Leaving Belarus: Strategies For A Safe Exit

Belarus has imposed strict border controls, making it difficult for people to leave the country. The government has temporarily banned most of its citizens from leaving, including many foreign residency permit holders. The only exceptions to this rule are Belarusian civil servants on official trips and state transport staff. This has led to an outcry, with critics arguing that the government has severely limited the right of Belarusians to travel. In addition, the volatile security environment in Belarus due to the war in neighbouring Ukraine and the arbitrary enforcement of laws by Belarusian authorities make it unsafe for people to remain in the country. As a result, several countries have advised their citizens to leave Belarus immediately if possible and avoid travelling to the country.

Crossing the Belarus-Russia land border

As of April 2011, there is no longer any customs control at the Belarus-Russia border. However, there are still some important considerations and procedures to keep in mind when crossing this border by land.

Firstly, it is important to note that only Russian and Belarusian passport holders are permitted to cross the land border between the two countries. Foreign citizens, even those holding valid visas, are not allowed to cross by car, train, or on foot. Therefore, if you are a foreign citizen, you will need to travel by air between the two countries and ensure you have a valid visa for your destination country.

When leaving 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.
• A document confirming payment of a local fee for crossing the border by drivers of vehicles registered in Belarus or abroad.

Additionally, foreign citizens must pass border and customs control, as well as any necessary automobile, veterinary, sanitary-quarantine, and phytosanitary types of control. It is also worth noting that there may be document checks when travelling from Belarus to Russia by road, as Russian law prohibits third-country nationals from entering outside of border control.

When departing from Belarus to Russia, foreign citizens will receive a migration card from the competent Belarusian authorities. This card must be filled out before entering Russia and presented to the Russian authorities during their stay.

Finally, it is important to keep in mind that entry requirements and regulations can change at short notice. Therefore, it is recommended to check the websites of the relevant embassies and consult official travel advice before planning your trip.

Border controls and documentation

When crossing the border of the Republic of Belarus, it is obligatory to pass border and customs control, and, if necessary, automobile, veterinary, sanitary-quarantine and phytosanitary types of control.

Entering Belarus

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 entry, you will receive and fill in the migration card. This is produced with the passport for travelling abroad to the border service officer at the border checkpoint. The border service officer puts a mark on the migration card and the passport to indicate the entry of the foreign citizen to the Republic of Belarus. The foreign citizen receives part "B" of the migration card.

Leaving Belarus

When leaving 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.
• A document confirming the payment of a local fee for crossing the border by drivers of vehicles registered both in Belarus and abroad.

Upon departure from the Republic of Belarus, a foreign citizen, except those temporarily or permanently residing in the Republic of Belarus, is obliged to hand over part "B" of the migration card to the official of the border service body of the Republic of Belarus when passing border control at state border checkpoints.

Border Crossings

Local authorities in Poland and Lithuania have shut down certain border crossings with Belarus due to security concerns. Polish, Lithuanian and Latvian authorities may close additional border crossings with little or no warning. If you intend to travel to Poland from Belarus, you must apply for a humanitarian reasons permit.

If you plan to cross from Belarus into Poland, Lithuania or Latvia, only the following border crossings remain open to cars and buses:

• Šalčininkai /Beniakoni
• Paternieki/Grigorovshchina

Other Requirements

When crossing the State Border of the Republic of Belarus, a foreign citizen must produce a document for travelling abroad with a valid visa (if needed).

Foreign citizens and stateless persons can cross the State Border of the Republic of Belarus 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 the territory of the Republic of Belarus).

Rules of Stay in the Republic of Belarus

A foreign citizen or a stateless person who arrives in the Republic of 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 who are temporarily staying in Belarus will be able to get registered on the website portal.gov.by without having to visit a local police office. This service is free of charge and will be available to foreigners who arrived in Belarus through checkpoints on the Belarusian border.

Specific Aspects of Transit Travel of Foreign Citizens and Stateless Persons

Foreign citizens travelling in transit through the territory of the Republic of Belarus, enter and depart from the Republic of Belarus on a valid passport or other replacing documents, suitable for travelling abroad and issued by the relevant authority of the state of citizenship or habitual residence of the foreigner or an international organisation, with a transit visa or another visa of the Republic of Belarus, granting a foreigner the right to cross the state border, unless otherwise provided by international treaties of the Republic of Belarus.

Consular services and assistance

The U.S. Embassy in Belarus has suspended all consular services, both routine and emergency, until further notice. This is due to security and safety concerns arising from the Russian military's attack on Ukraine from Belarus. U.S. citizens in Belarus who require consular services are advised to leave the country as soon as possible and contact a U.S. embassy or consulate in another country for assistance.

U.S. citizens in Belarus who need assistance can call the Department of State at 1-606-260-4379 from outside the United States, or email [email protected]. For inquiries from within the United States, please call 1-833-741-2777.

The Australian government's ability to provide consular assistance in Belarus is also severely limited. The Australian government will not be able to evacuate its citizens from Belarus. Australians in need of consular assistance should contact the 24-hour Consular Emergency Centre on 1300 555 135 in Australia or +61 2 6261 3305 outside Australia.

