Exploring Belarus: Entry Requirements And Travel Tips

Belarus, officially the Republic of Belarus, is a landlocked country in Eastern Europe. It is bordered by Russia to the east, Ukraine to the south, Poland to the west, and Lithuania and Latvia to the northwest. The country has a population of 9.1 million people and its capital and largest city is Minsk. Belarus has been led by a highly centralized and authoritarian government, with President Alexander Lukashenko at its helm since 1994. The country has been described as Europe's last dictatorship and Lukashenko as Europe's last dictator. In this context, entering Belarus as a foreigner may pose certain challenges and require careful consideration of the current political situation and any travel advisories in place.

Visa requirements for entering Belarus

Belarus, officially the Republic of Belarus, is a landlocked country in Eastern Europe. It is bordered by Russia to the east, Ukraine to the south, Poland to the west, and Lithuania and Latvia to the northwest. The capital and largest city is Minsk, which is administered separately from the rest of the country.

In terms of visa requirements, Belarus has a visa-free regime with certain countries, allowing their citizens to enter without a visa for a specified period. As of July 2022, citizens of 35 European countries, including all EU member states, can enter Belarus without a visa and stay for up to 30 days. This visa-free entry is permitted at any border crossing and is available to those travelling for tourism, business, or private purposes. However, it is important to note that this visa-free regime does not apply to individuals travelling by air from Russia or arriving from Russian airports.

For citizens of countries not included in the visa-free regime, a visa is generally required to enter Belarus. The type of visa needed depends on the purpose of the visit and the intended duration of stay. Belarus offers various types of visas, including tourist, business, private, work, student, and transit visas. The required documents and application procedures may vary depending on the type of visa being applied for. It is recommended to check with the nearest Belarusian embassy or consulate for specific requirements.

It is important to note that visa requirements and policies can change over time. Therefore, it is always advisable to check the latest information on the website of the Belarusian Ministry of Foreign Affairs or the relevant diplomatic mission before planning a trip to Belarus. Additionally, ensuring compliance with all entry and exit requirements, as well as respecting the local laws and customs, is essential when visiting any foreign country, including Belarus.

Travel options to enter Belarus

Belarus is a landlocked country in Eastern Europe, bordered by Russia, Ukraine, Poland, Lithuania, and Latvia. The capital, Minsk, is the largest city and is administered separately from the six regions the country is divided into.

Air travel

Minsk National Airport is the main international airport in Belarus, located 42km from the capital. It serves as a hub for Belavia, the country's national airline, which operates flights to and from Europe, the Middle East, and the CIS countries. Other airlines that fly to Minsk include Turkish Airlines, Lufthansa, and Aeroflot.

Rail travel

Belarus has an extensive rail network, with five types of trains: high-speed, intercity, express, regional, and suburban. The country is well-connected to its neighbouring countries by rail, with direct trains to Moscow, St. Petersburg, Odessa, Kyiv, Warsaw, and Vilnius, among other cities. The rail network is operated by Belarusian Railways, and tickets can be purchased online or at the train stations.

Road travel

There are several road border crossings into Belarus from its neighbouring countries. However, it is important to note that there may be restrictions on road travel between Belarus and its neighbouring countries due to political tensions and security concerns. It is advisable to check for any travel advisories or warnings before planning a road trip to Belarus.

River travel

River travel is also possible into Belarus via the Dnieper River, which forms part of the country's southern border with Ukraine. Passenger boats operate on this route, and it is also possible to cross by ferry.

Visa requirements

The visa requirements for entering Belarus depend on your nationality and the purpose of your visit. Citizens of some countries, such as Russia, Ukraine, and the CIS countries, may enter Belarus without a visa for a limited period. For other nationalities, a visa is required, and the type of visa will depend on the purpose of the visit (tourism, business, etc.). It is recommended to check the visa requirements with the nearest Belarusian embassy or consulate before planning your travel.

History of Belarus-Poland border tensions

The Belarus-Poland border barrier is a response to the Belarus-European Union border crisis, which began in July 2021 when Belarus's president, Alexander Lukashenko, threatened to "flood" the EU with "drugs and migrants". The Belarusian authorities, state-controlled travel agencies, and some Middle Eastern airlines started advertising easy entry into the EU. Migrants were then instructed on how and where to cross the EU border and what to tell the border guards. Between August and December 2021, tens of thousands of unauthorized border crossing attempts were recorded, with a peak in October.

