Exploring Belarus: Understanding American Stay Limits

Americans wishing to enter Belarus must obtain a visa from a Belarusian embassy or consulate overseas. This visa allows US citizens to stay in Belarus for up to 30 days, provided they enter and exit via Minsk International Airport. Those wishing to stay longer than 30 days or who fail to register their stay may face administrative action, including fines, deportation, and future entry bans.

Due to the ongoing war in Ukraine, the US State Department has issued a Level 4 travel advisory for Belarus, urging citizens not to travel to the country and advising those already there to depart immediately.

Visa requirements and registration

American passport holders are required to obtain a visa from a Belarusian embassy or consulate before entering Belarus. This applies even if you plan to enter Belarus under the 30-day visa-free regime. You will not be allowed entry to Belarus over a land border, even with a visa.

To obtain a Belarusian entry visa, you must submit the following documents to the Embassy:

A completed visa application form, which meets the following requirements:

• Handwritten or typed in English, Russian, or Belarusian
• Complete and logically consistent answers that indicate the real purpose of the visit
• A detailed specification of the purpose of the visit
• "N/A" marked for any non-applicable questions (incomplete forms will be returned unprocessed)
• Signed by the applicant personally (failure to do so may result in refusal)
• Signed by the legal representative for minors

One color photograph meeting the following requirements:

• Taken within the last 6 months
• Size 35 x 45 mm
• Full face without sunglasses, hats, or other head coverings (unless for ethnic or religious reasons)
• Plain, evenly lit, and light background
• High resolution
• No corrugation or ink

A valid original passport, which meets the following requirements:

• Contains a photograph of the owner
• Has at least two blank pages intended for visas
• Valid for at least 90 days after the expected departure date from Belarus
• Free from authenticity or ownership doubts
• Contains no torn pages, marks, entries, erasures, or corrections that are not certified by the issuing authorities
• If the applicant is under 18, a copy of the full Birth Certificate and copies of the passports of the applicant's parents are required
• If the applicant previously held USSR or Belarusian citizenship, a document certifying the loss of such citizenship must be submitted

• Visa support documents for the required type of visa (e.g., tourist, business, student, etc.)
• Health insurance with a minimum coverage of €10,000, valid for the entire stay in Belarus

The regular visa processing time is 5 business days, and the fee is $160 for tourist, business, and student visas. The consular officer has the right to reduce the validity period of the visa and may request an interview with the applicant. Once issued, the visa cannot be extended.

Upon arrival in Belarus, all U.S. citizens staying for more than 5 days (not including Sundays or national holidays) are required to register with the local office of the Citizenship and Migration Department of the Ministry of Interior. This requirement applies to both visa holders and those under the 30-day visa-free regime. Registration must be completed within 5 days of arrival. If staying in a hotel, the hotel will complete the registration for you. For short-term rentals, check with the rental agent for assistance. If staying in a private home, you must complete the registration yourself.

Failure to register or remaining in Belarus for over 30 days can result in administrative action, including a fine of up to €550, deportation, and prohibition from entering Belarus in the future. Foreign citizens entering on a tourist or business visa may not stay in Belarus for more than 90 days during any calendar year, including entry and departure dates.

Since January 2, 2019, foreign citizens can register online through the portal.gov.by website without visiting the local police office. This service is free and available to foreigners who entered Belarus through any checkpoint.

Border crossing rules

U.S. citizens located in or considering travel to Belarus should be aware of the unpredictable situation in the region due to Russia's attack on Ukraine from Belarus. There is heightened tension in the region, and potential harassment targeted at foreigners is possible. Given the volatile situation, U.S. citizens are strongly advised against travelling to Belarus.

If you are an American passport holder, you are required to have a visa issued by a Belarusian Embassy or Consulate overseas to enter Belarus. However, even with a visa, entry into Belarus over a land border is unlikely. The same applies when exiting the country.

When crossing the border of Belarus, regardless of the method, it is obligatory to pass border and customs control. When entering Belarus, you must present the following documents to the border guard:

• A valid passport intended for crossing the border
• Insurance for a car registered outside Belarus
• An electronic control stamp confirming payment for disinfection services

Upon departure, you must present the following documents:

• 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

Foreign citizens and stateless persons can cross the Belarus state border with the following documents:

• A valid document for travelling abroad (passport) with a visa for citizens of countries with which Belarus has a visa regime
• A document for returning to the state of citizenship or residence if the passport is lost on Belarusian territory

When crossing the state border, foreign citizens must:

• Produce a document for travelling abroad with a valid Belarusian visa, if needed
• Upon entry, receive and fill in the migration card. This is produced with the passport to the border service officer at the border checkpoint, who will put a mark on both the migration card and the passport indicating the foreign citizen's entry into Belarus. The foreign citizen will receive back part "B" of the migration card.
• Upon departure, a foreign citizen, except those temporarily or permanently residing in Belarus, must hand over part "B" of the migration card to the official of the border service body when passing border control at state border checkpoints, unless stipulated otherwise by legislative acts and international treaties.
• The migration card is not filled in when entering or leaving the territory of Belarus and is not produced by foreign citizens who cross the state border for temporary stays in the country.

