Belarus Border Control: What You Need To Know

Belarus has introduced temporary border controls at its land borders with Russia, marking a shift from the previous arrangement that allowed citizens of both countries to cross the border without a passport since 1995. The new measures, which include checkpoints and passport checks, have resulted in backed-up traffic and increased scrutiny of travellers entering Belarus from Russia. While the exact duration of these controls is unknown, they are part of the implementation of the agreement on mutual recognition of visas between the two countries. This development highlights the evolving dynamics of border management in Belarus, where the State Customs Committee and the State Border Committee play crucial roles in facilitating trade and ensuring security.

Belarus-Russia border controls

Belarus and Russia have historically had a relaxed border control policy, with citizens of both countries being able to cross the border without a passport since 1995. This has been part of a larger effort to deepen the ties between the two nations. However, in recent years, there have been changes and discrepancies in the border control policies between the two countries.

In May 2023, Belarus introduced a temporary border control measure at its land border with Russia, specifically on the M1 highway near the border. This led to the installation of checkpoints with guards putting up barriers, barricade tape, and spikes, resulting in backed-up traffic stretching for several kilometres. These checkpoints were reported to be temporary, but no timeline was given for their removal, and they were said to be in place "until further notice". The reason for the sudden introduction of these checkpoints was not officially announced and remains unclear.

The discrepancy in border control policies between Belarus and Russia has been a source of disagreement between the two governments. Due to these disagreements, entry to Russia from Belarus by any means of transport other than airplanes is only possible for citizens of these two countries. Even Russian entry visa holders are not allowed to enter Russia from Belarus by train or any other form of ground transportation. Foreign nationals who wish to take advantage of the visa-free entry to Belarus must do so through the Minsk National Airport and cannot enter Russia directly from Belarus without a visa.

When crossing the border from Russia into Belarus, foreigners must comply with specific requirements. They must present a valid passport or travel document, possess medical insurance valid in Belarus or from a foreign company, and obtain a migration card from the competent authorities of Belarus before entering Russia. It is important to note that border controls may be subject to change, and it is recommended to check for the most up-to-date information before travelling.

Belarus-Russia border checkpoints

On 5 May 2023, Belarus introduced temporary border controls at its land borders with Russia, marking the first time since 1995 that the two countries' 1,200-kilometre border has been subject to passport checks. The new checkpoints are located on the M1 highway near the border and have caused traffic backlogs stretching several kilometres.

The border controls are only for travellers entering Belarus from Russia. According to the Belarus State Border Committee, the checkpoints are temporary, but no end date has been announced. The reason for the sudden installation of the checkpoints is unclear, and there has been no official announcement from Minsk.

The Belarus-Russia border was formally established in December 1991 after the dissolution of the Soviet Union. In 1995, the two countries agreed that their citizens could cross the border without a passport to deepen their ties. In 2009, Belarus briefly established customs posts at the border due to the Milk War dispute.

In 2011, custom control at the border was officially abolished. However, certain requirements must be met when crossing the border, such as presenting a valid passport, insurance for a car registered outside Belarus, and a document confirming payment of a local fee for crossing the border by vehicle.

The following are the checkpoints along the Belarus-Russia border:

• Grigorovshchina (Paternieki)
• Kotlovka (Lavorishkes)
• Kamenny Log (Myadininkai)
• Benyakoni (Shalchininkai)
• Privalka (Raigardas)
• Bruzgi (Kuznica Belostokskaya)
• Berestovica (Bobrovniki)
• Peschatka (Polovcy)
• Kozlovichi (Kukuryki)
• Brest (Terespol)
• Domachevo (Slovatyche)
• Tomashovka (Pulemec)
• Nevel (Prikladniki)
• Verkhni Terebezhov (Gorodische)
• Glushkevichi (Majdan Kopischanski)
• Novaya Rudnya (Vystopovichy)
• Aleksandrovka (Vilcha)
• Komarin (Slavutich)
• Novaya Guta (Novye Yarilovichy)
• Veselovka (Senkovka)

Belarus border control agencies

Border control in Belarus is managed by the State Border Committee of the Republic of Belarus, which was created by decree of the Supreme Soviet of the Republic of Belarus on 20 September 1991. The State Border Committee is a national body of state administration in charge of border security and policy. It is responsible for regulating and coordinating the activities of state bodies and other organisations in conducting state border policy and providing border security. The committee's armed paramilitary force is known as the Border Guard Service, which carries out committee orders and policies.

The State Border Committee introduced temporary border controls on the border with Russia in May 2023. The border controls included checkpoints on the M1 highway near the border, with passport checks for travellers entering Belarus from Russia. The reason for the sudden installation of the checkpoints was not clear, and Minsk made no official announcement on the matter. The border controls caused backed-up traffic stretching several kilometres in length.

The State Border Committee has 14 territorial units under its control, including:

• Smorgon Border Group
• Pinsk Border Detachment
• Polotsk Border Detachment
• Mozyr Border Detachment
• Border Control Detachment "Minsk", which serves Minsk National Airport

The committee is also responsible for managing the protection of the state borders with Russia, Ukraine, Poland, Lithuania, and Latvia.

Belarus border crossing requirements

As of May 2023, Belarus has introduced temporary border controls at its land borders with Russia. This includes checkpoints on the M1 highway, a major route between Moscow and the Belarus border. These controls are currently only in place for travellers entering Belarus from Russia.

Requirements for Foreign Citizens Entering Belarus

• A valid passport intended for crossing the border.
• A visa, if required (for citizens of countries with which Belarus has a visa regime).
• A document confirming the payment of a local fee for crossing the border by drivers of vehicles registered in Belarus or abroad.
• Insurance for a car registered outside Belarus.
• An electronic control stamp confirming payment for disinfection services.
• A medical insurance document issued by a Belarusian or foreign insurance company (except for those who are not obliged to possess medical insurance).
• Sufficient funds for each day of stay.

Requirements for Foreign Citizens Leaving Belarus

• A valid passport intended 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 in Belarus or abroad.

Prohibited Actions at Border Crossings

• Leaving money in documents presented for checking.
• Offering or giving valuables or benefits to officials.
• Taking photos, filming, or talking on mobile phones.
• Performing other actions that prevent the implementation of border control.

Belarus border wait times

As of May 2023, Belarus has introduced temporary border controls at its land borders with Russia, specifically on the M1 highway near the border. This has resulted in long queues of traffic stretching several kilometres. The exact wait times are difficult to determine and likely vary depending on the time of day and other factors. However, it is recommended that travellers be prepared for potential delays when crossing this border.

Prior to the introduction of these border controls, citizens of Belarus and Russia could cross the border without a passport, as part of an agreement to deepen ties between the two nations. Now, Belarus has implemented passport checks at several border crossings, but only for travellers entering Belarus from Russia. These measures are said to be temporary, but no timeline has been provided for their removal.

For travellers crossing between Belarus and the European Union, wait times can also vary. It is recommended to cross the border in the first half of the day when travelling from Poland or Lithuania to Belarus, and in the afternoon or evening when travelling from Belarus to the EU. EU citizens may be able to avoid queues by using the border crossing points at Kuznica (Poland) or Raigardas (Lithuania), which have lanes designated for EU citizens only.

Additionally, certain groups, such as those travelling with children under the age of three or with a disabled child under 18, can bypass the queue when entering Belarus through the Bruzgi or Privalka checkpoints. It is important to note that taking pictures at border crossing points is not allowed.

Frequently asked questions