Travel Guide: Uk To Belarus

If you're considering travelling from the UK to Belarus, it's important to be aware of the current travel advisories and safety precautions. The UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) currently advises against all travel to Belarus, citing significant risks of arrest, conflict, and limited government support in the event of an emergency. Additionally, Belarus does not recognise dual nationality, which can further complicate matters for those with Belarusian and British citizenship. Despite these warnings, if you choose to travel to Belarus, there are a few key things to keep in mind. Firstly, visa-free entry for up to 30 days is available for UK citizens, but you must enter and exit through the Minsk National Airport. It's important to have a valid passport, proof of sufficient funds, and medical insurance that covers Belarus for at least £10,000. It's also essential to register with the local police if you plan to stay for more than 10 days. Lastly, it's advisable to stay informed about the volatile security environment and potential border closures or restrictions on movement, especially near the borders with Ukraine, Latvia, Lithuania, and Poland.

Visa requirements for UK citizens

The UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) currently advises against all travel to Belarus. If you choose to travel against this advice, you should be aware that the FCDO's ability to support British nationals in Belarus is severely limited.

From 19 July 2024 to 31 December 2024, British nationals (excluding those entering on a diplomatic or official passport) can enter Belarus without a visa for up to 30 days, for a total of 90 days per calendar year. This applies if you enter and exit through Minsk National Airport and Brest, Vitebsk, Gomel, and Mogilev airports. If you wish to stay longer than 30 days, or for more than 90 days per calendar year, you will need to apply for a visa.

To enter Belarus, your passport must be valid for at least three months from your date of arrival. You will also need to show documentary evidence of medical insurance to the value of €10,000 and funds equivalent to €25 per day. If you are carrying cash or traveller's cheques worth more than $10,000, you must complete a currency declaration form and get it stamped by a customs officer.

If you are planning to work as a journalist in Belarus, you must get accreditation from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Belarus before you travel.

Registration

If you are staying in Belarus for more than 10 days, you must register with the local office of the Citizenship and Migration Department of the Ministry of Interior. Registration will usually be arranged by your hotel. If you are staying with someone, check that they are doing this. You can register with the authorities online or with the local police office (OVIR) in the district where you are staying. There are fines for not registering in time.

Travel warnings and advisories

The UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) advises against all travel to Belarus. If you choose to travel against FCDO advice, your travel insurance could be invalidated.

There is a significant risk of arrest if you have ever engaged in any activity now considered illegal by the Belarusian regime. This includes 'terrorism propaganda' and 'discrediting' the Belarusian government, security forces, and military organisations. These offences are very broadly defined and arbitrarily enforced, and penalties may be severe, including the death penalty for 'high treason' under Belarusian law.

There is also a low risk that direct conflict linked to the war in Ukraine may spread to Belarus. The security environment is volatile and could deteriorate at short notice.

If you have both Belarusian and British passports, the authorities will consider you Belarusian, even if you enter the country on your British passport. This limits the UK government's ability to help you.

If you choose to travel against FCDO advice, research your destinations and get appropriate travel insurance. Insurance should cover your itinerary, planned activities, and potential expenses in an emergency.

If you are in Belarus, the Australian and Canadian governments advise you to leave immediately using commercial means if possible. You should not depend on the Canadian or Australian governments to help you leave the country.

If you decide to remain in Belarus, monitor trustworthy news sources to stay informed on the evolving situation. Ensure that your passport and other travel documents are secure at all times, and review your personal security plans on a daily basis. Make sure you have an adequate supply of cash, essential items, and medications, and be prepared to shelter in place.

Expect transportation routes and essential services disruptions, and communicate your travel plans to family and friends.

Transport options

As of July 2024, UK citizens can enter Belarus without a visa. This visa waiver permits stays of up to 30 days and is valid until 31 December 2024. However, entry and exit must be made via Minsk National Airport.

To enter Belarus without a visa, UK citizens must have:

• A valid passport with at least one blank visa page and valid for at least six months on entry.
• Proof of sufficient funds for a minimum of £20.00 per day of stay.
• Proof of medical insurance cover for Belarus of not less than £10,000.
• Proof of onward/return airline tickets.
• All documents required for the next destination.

For stays of longer than 30 days, a visa is required.

It is important to note that the UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) advises against all travel to Belarus. There is a significant risk of arrest if you have engaged in any activity now considered illegal by the Belarusian regime. The Australian government also advises against all travel to Belarus, citing the volatile security environment caused by Russia's war in neighbouring Ukraine.

Border entry points

As of July 2024, citizens of the UK and Northern Ireland can visit Belarus without a visa. This visa-free entry is valid for up to 30 days. However, it is important to note that visa-free entry is only permitted through the Minsk National Airport border checkpoint.

To enter Belarus without a visa, you must have the following documents:

• A valid passport with at least one blank visa page and valid for at least six months on entry.
• Proof of sufficient funds for a minimum of £20.00 per day of your stay.
• Proof of medical insurance cover for Belarus of not less than £10,000.
• Proof of onward/return airline tickets.
• All documents required for your next destination.

It is important to confirm with your airline that boarding will be permitted without a visa, as these conditions are subject to change.

If you plan to stay in Belarus for longer than 30 days, you will need to apply for a visa. The requirements for a visa can be found on the CIBTvisas application pack.

In addition to the above, it is important to note that the UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) advises against all travel to Belarus. There is a significant risk of arrest if you have ever engaged in any activity now considered illegal by the Belarusian regime. There is also a low risk of direct conflict linked to the war in Ukraine spreading to Belarus.

Onward travel within Belarus

Travel within Belarus

If you are travelling within Belarus, you can do so by train, car, or plane. However, it is important to note that Belarus does not have international passport control capabilities at its land borders with Russia. Therefore, foreigners, even those holding valid visas, may not cross the Belarusian-Russian land border by car, train, or on foot.

Registration requirements

All foreign citizens staying in Belarus for more than five days are required to register with the local office of the Citizenship and Migration Department of the Ministry of Interior. This includes visa holders and those who entered under the 30-day visa-free regime. Registration must be completed within five days of arrival, excluding Sundays and national holidays. If you are staying in a hotel, the hotel will usually complete the registration for you. For short-term rentals, the rental agent may be able to assist. If you are staying in a private home, you must complete the registration yourself.

Border zones

Some border areas in Belarus have limited entry and require a special permit issued in advance by the State Border Committee. These areas are generally signposted and restricted by road barriers and border guard posts. It is important not to enter these zones without a valid permit.

Transport options

If you plan to drive in Belarus, you will need an International Driving Permit (IDP). Additionally, drivers must have either an original vehicle ownership certificate, a rental contract, or a power of attorney from the vehicle owner. There are toll roads in Belarus, and drivers must pay a fee to use them. Failure to do so may result in fines.

Flights

Flights to and from Belarus are extremely limited, and flight availability and routes can change or be disrupted at short notice. Several countries, including all EU member states, the UK, and Ukraine, have banned Belarusian airlines from flying over their airspace. As a result, travel to and from Belarus is currently only possible through indirect air routes via countries that have not imposed a ban.

Frequently asked questions