Hmmm... I would never attempt traveling to Belarus without a visa, as an American.
One fine day, five years ago, when some chap named Alexander was returning to Moscow with his fiancee from a romantic week in Prague, he thought he could get through Belarus without a visa. He thought is "incoming" transit visa was good enough, though expired. What ensued? Alexander got a free escort to Warsaw. No chances for bribes, negotiations, nothing. "Off to Warshava for you, Amerikanski." Yes, I was coming in from Europe that time. Yes, if you get denied at the border, you'll simply get stuck in Russia (until your Russian visa runs out. :) I mean, why not just pay the $40 for a Belarus visa?!? It simply boggles my mind how many "cool visa shortcuts" I hear from expats. I get the impression that some people have very little to lose. And I've heard literally dozens of bad-luck stories from people trying to cut corners. To Americans in Russia, needing a new Russian visa, I say: - If you need a visa FAST: fly to NYC. - If you need a visa CHEAP, and you can wait a week or two, pick a town in Europe where you have friends/a place to stay. (Belarus is fine -- but get a damn visa.) I simply see NO point in cutting a $40 corner. The Belorussians CAN mess with you for not having a visa. The Belorussians also CAN demand a 10-day waiting period at the Russian consulate there. Maybe they WON'T, but -- Hell Yes, They CAN. I don't care if it's been done successfully a billion times. This seat-of-the-pants "wonder-solution" is NOT something I'd recommend to any American with a family who they love, or an important job, waiting for them back in Russia. I've been living in Moscow for 6 years, as an independent. I don't take chances anymore. REGISTRATION: About the registration, I have to agree 100% there. No need to use a "service." However, the Registering Party MUST submit paperwork (mail a letter) when your visa expires, or whenever you leave the city for 3+ days. If you violate this rule, the fines can be disastrous to the party who registered you. (Never happened to me, but the Codex stipulates fines in the tens of thousands of bucks -- even to private parties.) All the best, and good luck! -Alexander
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