Russian Visa: Valid For Belarus Entry?

There is conflicting information on whether a Russian visa allows entry to Belarus. Some sources state that a Russian visa does not allow entry to Belarus, while others claim that due to a mutual recognition of visas between the two countries, a Russian visa does indeed allow entry to Belarus and vice versa. However, it is important to note that there are specific requirements and limitations related to visa-free entry to Belarus, such as the duration of stay and the need for medical insurance. Additionally, there have been reports of travellers facing challenges when attempting to cross the Belarusian-Russian border due to a lack of international checkpoints and strict passport control. Therefore, it is recommended to carefully research the requirements and consider transiting through a neighbouring country.

Do Russian visas allow entry to Belarus?

In general, Russian visas do allow entry to Belarus, and vice versa. This is due to an agreement on the mutual recognition of visas between the two countries. This agreement was signed on 13 December 2018 in Brest and came into force on 20 May 2019.

However, there are some nuances and exceptions to this rule. Firstly, it is important to note that the agreement only applies to certain types of visas and does not cover all visa-free regimes. For example, those with a single-entry Russian visa will not be able to enter Belarus, but those with a double-entry visa will. Additionally, those travelling under a visa-free regime will only be able to enter Belarus if they have a valid identity document and are entering through approved checkpoints. It is also important to note that there are no international checkpoints at the Belarusian-Russian border, so foreign citizens are generally not allowed to cross this border, even if they have the correct visas for both countries. Trying to do so may result in a ban on entering either country.

Furthermore, there are some additional requirements for entering Belarus, such as having valid medical insurance and sufficient funds for your stay. It is also important to register with the local migration authority if you are staying in Belarus for more than five days.

Finally, it is worth noting that the visa requirements and border control issues between Belarus and Russia have been known to change, so it is always best to check for the most up-to-date information before planning your travel.

What are the requirements to enter Belarus?

To enter Belarus, you must be a citizen of a country that does not require a visa or obtain a visa from one of the Belarusian diplomatic missions. Citizens of the following countries do not need a visa to enter Belarus: Armenia, Azerbaijan, Georgia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Moldova, Russia, Tajikistan, Ukraine, and Uzbekistan. In addition, citizens of the following countries can enter Belarus without a visa for 90 days within any 180-day period: the United Arab Emirates and Saint Kitts and Nevis.

There are also visa-free agreements for ordinary passport holders from several countries, including Albania, Antigua and Barbuda, Argentina, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Brazil, China, Ecuador, Hong Kong, Macao, and Montenegro. The length of stay for these travellers varies from 10 to 30 days, with some countries having unlimited visa-free entries. It is important to note that these visa-free agreements may have specific requirements, such as presenting a tourist voucher or an invitation letter.

For those who need a visa to enter Belarus, there are additional requirements. Travellers must have a valid passport, with the validity date extending at least 90 days beyond their intended departure date from Belarus. They must also have sufficient funds to support their stay, which is approximately 20 euros per day or 500 euros per month. A medical insurance policy with at least 10,000 euros of coverage is also mandatory. This insurance must be valid throughout the traveller's stay in Belarus and can be purchased at the airport upon arrival.

In addition to the visa requirements, there are other important considerations when entering Belarus. All visitors must pass border and customs control and, if necessary, automobile, veterinary, sanitary, and phytosanitary types of control. Travellers must present their passports or other valid travel documents, and those arriving by vehicle must have valid insurance. It is prohibited to take photos or film at border crossings, and there are restrictions on parking, boarding or disembarking passengers, and loading or unloading vehicles.

Furthermore, foreigners must have sufficient funds for their stay. For stays of less than one month, the equivalent of at least two base values per day is required, while for stays of one month or more, the equivalent of 50 base values per month is necessary. This can be proven through various means, such as presenting the national currency of Belarus or foreign currency, documents confirming prepaid accommodation, or a letter of guarantee from a legal or private person inviting the foreigner to Belarus.

What is the validity period of a Russian visa in Belarus?

On 19 June 2020, Belarus and Russia signed the Treaty on Mutual Recognition of Visas. This treaty allows foreign citizens and stateless persons to enter, exit, stay, or transit through the territories of Belarus and Russia during the validity period of their visa, as long as they have a valid identity document. However, this does not apply to those whose entry into one state is restricted to ensure the national interests of the other state.

The period of stay is calculated from the date of entry into the territory of one of the states and issection calculated from the date of marking in the identity document on crossing the state border. These marks are mutually recognised by the states to control the length of stay.

Foreign citizens and stateless persons must register (or register for migration) within the time and procedure established by the national legislation of the states. They must also comply with the laws and regulations of the state in which they are located.

The agreement does not apply to those foreign citizens and stateless persons whose entry into the territory of one state is restricted in order to ensure the national and other interests of one state, but they are allowed to enter the territory of the other state. Additionally, states can refuse entry or shorten the period of stay if necessary to ensure defence capabilities, state security, public order, or public health, among other purposes.

