Exploring Belarus: Navigating Entry Challenges

Belarus is a beautiful country to visit, with its 11,000 lakes and misty forests. However, due to the war in Ukraine, the unpredictable situation in the region, and the country's status as a dictatorship, it is difficult to get into Belarus, especially for US citizens.

US citizens are strongly advised against travelling to Belarus, and the US Embassy in Belarus has issued a Level 4 Travel Advisory, warning of the possibility of harassment specifically targeted at foreigners. American passport holders are required to obtain a visa from a Belarusian embassy or consulate overseas, and even with a visa, entry into Belarus over land is unlikely.

For those who are not US citizens, there are three types of tourist visas available: a Belarus Visa on Arrival (VOA), a tourist visa from the embassy, and a VOA in Brest and Grodno, which are border cities with Poland. The process of obtaining a visa can be tedious and complicated, and the requirements may vary depending on the embassy.

In addition to the visa requirements, foreign citizens entering Belarus must also present a valid passport, insurance for a car registered outside the country, and an electronic control stamp confirming payment for disinfection services. They must also have sufficient funds for their stay and follow specific rules when crossing the border, such as not taking photos or filming.

Visa requirements

Overview

Belarus is still open to international travellers, despite the war in neighbouring Ukraine. However, due to the unpredictable situation in the region, the US and other countries strongly advise their citizens against travelling to Belarus.

Visa Types

There are three types of tourist visas for Belarus:

• Visa on Arrival (VOA): Available to 80 nationalities for a stay of up to 30 days. Requires proof of funds (typically 2 base amounts per day, or 51BYR, which is around $20) and travel insurance with a minimum medical coverage of €10,000. Only available when entering and exiting through Minsk International Airport.
• Tourist Visa from Embassy: For those whose nationality isn't on the VOA list, or who want to enter Belarus by land. Requires a completed form, hotel booking (not from Booking.com), and possibly other requirements depending on the embassy. Costs around €60 and takes 5 working days.
• VOA in Brest and Grodno: These two cities on the Polish border can be visited without a visa for up to 10 days, as long as you enter Belarus by land from Poland and remain in the respective region.

Registration

All visitors staying in Belarus for more than 5 days (not including Sundays or national holidays) must register with the local office of the Citizenship and Migration Department of the Ministry of Interior. This includes visa holders and those under the 30-day visa-free regime. Registration must be completed within 5 days of arrival and costs around €15. Some hotels can do this for you. Failure to register or remaining in Belarus for over 30 days can result in a fine of up to €550, deportation, and a ban from entering Belarus in the future.

Border Crossing Rules

When crossing the border, foreign citizens must present a valid passport, insurance for a car registered outside Belarus, and an electronic control stamp confirming payment for disinfection services. Similar documents are required when exiting the country.

Visa Rules

The following types of entry visas are available:

• Short-term (C): Valid for up to 90 days.
• Long-term (D): Valid for up to 1 year with the right to stay up to 90 days.

To obtain a visa, foreigners must have funds equivalent to at least 50 base values established in Belarus for each month of their stay. For stays of less than 1 month, they must have at least 2 base values per day. The availability of funds can be confirmed by presenting the local currency, a document confirming booking and payment of accommodation, or a letter of guarantee from a legal or private person covering the costs of the stay.

Border 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

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

Border Crossing Rules for Foreign Citizens

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

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 Belarusian territory)

When crossing the State Border of the Republic of Belarus, a foreign citizen must:

• Produce a document for travelling abroad with a valid visa for Belarus (if needed)
• Upon entry, receive and fill in a migration card. The border service officer will put a mark on the migration card and the passport to indicate the foreign citizen's entry into Belarus. The foreign citizen will receive back part "B" of the migration card

Upon departure from the Republic of Belarus, a foreign citizen, except those temporarily or permanently residing in the country, 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.

The migration card is not filled in when entering or leaving the territory of the Republic of Belarus and is not produced by foreign citizens who cross the State Border for temporary stays in the country.

Rules of Stay in the Republic of Belarus for Foreign Citizens

A foreign citizen or a stateless person who has arrived in the Republic of Belarus is obliged to register with a registration authority at the place of their 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.