Air travel

When travelling to Belarus by air, it is crucial to have the necessary documentation. A valid ordinary passport is required, which must be valid for at least 90 days beyond the intended date of departure. Additionally, financial means equivalent to at least 2 base rates per day of stay or 50 base rates for a full 30-day stay are needed. A medical insurance policy with coverage of at least 10,000 euros, valid in Belarus during the entire stay, is also mandatory.

For citizens of certain countries, such as Egypt, India, Iran, Pakistan, and South Africa, additional requirements apply. They must have a valid multiple-entry visa for EU member states or the Schengen zone and provide proof of their intention to depart from the aforementioned Belarusian airports within 30 days of entry.

It is worth noting that the availability of flights to and from Belarus may be limited due to the volatile security environment and the imposition of sanctions on the country. Several countries, including EU member states, the UK, and Ukraine, have banned Belarusian airlines from flying over their airspace. As a result, travel to and from Belarus may only be possible through indirect air routes via countries that have not imposed such bans.

When departing from Belarus by air, similar documentation is required. A valid passport, proof of sufficient funds, and medical insurance are essential. It is also important to be aware of any restrictions or requirements imposed by the destination country due to the dynamic nature of travel regulations.

In terms of airlines, Belavia is the national airline of Belarus, offering daily flights to numerous destinations worldwide. Other major airlines serving Belarus include Etihad Airways (United Arab Emirates) and Air China, which operates a direct route between Beijing, Minsk, and Budapest.

Driving in Belarus

Belarus is a beautiful country with ancient castles, national parks, lakes, and rivers. It is slowly attracting tourists, especially with its more relaxed visa rules. Here is some essential information about driving in Belarus.

Documents Required for Driving in Belarus

To drive in Belarus, you will need the following documents:

• A valid, full UK driving licence
• A UK sticker – all temporarily imported vehicles must bear the distinguishing sign of their country of registration
• Your motor insurance certificate and V5 registration document or hire car paperwork – only original documents are accepted
• A visitor visa (unless you are entering via Minsk airport)
• A 1968 International Driving Permit (IDP), which you can only get from the Post Office in the UK before you travel
• Valid medical insurance – you can buy in advance or at the border. This only applies if you arrive via road, not if you arrive via Minsk airport.

In addition to the documents listed above, there are some legally required items you must carry with you when driving in Belarus:

• Headlamp converters (stickers for your headlights when driving on the right, so your lights don't dazzle motorists coming the other way), unless your headlights can be adjusted
• A warning triangle in case of a breakdown

It is also recommended that you carry the following:

• Spare bulbs for your car's external lights
• A fire extinguisher
• A Green Card (this is no longer a requirement, but it could be useful to back up your insurance documents and show you've got the minimum legal level of cover)

Rules of the Road in Belarus

• Winter tyres are compulsory if you're driving between 1 November to 1 March. If you use spiked tyres, you must use a sign to warn drivers behind you to keep a safe distance
• Wear a crash helmet if you're riding a motorcycle
• As a visiting motorist, you must declare the temporary importation of your car on the customs form when crossing the border
• In Belarus, you drive on the right and overtake on the left. Vehicles from the right and emergency vehicles have priority. In the capital Minsk, the right-hand lane is used by trolleybuses.
• Police checkpoints are common on the roads. You may be asked to stop and present your papers. Only make official payments.
• If you’re involved in a road accident, you should wait until the police arrive.
• Unleaded petrol, diesel, and LPG are readily available. Payment can be made in cash or by credit card.
• There is a zero-tolerance for drink-driving in Belarus, and the legal limit for all drivers is 0.00%. Police can test any driver suspected of being over the limit.
• Speed limits vary across Belarus, so always check the signposts. The limit is usually 60km/h outside residential areas (which are often 20km/h). On national roads, it’s 90km/h, and on motorways, it’s 110km/h.
• Radar detectors are illegal in Belarus, so if your car has one, it must be disconnected at the border.

Other Things to Know When Driving in Belarus

• The standard of urban roads in Belarus is fairly good, but rural road conditions can vary, and accidents are common. Look out for potholes and road works without signage.
• Be aware that ponies and traps are still used on rural roads, which can be poorly lit.
• There are toll roads in Belarus. You pay using an electronic device that you can pick up at the border with a €20 deposit. You can register online and collect your device when you arrive in Belarus.
• Dial 112 in case of an emergency. This number can be dialled from anywhere in Europe, and an operator will connect you to an emergency service in the country you're visiting.

Driving a Rental Car in Belarus

If you plan to rent a car in Belarus, here are some important things to know:

• The minimum age to hire a car is 21
• You need a full, valid UK driving licence and usually a second proof of ID (such as a passport)
• Some car rental companies require that you have held your licence for a minimum of 2 years
• Your car rental company may ask for a credit card for the deposit
• You may not be able to drive outside of Belarus unless planned in advance – check with your hire company first
• Make sure you get car hire excess insurance before your trip to protect yourself from unexpected costs. It's usually cheaper to do this with a separate insurer and in advance

Driving a Rental Car in Belarus – Tips

• Belarusians drive on the right and overtake on the left – the opposite of the UK
• Speed limits vary across Belarus, so always check the signposts. The limit is usually 60km/h outside residential areas (which are often 20km/h). On national roads, it’s 90km/h, and on motorways, it’s 110km/h.
• Dial 112 in an emergency
• It’s compulsory to wear seat belts in the front and rear seats
• The blood alcohol content limit for drivers is strictly 0.00%

Frequently asked questions