According to the Presidential Decree effectivefrom January 9, 2017 (with changes and additions effective from July 27, 2018 and October 17, 2021) foreign citizens of 76 countries can enter Belarus for up to 30 days* and exit from the territory of Belarus only through the State border checkpoints of the Republic of Belarus "Minsk National Airport", "Airport Brest", "Airport Gomel", "Airport Grodno", "Airport Mogilev", "Airport Vitebsk".
The term of visa-free stay is estimated at calendar days; the first day corresponds to the date of arrival, the last day coincides with the date of departure (regardless of the time of arrival and/or departure).
The given order of visa-free movement through the airportsdoes not extend to persons coming to Belarus by plane from the Russian Federation, as well as to those who intend to fly to the airports of the Russian Federation (such flights are considered as internal ones and do not have border control).
Visa-free regime does not extend to holders of diplomatic, service, special and other passports equivalent to them.
To enter the Republic of Belarus in the visa-free regime via the checkpoints "Minsk National Airport", "Airport Brest", "Airport Gomel", "Airport Grodno", "Airport Mogilev", "Airport Vitebsk"foreign nationals should have the following documents:
— a valid ordinary passport. The passport must be valid at least 90 days beyond intended date of departure from the Republic of Belarus;
—financial means: amount equivalent to not less than 2 base rates for each day of stay or 50 base rates if the stay is full 30 days, in Belarusian rubles or foreign currency;
—a medical insurance policy with coverage for at least 10 000 euros, valid in Belarus during the whole duration of stay.
For citizens of Egypt, Gambia, Haiti, India, Iran, Jordan, Lebanon, Namibia, Pakistan, Samoa, South Africa, Vietnam a valid multiple visa of the EU member states or Schengen zone with a mark in passport on crossing the border of these states and tickets with confirmation of departure from the abovementioned Belarusian airports within 30 days from the date of entry is a compulsory additional requirement.
NB: When staying in Belarus for more than 10 working days, foreign citizens need to register with thedivisions on citizenship and migration of the territorial bodies of internal affairs or viathe unified portal for electronic servicesportal.gov.by. When staying in hotels, hostels, sanatoriums and other collective accommodation facilities the registration of foreign citizens is carried out by the administrations of such facilities by default upon check-in.
The term of visa-free stay can not be extended beyond the established 30 days.
Belarus' visa-free travel regulations have undergone significant updates since 2017, reflecting a nuanced interplay of international relations, security concerns, and regulatory adjustments. I've closely followed these changes and the implications they hold for travelers.
The decree effective from January 9, 2017, initially introduced visa-free entry for citizens from 80 countries, allowing a stay of up to 5 days. Subsequent amendments in July 2018 and October 2021 expanded the list of eligible countries to 76, extending the stay to 30 days for tourists arriving at specific airports.
The designated entry and exit points—such as "Minsk National Airport," "Airport Brest," "Airport Gomel," among others—are crucial considerations for travelers aiming to benefit from this visa-free provision. However, it's essential to note the exceptions, particularly concerning travelers arriving from or heading to the Russian Federation.
The prerequisites for visa-free entry encompass specific documentation: a valid ordinary passport, financial means equivalent to a certain base rate per day of stay, and a medical insurance policy with substantial coverage throughout the visit. Moreover, additional requirements exist for citizens from certain countries, necessitating a valid multiple visa of EU member states or the Schengen zone and proof of departure from Belarus within 30 days.
Furthermore, there are obligations for visitors staying beyond 10 working days to register with territorial bodies of internal affairs or via the unified portal for electronic services, portal.gov.by. Notably, collective accommodation facilities undertake the responsibility of registering foreign citizens upon check-in.
It's crucial to acknowledge that the duration of visa-free stays cannot surpass the stipulated 30 days, and no extensions beyond this period are permissible.
To gain entry under this visa-free regime, travelers must meticulously adhere to these specified requirements, considering the nuances applicable to their respective nationalities and travel plans. These regulations not only facilitate tourism but also underscore Belarus' evolving approach to international relations and border control mechanisms.
