Traveling To Belarus With A Ukrainian Resident Permit: What You Need To Know

The current political situation and military operations in Ukraine have made entry to Belarus for Ukrainian citizens difficult and potentially dangerous. Ukrainian citizens are not permitted to enter Belarus through the Ukrainian border, but it may be possible through other countries, such as Poland or Lithuania. However, the Foreign Intelligence Service of Ukraine advises against this, warning of the risks of entering Belarus. These include interrogation, phone seizure, and potential detention or criminal charges. For those still intending to travel, a valid passport, insurance, and registration with the police are required.

Border crossing requirements for Ukrainian residents

As of July 1, 2023, Ukrainian authorities lifted the quarantine and other restrictions imposed due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Therefore, there is no need to provide proof of vaccination or a negative PCR test result, nor is it mandatory to wear a protective mask when entering Ukraine. However, there are other requirements that Ukrainian residents must meet when crossing the border.

Requirements for Ukrainian Residents Entering Ukraine

Ukrainian residents are allowed to freely enter Ukraine during the war, but they must comply with certain restrictions and requirements. Here are the key border crossing requirements for Ukrainian residents:

• A valid foreign passport. The passport must be valid for the entire period of their stay in Ukraine.
• A visa, unless a visa-free regime is established with the country of origin.
• Confirmation of the purpose of the trip. This can include documents confirming family ties, an invitation from a Ukrainian citizen, an invitation to conferences or other events, or a hotel reservation.
• Proof of sufficient funds for the entire duration of their stay in Ukraine and for their return to their country of origin.
• An insurance policy issued by an insurance company registered in Ukraine or a foreign insurance company with a representative office or contractual relationship in Ukraine. This insurance policy must cover the costs associated with COVID-19 treatment and observation.

Requirements for Ukrainian Residents Leaving Ukraine

When leaving Ukraine, Ukrainian residents should be aware of the following requirements:

• They must comply with the migration regulations. The period of stay in Ukraine for Ukrainian residents is determined by the validity of their visa or the rules provided for by the visa-free regime (no more than 90 days within 180 days).
• If they plan to stay longer than 90 days, they need to apply for a temporary or permanent residence permit and register their place of residence.
• They must follow safety rules and guidelines due to the ongoing war and the threat of rocket attacks. This includes installing the Air Alert app, finding nearby bomb shelters, and complying with curfew times.
• If they are travelling with pets, they must provide a veterinary passport, proof of valid rabies vaccination, and a document chipping the animal.
• If they are travelling with their own car registered outside Ukraine, they will need their foreign passport, driver's license, vehicle registration certificate with valid insurance, and an international automobile insurance card ("Green Card").

Requirements for Ukrainian Residents Entering Belarus

It is important to note that entry to Belarus through the Ukrainian border is not permitted for Ukrainian citizens. However, they can enter Belarus through other countries bordering Belarus, such as Poland or Lithuania. Before planning such a trip, Ukrainian citizens should carefully consider the risks and contact Ukrainian consular offices for updated information and security advice. Here are some of the key requirements for Ukrainian residents entering Belarus:

• A valid passport intended for crossing the border.
• Insurance for a car registered outside Belarus.
• An electronic control stamp confirming payment for disinfection services.
• Sufficient funds for their stay in Belarus: at least 2 base values per day for stays under a month, and at least 50 base values for stays over a month.
• Registration with the local authorities within ten days of arrival, unless otherwise specified by international treaties. This can be done electronically through the unified portal for electronic services (portal.gov.by) for free.

Visa-free travel to Belarus

Citizens of 76 countries can take advantage of the 30-day visa-free travel to Belarus. This includes citizens of Albania, Antigua and Barbuda, Argentina, Barbados, Brazil, Cuba, Dominica, Ecuador, El Salvador, Haiti, Israel, Macedonia, Malaysia, Mexico, Micronesia, Mongolia, Montenegro, Namibia, Nicaragua, Panama, Peru, Qatar, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Samoa, Serbia, Seychelles, Tunisia, Turkey, the United Arab Emirates, Vanuatu, Venezuela, and Vietnam.

Citizens of these countries can enter Belarus without a visa through the Minsk National Airport, as well as the airports of Brest, Gomel, Grodno, and Mogilev. It is important to note that this visa-free entry does not apply to those flying to or from Russia, as these flights are considered internal and are not subject to border control.

To enter Belarus visa-free, foreign nationals must have the following documents:

• A valid passport or another substituting document for travelling abroad.
• Financial means (at least two base amounts denominated in dollars or Belarusian rubles for each day of stay, or 50 base amounts if the period of stay is 30 days). Since 1 January 2024, one base amount is 40 Belarusian rubles.
• Medical travel insurance valid across Belarus with a minimum medical coverage of €10,000. Such insurance may be purchased at the airport upon arrival.

