Bringing Alcohol To Belarus: What's The Limit?

If you're planning a trip to Belarus and want to bring some alcohol with you, it's important to be aware of the country's customs regulations and restrictions. All travellers entering Belarus must complete a customs and goods declaration form, which can usually be obtained on the plane or at the airport. The rules regarding personal luggage allow travellers to carry goods for personal use duty-free, with certain weight and value limitations. It's important to note that there are restrictions on the import of spirits and tobacco, and these quantities must be declared.

Alcohol allowance: 3L or less

If you are travelling to Belarus and want to bring alcohol with you, it's important to understand the country's customs regulations and any restrictions that may apply. Here is some detailed information about bringing up to 3 litres of alcohol into Belarus:

Belarus has specific rules regarding the amount of alcohol individuals are permitted to bring into the country. According to the Embassy of the Republic of Belarus, the maximum amount of alcohol allowed for personal use is 3 litres. This limit is part of the duty-free allowance, which also includes other goods with a total value not exceeding €1,500 (until April 1, 2024) and a weight limit of 50 kg. It is important to note that these allowances apply to travellers entering Belarus by air, and different limits may apply for other means of transportation.

When bringing alcohol into Belarus, it is essential to comply with the country's customs procedures. All individuals arriving in Belarus must complete a customs and goods declaration form, which is typically available on the plane or at the airport. This form should include details about the amount and type of alcohol being brought into the country. It is important to accurately declare the quantity of alcohol, as exceeding the duty-free limit may result in additional customs fees or other penalties.

The type of alcohol you bring is also important to consider. Belarus has restrictions on certain types of alcoholic beverages, and these regulations are subject to change. As of March 2022, the export of specific alcohol beverages to Belarus is prohibited. Therefore, it is advisable to check the most recent regulations before your travel. Additionally, individuals under the age of 18 are prohibited from importing any amount of alcohol into Belarus.

It is worth noting that the rules regarding alcohol allowances in Belarus may change, and it is always recommended to review the latest information provided by official sources, such as the customs authorities or government websites, before your travel. By staying informed, you can ensure that you comply with the applicable regulations and have a smooth journey to Belarus.

Duty-free allowance: €1,000 or less

If you are entering Belarus by air, you are allowed to bring goods worth up to €10,000 and weighing up to 50kg without paying duty. If you are entering by non-air means of transportation or on foot, until 1 April 2024, you are allowed to bring goods worth up to €1,000 and weighing up to 31kg without paying duty. From 1 April 2024, the duty-free allowance for non-air travel will decrease to goods worth up to €500 and weighing up to 25kg.

Any items exceeding these duty-free allowances will be subject to a duty of 30% and not less than 4 euros per kilogram. There is a special rate for extra alcohol—€10 per litre—but more than 5 litres will not be permitted.

If you are entering Belarus with €1,000 or less worth of goods, you will not have to pay duty if the total weight of the goods for personal use in your luggage does not exceed 50kg. This rule applies to alcoholic beverages, beer, and tobacco products. However, there can be no more than 3 litres of alcohol and 200 cigarettes (or 50 cigars/cigarillos or 250 grams of tobacco). It is important to note that the import of alcohol and tobacco is prohibited for those under 18 years old.

All travellers arriving in and departing from Belarus must complete a customs and goods declaration form. These forms are usually available on the plane and at the airport.

Customs declaration: required

When entering Belarus, a customs declaration is required for all goods imported into the country, regardless of their value. This includes personal items and gifts. The declaration must be completed in Russian or Belarusian and should include a detailed description of the goods being imported, including their quantity, weight, and value.

What to Declare

You must declare all goods that you are bringing into Belarus

Age restriction: over 18s only

If you are over the age of 18, you may bring up to 3 litres of alcohol into Belarus. This is part of your duty-free allowance, which also includes up to 50kg of goods for personal use, with a maximum value of €10,000 if travelling by air, and €1,000 (until 1 April 2024) or €500 (from 1 April 2024) when travelling by other means.

You must declare any amounts of cash over $10,000, and the import of alcohol is prohibited for those under 18.

It is worth noting that the rules regarding alcohol imports to Belarus are subject to frequent change, so it is recommended that you arrange to have your products imported by an experienced Belarusian importer.

Alcohol consumption in Belarus is high, with an average of 17.5 litres of alcohol consumed per person per year, according to the World Health Organisation. The country has a problem with illegal alcohol production, and the government has been accused of encouraging sales to manipulate and control the population.

Tobacco allowance: 200 cigarettes or 250g tobacco

If you are travelling to Belarus, you must declare any amount of cash over $10,000 on entry. There is no limit to the amount of foreign currency you can take into the country.

In terms of tobacco allowance, you can bring 200 cigarettes or 250 grams of tobacco into Belarus. This is in line with the EU allowance of 200 cigarettes or 250 grams of tobacco when entering from a non-EU country. If you exceed this amount, you may be asked to pay excise duties or have your tobacco products confiscated.

The import of alcohol and tobacco is prohibited for anyone under the age of 18. For adults, the alcohol allowance is three litres, with no more than five litres permitted. This includes spirits, beer, wine, and sparkling wine.

In addition to the above, you can bring goods such as jewellery, personal care items, portable musical instruments, strollers, car seats, wheelchairs, sports equipment, and portable electronics into Belarus without paying duty.

Frequently asked questions