The Republic of Belarus seems to have the same visa system as the USSR used to have. If you’re not on an organised trip you can only get a visa if you are invited by friends, family or a business relation. However, it seems that this rule is flexible. A good story can help you get a visa – at least at the consulate in the Hague (The Netherlands). A Belarus visa takes five days to be issued but if you pay double you can get a visa in one day. The consulate of the Republic of Belarus is at Piet Heinstraat 3, The Hague, (tel 070 363 1566). It is open Monday to Friday from 10 am to 1 pm.