Transit Travel Through the Territory of the Republic of Belarus

Foreign citizens travelling in transit through the territory of the Republic of Belarus must enter and depart from the country on a valid passport or other documents suitable for travelling abroad. They must also have a transit visa or another visa for Belarus that grants them the right to cross the State Border, unless otherwise provided by international treaties.

Grounds for Refusal and Prohibition of Entry to the Republic of Belarus

A foreigner may be refused entry to the Republic of Belarus if:

• They violated the rules of crossing the State Border or customs rules at the checkpoint
• The validity of their document for travelling abroad does not exceed ninety days before their anticipated departure from the country
• They were convicted in the Republic of Belarus or another state for committing a crime and their conviction was not cleared or settled
• They were repeatedly brought to administrative responsibility in the course of one year and the period has not expired
• They were subjected to an administrative penalty in the form of a fine during their stay in the country and failed to pay it within the stipulated period
• They cannot confirm the availability of funds necessary to cover the costs of their stay in the country and their departure, or submit assurances of the presentation of such cash assets
• There are reasonable grounds to assume that the foreigner may avoid leaving the country at the end of the period of temporary stay or temporary residence, or that they are using the territory of the Republic of Belarus for illegal migration to a third country
• Their stay in the country contradicts the interests of national security, public order, protection of morality, public health, or the rights and freedoms of citizens of the Republic of Belarus and other persons
• The entry of the foreigner into the country must be restricted in order to implement international treaties
• The foreigner does not have a compulsory health insurance contract with a Belarusian insurance organization or a health insurance contract with a foreign insurance organization that is valid on Belarusian territory

A foreigner is prohibited from entering the Republic of Belarus if:

• When presenting documents necessary for obtaining a visa to enter the country or making a decision on their entry, they reported false information or provided documents and/or information that do not correspond to the requirements of Belarusian legislation, including forged, fake or invalid documents
• They are included in the List of Persons Whose Entry into the Republic of Belarus is Prohibited or Undesirable
• There is evidence available that the foreigner is or was carrying out extremist activities, including terrorist activities, or was or is connected to extremist, terrorist, smuggling, and/or other activities aimed at harming the national security of the country, illicit trade in arms, ammunition or explosives, illicit trafficking of narcotic drugs, psychotropic substances and their precursors, illegal migration of foreigners, or human trafficking
• They have a disease included in the list of diseases that pose a danger to public health

Registration requirements

All U.S. 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). If you are staying in a hotel, the hotel will complete the registration for you. If you are staying in a short-term rental of an apartment or house, be sure to check with the rental agent; they may be able to assist you. If you plan to move to another location after you have registered, you must register anew with the Citizenship and Migration Department office in your new locale before you move. If you are staying in a private home, you must complete the registration process yourself.

If you fail to register or if you remain in Belarus longer than 30 days, you will face administrative action which may include a fine of up to €550, deportation, and prohibition from entering Belarus in the future.

Since January 2, 2019, foreign citizens and stateless persons temporarily staying in the Republic of Belarus can register online through a single portal of electronic services at portal.gov.by, without visiting the internal affairs agency in person. This administrative procedure is free and can be used by foreigners who entered the Republic of Belarus at any checkpoint.

To extend the registration period, a foreigner must visit the Citizenship and Migration Unit of the Ministry of Internal Affairs responsible for the place of his/her stay in Belarus.

Foreigners who arrived in the Republic of Belarus through the border with the Russian Federation should apply for registration in person at the Citizenship and Migration Unit of the Ministry of Internal Affairs responsible for the place of his/her stay in Belarus.

Border Crossing Rules

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

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

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)

When crossing the State Border of the Republic of Belarus, a foreign citizen must:

• Produce a document for travelling abroad with a valid visa of the Republic of Belarus (if needed)
• Upon entry, receive and fill in the migration card according to the requirement (stipulated on the backside of “A” part). It is produced with the passport for travelling abroad to the border service officer at the border checkpoint. The border service officer puts in the migration card and the passport a mark of entry of the foreign citizen to the Republic of Belarus. Foreign citizen receives back part “B” of the migration card.
• Upon departure from the Republic of Belarus, a foreigner citizen, except temporarily or permanently residing in the Republic of Belarus, unless otherwise stipulated by the legislative acts and international treaties of 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 the border control at state border checkpoints.
• The migration card is not filled in when entering the territory of the Republic of Belarus and when leaving the territory of the Republic of Belarus and is not produced by foreign citizens, who cross the State Border of the Republic of Belarus for temporary stays in the Republic of Belarus.
• When departing from the territory of the Republic of Belarus to the Russian Federation, foreign citizens receive a migration card from the competent authorities of the Republic of Belarus. The migration card is filled in before entering the Russian Federation and is produced to the competent authorities of the Russian Federation during their stay in the Russian Federation.