While a Russian visa may allow entry into Belarus, there is conflicting information on this. Some sources state that a Russian tourist visa does allow entry into Belarus, but not a single-entry one—a double-entry visa would be required. However, other sources claim that a Russian visa does not allow entry into Belarus at all. Therefore, it is essential to check the latest official information and requirements before planning any travel.

Can I enter Belarus without a visa?

In general, visitors to Belarus must obtain a visa from one of the Belarusian diplomatic missions unless they are citizens of one of the visa-exempt countries.

Belarus's visa and other migration policies are also implemented in accordance with the mobility rights arrangements within the Commonwealth of Independent States and the rules of the single market of the Eurasian Economic Union.

Visa-Exempt Countries

Citizens of the following countries may enter Belarus without a visa for 90 days within any 180-day period:

• United Arab Emirates
• Saint Kitts and Nevis

Internal Passport Accepted

An internal passport is accepted if arriving directly from Russia or Kazakhstan, for no more than 90 days within any calendar year.

Visa-Exempt Through Other Waivers

The following countries are currently visa-exempt through other waivers until the end of 2024. These citizens must present a tourist voucher or an invitation letter to enter Belarus without a visa:

• Macao
• Brazil
• Argentina
• Hong Kong
• China
• Montenegro
• Saint Kitts and Nevis
• Albania
• Nicaragua

Temporary Visa-Free Access

Citizens of the following countries are exempt from visas when entering through Minsk Airport, and from 19 July 2024 to 31 December 2024, they may enter Belarus without a visa through land border crossings, with a maximum stay of 30 days within any calendar year (90 days for citizens of Latvia, Lithuania, and Poland):

• All European Union member states
• Bosnia and Herzegovina
• Including non-citizen residents of Estonia and Latvia

Non-Ordinary Passports

Holders of diplomatic or official/service passports of the following countries and territories may enter Belarus without a visa for 90 days within any 180-day period:

• ASEAN member states (except Brunei and the Philippines)
• Bosnia and Herzegovina
• United Arab Emirates
• Saint Kitts and Nevis

Regional Visa-Free Regime

Foreign visitors who are citizens of designated countries are allowed to enter Belarus without a visa through the Minsk National Airport, except for flights to and from Russian airports. The allowed length of stay is up to 30 days, with mandatory registration for stays exceeding 5 days. Visitors must also depart from Minsk National Airport; departure by other methods, such as by train, is not permitted. The number of visa-free entries is unlimited.

The eligible countries for the regional visa-free regime are the same as those for the visa-free program through the Minsk National Airport, without restrictions for certain citizens.

Single Visa-Free Territory

The single visa-free territory "Brest–Grodno" was established by a presidential decree and has been in effect since November 10, 2019. Visitors are allowed to stay without a visa for 15 days. Entry is possible through the following checkpoints with Poland and Lithuania:

• Brest (Terespol)
• Bruzgi (Kuźnica)
• Damačava (Sławatycze)
• Bieniakoni (Šalčininkai)
• Bierastavica (Bobrowniki)
• Piasčatka (Połowce)
• Pryvalka (Raigardas)
• Piareraŭ (Białowieża)
• Liasnaja (Rudawka)
• Pryvalka (Švendubrė)
• Brest-Uschodni Railway Station
• Grodno Railway Station
• Brest Airport
• Grodno Airport

Prior to travel, visitors must obtain an appropriate document issued by a local travel agency registered in Belarus.

Mutual Recognition of Visas with Russia

Belarus and Russia have signed a treaty on the mutual recognition of visas. Foreign citizens holding a Belarusian visa will be able to enter Russia and stay for the duration of the document's validity. Similarly, foreigners with a valid Russian visa can enter Belarus without a separate visa.

What is the visa-free regime?

The visa-free regime allows citizens of certain countries to enter Belarus without a visa for a specified period. This period is usually 30 days, but can be up to 90 days within a calendar or current year. The visa-free regime is applicable to citizens of 76 countries, including the United Arab Emirates, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Albania, Argentina, Brazil, and more.

To enter Belarus under the visa-free regime, foreign nationals must enter and exit through specific checkpoints, including "Minsk National Airport", "Airport Brest", "Airport Gomel", "Airport Grodno", "Airport Mogilev", and "Airport Vitebsk". It is important to note that this regime does not apply to those arriving in Belarus by plane from Russia or those intending to fly to Russian airports.

In addition to having a valid ordinary passport, financial means, and a medical insurance policy, citizens of certain countries, such as Egypt, India, Iran, and South Africa, must also have a valid multiple visa from EU member states or the Schengen zone.

It is important to note that the visa-free regime only applies to foreign citizens entering Belarus as tourists, and they must still register with the relevant authorities if their stay exceeds a certain number of days.

The visa-free regime was established by a presidential decree signed on January 9, 2017, and has been amended multiple times since then.

Frequently asked questions