Citizens of Vietnam, Haiti, Gambia, Egypt, India, Jordan, Iran, Lebanon, Namibia, Pakistan, Samoa, and South Africa must also have a valid multi-visa to the EU states or the Schengen Area with a stamp confirming entry and plane tickets confirming departure from the above-mentioned airports within 30 days of arrival.

It is important to note that the 30-day visa-free stay in Belarus starts on the date the passport is stamped. If travellers arrive late in the evening and go through customs clearance before midnight, this will be considered the first day of their visa-free stay.

Foreign citizens who plan to spend more than 10 days in Belarus must register with the police, indicating their address. If foreign visitors are staying in a hotel, hostel, health resort, or another facility of collective accommodation, the management of these facilities is responsible for registration with the police.

Foreign nationals and stateless persons who are temporarily staying in Belarus can register on portal.gov.by without visiting a local police office. This service is free of charge and available to foreigners who arrived in Belarus through checkpoints on the Belarusian border.

In addition to the 30-day visa-free travel option, citizens of a number of countries can visit the Grodno-Brest tourist zone visa-free for 15 days. This zone includes popular attractions and the biggest cities in the western part of the country, such as Brest, Grodno, Lida, and Svisloch.

To be able to visit this visa-free zone, foreign nationals must present the following documents:

• A valid passport or an equivalent identity document.
• Travel medical insurance with a minimum coverage of €10,000, valid in Belarus.
• A migration card, issued upon arrival.
• A document allowing foreign nationals to visit the Tourism and Recreation Zone Brest-Grodno, which can be obtained by purchasing a tour from a certified tour operator.

Tourists can enter the visa-free zone via the international border crossing point Brest (Terespol). Foreign visitors who enter the visa-free travel zone must register with the local police department within five days. Hotels, farm tourism estates, and health resorts usually take care of this registration process.

Important Considerations

While visa-free travel to Belarus is available for citizens of many countries, there are some important considerations to keep in mind:

• Border crossings with neighbouring states may be closed with little notice. Additional closures of crossing points along Belarus' borders with Lithuania, Poland, Latvia, and Ukraine are possible.
• Belarus enforces special restrictions on dual U.S.-Belarusian nationals and may refuse to acknowledge dual citizenship.
• Belarus has a low rate of street crime, but violent crime against foreigners does occur, especially if victims resist. Common street crimes, such as mugging and pickpocketing, occur near public transportation venues, hotels frequented by foreigners, and at night in poorly lit areas.
• Prostitutes at hotels may attempt to open guests' doors in search of customers.
• Local and transnational organised criminal activity exists in Belarus. Most casinos and adult clubs are operated by criminal elements and should be avoided.
• The use of informal, unregistered taxis is not recommended.
• Medical care in Belarus is neither modern nor easily accessible. Hospitals and medical facilities lack basic supplies and are below U.S. standards.
• Ambulance services are poorly equipped and unreliable. It is not unusual to wait 30 minutes for an ambulance.
• The government requires all visitors to show evidence of valid health insurance that covers Belarus.
• The following diseases are prevalent in Belarus: tuberculosis (TB) is an increasing concern.
• Driving under the influence is common, despite a strict zero-tolerance law.
• Speed bumps are common, even on major streets in large cities.
• Potholes, unlit or poorly lit streets, and dark-clothed pedestrians walking on roads are common dangers.
• Using hand-held mobile devices while driving is prohibited.

Required documents for Ukrainian residents

Firstly, it is important to note that Ukrainian citizens are not permitted to enter Belarus through the Ukrainian border. Entry into Belarus is possible through other countries that border Belarus, such as Poland or Lithuania.

If you are a Ukrainian citizen, the following documents are required when entering Belarus:

• A valid passport for crossing the border.
• Insurance for a car registered outside Belarus.
• An electronic control stamp confirming payment for disinfection services.
• A migration card, which must be filled out and presented to the border service officer at the border checkpoint.

In addition, it is highly recommended that you purchase travel insurance that covers health and medical needs. This can be purchased through the VisitUkraine.Today portal, which also provides other relevant and up-to-date information for Ukrainian citizens travelling abroad.

When leaving Belarus, you must present the following documents:

• A valid passport for crossing the border.
• Insurance for a car registered outside Belarus.
• A document confirming the payment of a local fee for crossing the border by drivers of vehicles registered both in Belarus and abroad.