Travel warnings

Belarus is currently unsafe for travel, with the U.S. Embassy in Belarus advising citizens to avoid the country. This is due to the country's involvement in the war in Ukraine, the unpredictable security situation, and the potential for civil unrest and arbitrary enforcement of local laws. There is also a risk of harassment and detention, specifically targeting foreigners.

The U.S. Department of State has issued a Level 4 "Do Not Travel" advisory for Belarus, citing the country's facilitation of Russia's war against Ukraine, the buildup of Russian military forces, and the arbitrary enforcement of local laws. The Department of State ordered the departure of U.S. government employees and the suspension of operations at the U.S. Embassy in Minsk in February 2022. All consular services remain suspended.

U.S. citizens are advised to avoid public demonstrations as authorities have used force to disperse protestors and bystanders, including foreign nationals, may be at risk of arrest or detention. Belarusian authorities have detained tens of thousands of individuals, including U.S. citizens, for alleged affiliations with opposition parties and participation in demonstrations.

Additionally, there is a risk of secondary screening at the border, and border crossings with neighboring states may be closed with little notice. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has also issued an advisory notice prohibiting U.S. air carriers and registered aircraft from operating in Belarusian airspace.

For those who choose to travel to Belarus, it is recommended to have a contingency plan, avoid demonstrations and crowds, monitor local media, and enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive alerts and make it easier to locate you in an emergency.

When crossing the border, foreign citizens are required to present a valid passport, insurance for a car registered outside Belarus, and an electronic control stamp confirming payment for disinfection services. They must also comply with border rules, including not taking photos, filming, or talking on mobile phones in certain areas.

Belarus has a history of difficult relations with Western countries, and its authoritarian regime has shown little interest in promoting the country as a tourist destination. Obtaining a visa has been described as a tedious and complicated process, although there are now visa-free options for short-term stays. However, travelers should be aware of the requirement to register with local authorities every few days and the potential for fines or other consequences for failing to do so.

In conclusion, while Belarus may have natural and cultural attractions worth visiting, it is currently unsafe for travel due to political tensions, security concerns, and the unpredictable enforcement of local laws. Potential travelers are advised to stay informed and carefully consider the risks before planning a trip to Belarus.

Safety concerns

Belarus is considered to be a difficult country to get into, especially for US citizens. The US Embassy in Belarus has issued a "Do Not Travel" advisory, warning US citizens of the unpredictable situation in the country due to Russia's attack on Ukraine and the heightened tension in the region. There is also a potential risk of harassment specifically targeted at foreigners.

For US citizens who choose to travel to Belarus, it is recommended to have a contingency plan that does not rely on US government assistance. They are advised to avoid demonstrations and crowds, monitor local media, and always carry valid travel documents.

Belarus has been described as a dictatorial regime with no press freedom, fraudulent elections, and a lack of separation of powers. It is the only European country that retains the death penalty. The country is heavily militarised, and travellers are advised to be cautious when taking photographs.

The country also has a history of arbitrary enforcement of local laws, with tens of thousands of individuals, including US citizens, detained for alleged affiliations with opposition parties and participation in political demonstrations. There have been reports of harassment and mistreatment of detainees by Belarusian officials.

Additionally, Belarus has strict border crossing rules. All foreign citizens must present a valid passport, insurance for a car registered outside Belarus, and an electronic control stamp confirming payment for disinfection services when entering the country. They must also register with the local authorities within a specified timeframe and comply with various rules and restrictions during their stay.

Travellers to Belarus should be aware of the potential risks and take necessary precautions to ensure their safety.

Frequently asked questions