The Embassy of the Czech Republic in Minsk has announced that starting November 10, it will begin accepting online appointment requests for short-stay Schengen visas for the purpose of visiting family members.
Who is eligible?
Parents, grandparents, children, and grandchildren of Czech citizens, as well as of Belarusians who live in the Czech Republic with a long-term visa or a long-term or permanent residence permit (povolení k dlouhodobému/trvalému pobytu). The new rules do not apply to siblings, uncles, aunts, or cousins.
How to book an appointment?
Starting November 10, applicants must email Minsk.Visa@mzv.gov.cz with details about both the applicant and the inviting person, the purpose of the visit, contact information, and passport number.
The email must include copies of the applicant’s passport, the official invitation, documents proving the family relationship, and the required documents of the inviting person. A separate email must be sent for each applicant.
Detailed requirements are available on the Czech Embassy’s website.
This is an important result of joint efforts with Czech partners. Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya has repeatedly raised the issue of visa restrictions in meetings with Czech officials. The Office of Belarus Democratic Forces in the Czech Republic, led by Kryścina Šyjanok, as well as the Belarusian diaspora and national minority, have also worked toward resolving the issue.
The Czech government approved the relevant changes in October. Now, applicants can begin booking appointments to submit their documents.