For violation of the rules of staying in Belarus, foreign citizens are subject to administrative responsibility, including a warning, a fine, or deportation.

Rules of stay in Belarus for foreign citizens

A foreign citizen or a stateless person who arrives in Belarus is obliged to register with a registration authority at the place of actual temporary stay within ten days, except for Sundays, public holidays, and high days. Since 2 January 2019, foreign nationals and stateless persons temporarily staying in Belarus can register online through a single portal of electronic services at portal.gov.by, without visiting an internal affairs agency in person. This administrative procedure is free and can be used by foreigners who entered Belarus at any checkpoint.

Obtaining a Belarusian visa

To obtain a Belarusian entry visa, the following documents should be submitted to the Embassy:

Completed visa application form, which meets the following requirements:

• Written in legible handwriting or typing, in English or Russian/Belarusian
• Answers to the questions should be complete and logically consistent, indicating the real purpose of the visit
• The purpose of the visit should be specified in detail
• If a question does not apply, write "N/A"; incomplete forms will be returned unprocessed
• It is the applicant's responsibility to check that the information on the form is correct
• The form should be signed by the applicant personally; failure to do so may result in refusal
• The visa application form for a minor should be signed by their legal representative

One colour photograph, which meets the following requirements:

• Not older than 6 months
• Size 35 x 45 mm
• Full face (70-80% of the picture) without sunglasses, hat, or other head covering unless for ethnic or religious reasons
• Plain, evenly lit, and light background
• High resolution
• No corrugation or ink

Valid original passport, which meets the following requirements:

• Contains a photograph of the owner
• Has at least two blank pages intended for visas
• Valid for at least 90 days after the expected departure date from Belarus
• Contains no torn pages, marks, entries, erasures, or corrections that are not certified by the issuing authorities of the respective foreign state
• If the applicant is under 18, a copy of the full Birth Certificate and copies of the passports of the applicant's parents (legal representatives) are required
• If the applicant previously had USSR or Belarusian citizenship, a document certifying the loss of citizenship must be submitted

• Visa support documents for the required type of visa
• Health insurance, which should contain the following information:

• Name, address, and phone number of the foreign insurance company
• Full name of the foreign citizen covered by the insurance
• Validity area, which should include Belarus
• Insurance period, which should cover the entire stay in Belarus
• Insurance coverage of at least 10,000 Euros

Travel advisories

The US Department of State has issued a Level 4 ("Do Not Travel") travel advisory for Belarus, due to the country's facilitation of Russia's war against Ukraine, the buildup of Russian military forces, the arbitrary enforcement of local laws, the potential for civil unrest, the risk of detention, and the Embassy's limited ability to assist US citizens. US citizens in Belarus are advised to depart immediately.

The US Embassy in Minsk has suspended operations due to security and safety issues stemming from the Russian attack on Ukraine. All consular services, including visa services, are currently unavailable in Minsk. US citizens in Belarus who require consular services are advised to leave the country as soon as possible and contact a US embassy or consulate in another country.

Given the unpredictable nature of the regional security environment, potential harassment targeted specifically at foreigners is also possible. US citizens are advised to exercise increased awareness and vigilance regarding political and military tensions in the region and avoid public demonstrations. Authorities have used force to disperse demonstrators, and bystanders, including foreign nationals, may face the possibility of arrest or detention.

US citizens should regularly reevaluate possible departure plans in the event of an emergency. Border crossings with neighboring states are sometimes closed with little notice, and additional closures of crossing points along Belarus' borders with Lithuania, Poland, Latvia, and Ukraine are possible.

Belarusian authorities have detained tens of thousands of individuals, including US citizens, for alleged affiliations with opposition parties and participation in political demonstrations. US citizens in the vicinity of demonstrations have been arrested and, in some cases, have been victims of harassment and/or mistreatment by Belarusian officials. The authorities have also targeted individuals associated with independent and foreign media.

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has issued an advisory notice prohibiting all US air carriers, airmen, and registered aircraft from operating at all altitudes in the Minsk Flight Information Region (UMMV).

If US citizens decide to travel to Belarus, they are advised to:

• Have a contingency plan in place that does not rely on US government assistance.
• Avoid demonstrations and crowds.
• Monitor local and international media for breaking news and be prepared to adjust plans accordingly.
• Ensure travel documents are valid and easily accessible.
• Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive alerts and make it easier to be located in an emergency.
• Follow the Department of State on Facebook and Twitter.
• Review the Country Security Report for Belarus.
• Visit the CDC page for the latest travel health information.

US citizens traveling to Belarus require a visa, issued by a Belarusian Embassy or Consulate overseas. It is unlikely that they will be allowed entry or exit over a land border, even with a visa.

US citizens staying in Belarus for more than five days (not including Sundays or national holidays) are required to register with the local office of the Citizenship and Migration Department of the Ministry of Interior. This requirement applies to visa holders and those who enter Belarus under the 30-day visa-free regime. Registration must be completed within five days of arrival (excluding Sundays and national holidays). Failure to register or remaining in Belarus longer than 30 days can result in administrative action, including a fine of up to €550, deportation, and prohibition from future entry.

