For Indians, getting a Schengen visa to visit Europe is pretty tough, as the overall rejection rate for applicants is around 15%. But you can still visit parts of Europe outside of the Schengen Agreement.
A new European country has added Indians to its list of countries that can enter with an e-visa.
And it is Belarus, a place that has become a favourite for shooting many Indian films.
In 2021, actors Avneet Kaur and Sunny Singh starred in Squad (2021), which was directed by Nilesh Sahay. It made history as the first Indian mainstream film to be shot extensively in Belarus, featuring action-packed sequences across real-world locations in Minsk.
Filmmaker Anurag Kashyap also visited Belarus for a project, which featured South film stars like Saba
Faisal and Ushna Shah.
Most recently, South Indian film star Suriya also shot for his romantic family drama, Vishwanath & Sons, in Belarus. The cast also included actors Mamitha Baiju, Radhika Sarathkumar, and Raveena Tandon. They shot in several locations in the country, including the capital, Minsk, in October 2025.
A press note by the Belarusian government states, “The Republic of India is now included in the list of countries whose citizens have the right to obtain an e-visa to enter Belarus. This decision is aimed at systematically simplifying the entry procedure and intensifying people-to-people contacts, which form the foundation of Belarusian-Indian relations. The introduction of e-visas for Indian citizens will be a practical step towards activating business cooperation. India today is one of the most dynamic and largest markets in the world.”
Further to this, in order to make travel to Belarus smoother, there are also plans to introduce direct flights between Minsk and Mumbai and Goa in the coming future. This boost in connectivity will make it travel between India and Belarus more convenient and support both tourism and business exchanges.
According to a report by Travel + Leisure, only Indian travellers with a valid, multiple-entry Schengen or EU visa with a physical stamp proving prior entry into a European nation can get a 30-day visa-free entry via Minsk National Airport. Additionally, a confirmed return flight ticket leaving Minsk within 30 days was mandatory for entry.
However, things are about to change soon. With Belarus now offering Indians an e-visa, you must begin planning your itinerary. Here’s a few helpful tips to start:
Good Time To Visit Belarus
The best time to visit Belarus is generally May to September, when the weather is warmer and days are longer, making it comfortable to explore cities, castles, forests and lakes. June to August brings warm summer weather, although occasional rain and thunderstorms are possible. September can be particularly pleasant for sightseeing, with cooler temperatures and early autumn colours. Winters, from November to March, are much colder, with snow and icy conditions that can affect travel. For travellers looking to explore Belarus comfortably, late spring, summer and early autumn offer the most favourable conditions.
Things To Experience In Belarus
Mir Castle
One of Belarus’ most recognisable landmarks, Mir Castle looks straight out of a fairytale. The red-brick castle complex was begun around the 1520s and developed over several centuries, with Gothic, Renaissance and Baroque influences visible across the site. It is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Walk around the castle courtyard, explore its museum interiors and take a stroll around the lake for the classic postcard view of the towers reflected in the water. Mir Castle can also be visited as a day trip from Minsk.
Nesvizh Palace
For another dose of European royal-style architecture, head to Nesvizh Palace. The palace-and-park complex was associated with the powerful Radziwiłł family and combines Renaissance, Baroque and later architectural influences. It is also part of Belarus’ UNESCO-listed heritage.
Beyond the palace itself, visitors can explore its landscaped parks, gardens, historic town square and Corpus Christi Church, which contains the Radziwiłł family crypt. The surrounding setting of lakes and greenery makes it particularly appealing for travellers who enjoy architecture as much as photography.
Białowieża Forest
Nature lovers should make time for Białowieża Forest, one of Europe’s most important remaining primeval lowland forests. The UNESCO-listed forest stretches across Belarus and neighbouring Poland and is known for its ancient woodland and European bison.
The Belarusian side offers opportunities to explore the forest and its wildlife through designated tourism and nature experiences. It is a very different experience from the country’s castles and cities, making it a good addition to a longer Belarus itinerary.
Braslav Lakes
If you prefer landscapes and outdoor experiences, add the Braslav Lakes National Park to your list. Often described as the “blue necklace” of Belarus, the region is known for its numerous lakes, forests and glacial landscapes.
The area is particularly suited to travellers looking for a quieter side of Belarus, with opportunities for boating, fishing, hiking and exploring the town of Braslav. The combination of forests, islands and clear lakes also makes it one of the country’s more scenic destinations.
Minsk
No first trip to Belarus is complete without spending time in Minsk, the country’s capital. The city offers a very different visual experience from the medieval castles and natural landscapes, with broad avenues, grand Soviet-era architecture and a rebuilt historic centre.
Start with the Upper Town and continue towards the city’s major squares, museums and churches. Minsk also has a contemporary side, with cafés, galleries and creative spaces adding a modern contrast to its monumental architecture.
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