker visa: For those with a job offer from an approved UK employer.11

• Student visa: For those undertaking longer courses of study at a licensed UK education provider.

• Family visas: For joining family members who are settled in the UK.

The application process for these traditional UK visas involves:

1. Completing the online application form for the specific visa category on GOV.UK.

2. Paying the relevant visa fee and, for most long-term visas, the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS).

3. Booking and attending an appointment at a Visa Application Centre (VAC) to provide biometrics (fingerprints and a digital photograph) and submit supporting documents.12 In Belgium, the VAC is typically managed by VFS Global or TLScontact.

Processing times for traditional UK visas for Belgian citizens can vary depending on the visa type, but standard processing is generally around 3 weeks for non-settlement visas and longer for settlement visas. Priority services may be available for an additional fee to expedite the decision.

General Advice for All Travelers

To ensure a smooth journey to the UK, regardless of whether you are a Belarusian citizen or a Belgian citizen, keep the following universal tips in mind:

• Passport Validity: Always double-check that your passport is valid for at least six months beyond your intended departure date from the UK.

• Purpose of Travel: Be clear about your purpose of visit as it dictates the appropriate ETA or visa category.

• Accuracy is Paramount: Ensure all information on your application form precisely matches your supporting documents. Discrepancies can lead to delays or refusal.13

• Financial Proof: Demonstrate clearly that you have sufficient funds to cover your trip and will not become a burden on public funds.

• Ties to Home Country: If applying for a visitor visa, provide strong evidence of your intention to return to your home country.

• Document Translations: Any documents not in English or Welsh must be accompanied by a certified translation from a professional translator.

• Apply Early: Begin your application well in advance of your intended travel date to allow for processing times and any unforeseen delays.

• Keep Copies: Always retain copies of all submitted documents and your application form for your records.

By understanding these specific UK travel authorization and visa requirements and diligently preparing their applications, both Belarusian citizens and Belgian citizens can significantly increase their chances of a successful outcome, paving the way for an enriching journey to the United Kingdom.