In response to the sudden influx of migrants, Poland, Lithuania, and Latvia declared states of emergency and announced their intentions to build border walls. Poland sent additional forces to secure the border with Belarus in August 2021. In September 2021, Poland announced a state of emergency in the areas close to the border, limiting freedom of movement and assembly and restricting access to journalists.

In January 2022, Poland began constructing a 5.5-meter-high steel wall along its border with Belarus to prevent illegal immigration. The barrier was completed in June 2022, and an electronic barrier with night vision and movement sensors was added between November 2022 and early summer 2023.

The border crisis has resulted in increased tensions between Belarus and Poland, with Poland accusing Belarus of orchestrating a "hybrid attack" and Belarus denying involvement. The crisis has also led to a humanitarian crisis, with migrants facing inadequate food, water, and shelter, as well as violence and inhumane treatment from border guards on both sides.

The country's relationship with Russia

Belarus and Russia have a close relationship, with Russia being Belarus's largest and most important economic and political partner. The two countries share a land border and constitute the supranational Union State. They are members of several international organisations, including the Commonwealth of Independent States, the Eurasian Economic Union, the Collective Security Treaty Organization, and the United Nations.

The relationship between the two countries is based on their geographic location, close historical and cultural links, and economic ties. At the end of 2022, mutual trade between the two countries increased by almost 15%, with Russia accounting for more than half of Belarus's foreign trade. They cooperate in various areas, including energy, transport, and industrial cooperation, and have set up a joint regional military force, coordinating their air defence systems and performing joint military exercises.

However, the relationship between Belarus and Russia has experienced tensions and disputes over the years. In 2020, Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko accused Russia of trying to incorporate Belarus into Russia, leading to Russia cutting economic subsidies. The same year, 33 Russian military contractors were arrested in Minsk, and Russia's security chief, Dmitry Medvedev, warned Belarus to release them. There have also been disputes over Belarus's economic dependence on subsidised Russian energy and Lukashenko's refusal to recognise the independence of Russia-controlled regions.

In recent years, Russia has renewed its push for unification with Belarus, using it as a launchpad for its war against Ukraine. Belarus has provided Russia with a significant strategic advantage, allowing Russian forces to stage their assault on Kyiv from just eighty kilometres away. This has raised tensions with NATO allies to the west, including Latvia, Lithuania, and Poland. Despite staying out of the fighting, Belarus's role in the war has isolated the country and increased its dependence on Russia.

The country's tourist attractions

Belarus is a hidden gem among its neighbours Poland, Lithuania, Latvia, Russia, and Ukraine. With over 40% of the country covered in forest, it is a haven for nature lovers, with lush vegetation, picturesque countryside, and an abundance of local wildlife, including rare European bison.

The capital city, Minsk, is a must-visit. Head to the enormous Independence Square, perfect for an evening stroll, then walk down Independence Avenue, the city's main artery, with its cafes, restaurants, and shopping opportunities. Minsk is also known for its parks and gardens, including the Gorky Central Children's Park, which features fairground rides and an observation wheel. The city also has several museums, including the National History Museum and the National Art Museum.

Outside of Minsk, there are numerous forts and castles to explore, including the famous Mir Castle in the Grodno region, which dates back to the 16th century and features stunning flower gardens and an artificial lake. Nesvizh Castle, located about 15 minutes off the main motorway from Minsk to Brest, is another popular destination. It was the former home of the Radziwill family and is now open to the public to explore.

Nature lovers will also enjoy Belovezhskaya Pushcha National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that covers parts of Belarus and neighbouring Poland. The park is known for its lush landscapes and diverse flora and fauna, including European bison, semi-wild horses, wild boar, and Eurasian elk.

For those interested in history, the Brest Hero Fortress Memorial Complex in the city of Brest is dedicated to the heroes of the Great Patriotic War, featuring conserved ruins and modern art installations. The Kalozha Church in Grodno, a functioning Orthodox Christian church built in the 12th century, is another site of historical significance.

Other notable places to visit in Belarus include the Berestye Archaeological Museum, which stands on a 13th-century archaeological site outside of Brest, and the Cathedral of Saint Sophia in Polotsk, the oldest city in Belarus, featuring medieval architecture and several cultural museums.

Frequently asked questions