It is important to note that the Foreign Intelligence Service of Ukraine advises against Ukrainian citizens travelling to Belarus due to significant risks, including the possibility of detention and arrest. Before planning a trip, it is recommended to contact Ukrainian consular offices for updated information and security advice.

Health and travel insurance for Ukrainian residents

Ukrainian citizens are advised against travelling to Belarus due to the current political situation and military operations. Entry to Belarus for Ukrainian citizens is difficult and may carry significant risks. However, if you are a Ukrainian resident and choose to travel to Belarus, it is important to have adequate health and travel insurance in place.

Health Insurance for Ukrainian Residents

Ukrainian residents can purchase health insurance that provides coverage for medical emergencies, trip cancellations, lost or delayed luggage, and other unforeseen events during their trip to Belarus. It is recommended to choose comprehensive insurance plans that cover a wide range of potential risks. When selecting a health insurance plan, consider the following:

• Ensure that the plan covers unexpected medical expenses for sickness, injury, and emergency medical evacuation.
• Look for plans that offer coverage for adventure sports and personal liability.
• Check if the plan includes baggage delay, loss of luggage, and trip cancellation or delay expenses.
• Confirm that the plan covers acute onset of pre-existing conditions, especially for older travellers or those with specific medical concerns.

Travel Insurance for Ukrainian Residents

In addition to health insurance, Ukrainian residents travelling to Belarus should consider purchasing travel insurance to mitigate potential risks and losses during their trip. Travel insurance can provide coverage for:

• Flight delays and cancellations: This can help mitigate expenses incurred due to cancellation charges on accommodations and other trip bookings.
• Baggage loss or misplacement: Insurance can help compensate for losses due to airline negligence or baggage theft.
• Political and social issues: Given the geopolitical tensions between Ukraine and Russia, it is important to have insurance that provides coverage in case of conflicts or other unforeseen events.

When choosing a travel insurance plan, it is essential to read the policy's certificate wording carefully to understand the inclusions and exclusions. Compare quotes from multiple providers and select the one that offers the most comprehensive coverage for your specific needs.

Safety advice for Ukrainian residents travelling to Belarus

The Foreign Intelligence Service of Ukraine strongly advises against travelling to Belarus. This is due to the current political situation and military operations, as well as Belarus' support for Russia's military actions. If you choose to travel to Belarus, you should be aware of the following safety advice:

• Ukrainian citizens are not allowed to enter Belarus through the Ukrainian border. If you wish to enter Belarus, you must do so through other countries bordering Belarus, such as Poland or Lithuania.
• Upon arrival, you will be subjected to filtration measures, including questioning about the purpose of your visit, personal information, and political views.
• Your phone and other electronic devices may be seized and analysed by the authorities. Deleted messages can also be retrieved, which may result in detention or arrest if the information found is deemed sensitive to the Belarusian government.
• There is a significant risk of arrest, questioning, or detention if you have engaged in any political activity related to Belarus or donated to organisations now considered illegal by the Belarusian regime.
• The authorities may carry out stop and search procedures and ask for identification documents at any time. Always carry your passport or a printed copy of the photo page, as well as your visa if you have one.
• There is a heightened security presence in Minsk and other major cities, and security forces may be in plain clothes.
• There is a low risk that direct conflict linked to the war in Ukraine may spread to Belarus.
• Avoid restricted areas reserved for military exercises or operations.
• It is illegal to take photographs of police, military personnel, or locations of strategic importance, such as government buildings and critical infrastructure.
• Crime levels are generally low in Belarus, but be vigilant against street crime and theft from vehicles or hotel rooms.
• There may be long queues at border crossings, and customs and immigration procedures can be lengthy and bureaucratic.
• If driving, ensure you have the necessary documentation, including original vehicle ownership documents, insurance, and a "green card".
• Belarus does not recognise dual nationality. If you have both Belarusian and another passport, the authorities will consider you a Belarusian national, and your other country's government may have limited ability to provide assistance.
• There are frequent security checks at some stations on the Minsk Metro, and transport police may ask to scan your bags.
• Healthcare standards in Belarus are below those of many other countries, and medical evacuation may be required in the event of a serious illness or injury. Ensure your travel insurance covers this.
• Foodborne, waterborne, and other diseases are common in Belarus. Drink bottled water or boil tap water, and avoid raw or undercooked food and unpasteurised dairy products.
• There is a radiation exclusion zone around the Chernobyl site, including an area close to the border with Ukraine in the southeast of Belarus. Access to this area may be restricted, and it is recommended to avoid tours to this region due to radiation risks.

Frequently asked questions