Foreign citizens entering Belarus on a tourist or business visa may not stay for more than 90 days total during any calendar year, including dates of entry and departure.

Health insurance

US citizens are advised to purchase travel insurance before visiting Belarus, especially given the war in neighbouring Ukraine and the unpredictable nature of the region. The cost of travel insurance is typically around 5% of the trip cost and can provide value worth more than its price. Travel insurance from the US to Belarus usually includes medical coverage for illnesses or injuries, trip cancellation or interruption coverage, baggage loss or delay coverage, and emergency assistance services.

The government of Belarus requires all visitors to have a local health insurance policy or show evidence of a policy with international coverage that includes Belarus. This insurance can be purchased at the point of entry. If you plan to use international medical insurance purchased outside of Belarus, it is recommended to check with the Embassy of Belarus to ensure your policy is acceptable.

The insurance policy must meet the following requirements:

• Contain the name of a foreign insurance company and its location, phone number, or international assistance services, as well as the full name of the foreign citizen covered by the insurance
• Be valid for the entire period of the temporary stay or temporary residence in Belarus
• Provide insured amounts of at least €10,000
• Include the Republic of Belarus in its validity area

The following groups are exempt from the insurance requirement:

• Tourists passing through Belarus on a transit visa (on international trains or civil aircraft of international airlines)
• Diplomats and official delegations
• Flight crew and rail staff
• Foreigners entitled to free emergency healthcare as part of reciprocal healthcare agreements their countries have signed with Belarus (Russia, Turkmenistan, Armenia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Moldova, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, Ukraine)

Travel to Russia

Do not travel to Russia. The U.S. Department of State has issued a Level 4 travel advisory for Russia, indicating a high level of risk. This is due to Russia's invasion of Ukraine, which has resulted in an unpredictable and volatile security environment, potential harassment of U.S. citizens, and the arbitrary enforcement of local laws.

U.S. citizens are advised to avoid travelling to Russia at this time and to depart immediately if already in the country. The U.S. Embassy in Moscow has also suspended all consular services until further notice.

If you are a U.S. citizen currently in Russia, it is recommended that you enrol in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive security updates and make it easier for the U.S. Embassy to contact you in an emergency.

Travelling between Belarus and Russia

If you are considering travelling between Belarus and Russia, please note that U.S. citizens are not permitted to cross the land border by car, train, or on foot, even with a valid visa. This mode of travel is restricted to Russian and Belarusian passport holders only.

To travel by air between the two countries, U.S. citizens require a visa. However, regulations may change unexpectedly, so it is recommended to check the websites of the Embassies of Belarus and the Russian Federation for the latest information before planning any travel.

Entry Requirements for Russia

To enter Russia, U.S. citizens need a valid passport and a visa issued by a Russian Embassy or Consulate. Russian Embassies and Consulates overseas provide information on the specific requirements and application procedures for obtaining a visa. It is important to ensure that your passport is valid for at least six months beyond your planned stay in Russia and that it has blank pages for entry and exit stamps.

Please note that the Russian government may refuse entry to U.S. citizens with Russian heritage, even if they do not hold Russian citizenship. This is due to Russia's policy of treating U.S. citizens with Russian heritage as Russian citizens.

Local Laws and Customs in Russia

U.S. citizens travelling to Russia should be aware of and respect the local laws and customs. It is important to carry your passport and visa at all times and to have a local address and phone number readily available. Driving under the influence of alcohol is illegal in Russia, and there is zero tolerance for this offence.

It is illegal to purchase, possess, or distribute drugs in Russia, and penalties for drug-related offences are strict. It is also illegal to photograph security and military facilities, and doing so may result in detention and interrogation.

Health and Safety in Russia

The quality of medical care in Russia varies, and some hospitals and clinics may lack modern equipment and supplies. It is essential to ensure that you have adequate travel medical insurance and accessible funds to cover the cost of any medical treatment or emergency evacuation.

Crime levels in Russia vary, but both petty and violent crimes can occur, particularly in major cities. Pickpocketing and theft are common, especially in tourist areas, on public transportation, and near hotels frequented by foreigners. It is recommended to remain vigilant and aware of your surroundings at all times.

Financial Information for Russia

When travelling to Russia, it is important to have multiple means of payment, such as cash, credit cards, and traveller's checks. U.S. dollars or euros are the easiest currencies to exchange, and it is best to exchange money at authorised banks or exchange booths.

Other Considerations for Travel to Russia

• Natural disasters or health emergencies can occur in any country, and Russia is no exception. Stay informed by monitoring local media and following any instructions from local authorities.
• The U.S. Embassy in Moscow can provide limited assistance to U.S. citizens in Russia. However, the Embassy may be restricted in its ability to provide services, particularly in remote areas.
• It is important to respect cultural and social norms in Russia, and failure to do so may result in negative reactions from locals.
• Language barriers may exist, and English may not be widely spoken outside of major cities. It is helpful to learn some basic Russian phrases and carry a translation app or dictionary.
• Cell phone coverage and internet access may be limited or disrupted in certain areas of Russia.

Frequently asked questions