The Belarus-Russia border is tricky for a foreigner.What transport can foreign traveler use? Does the visa-free rule apply for this border? These are some of the frequently asked questions of the travelers planning a trip to Belarus and Russia.
There is virtually noborder controlwhen traveling between Belarus and Russia, but document checks may be carried out by Russian authorities on the wayfromBelarustoRussiaby road, as it is prohibited by Russian law for third-country nationals to enter Russia outside border control.
Due to the concerns regarding thevisa-free entry for citizens of 80 countriesestablished by Belarus, Russia does not allow the entrance of third-country nationals who travel from Belarus by road (including car, bus or train).The Russian side insists that foreigners should cross the border only through international border checkpoints.
Belarus and Russia are still solving theinternational border checkpoints issue.Since the end of 2018,Belarus and Russia keep discussing the agreement on mutual recognition of visas.When signed, the document is expected to resolve the need for two visas and add the possibility to use other transport besides air. Until this happens, it’s important to remember thatthe only wayfor a third-country person to travel between Belarus and Russia directly is by air and with two visas.
If you would like to take advantage of visa-free entry to Belarus, you should know that the visa-free travel rule is only applicable for travelers flying in and out of the Minsk airport and not by the direct flights from/to Russia. For example, you cannot fly from Moscow to Minsk directly without a visa, whereas the flight Moscow – Riga – Minsk is an acceptable way to visit Belarus from Russia without a Belarusian visa.
FAQs
Can you enter Belarus by land? ›
Visa-free visits to the Brest and Grodno regions
You can visit some regions of Belarus for short periods without a visa via a land border, including: Augustouski Canal. Belovezhskaya Pushcha. Brest.
Belarus has partially restored controls on its border with Russia, Belarusian Foreign Minister Sergei Aleinik said, the first time in almost 30 years that there have been checks at the 1,239km (770 miles) frontier between the two staunch allies.
Is it safe for an American to visit Belarus? ›Do not travel to Belarus due to the Belarusian authorities' continued facilitation of Russia's war against Ukraine, the buildup of Russian military forces in Belarus, the arbitrary enforcement of local laws, the potential of civil unrest, the risk of detention, and the Embassy's limited ability to assist U.S. citizens ...
Is it safe for US citizens to travel to Belarus? ›Do not travel to Belarus due to the volatile security environment caused by the Russian military presence along Belarus' border with Ukraine and military conflict. Russian forces are conducting military operations from Belarus, and this has heightened tensions in the region.
Does Belarus border NATO? ›Belarus borders to the north with Lithuania and Latvia and to west with Poland, all part of NATO's Eastern flank that has been bolstered with additional troops and military equipment following Russia's invasion of Ukraine.
Can I enter Belarus from Poland? ›Citizens of Poland have the right to enter and exit Belarus through any international border crossing point on the Belarusian-EU border.
How do I get from Moscow to Belarus? ›The best way to get from Moscow to Belarus is to train which takes 9h 15m and costs RUB 2100 - RUB 3300. Alternatively, you can bus, which costs RUB 1600 - RUB 3300 and takes 10h 10m.
Is Belarus land locked? ›It is landlocked, relatively flat, and contains large tracts of marshy land. About 40% of Belarus is covered by forests. The country lies within two ecoregions: Sarmatic mixed forests and Central European mixed forests.
Can you cross Belarus border? ›To cross the Belarusian border, one of the following documents is required: valid travel document (passport) with visa (for citizens of visa regime countries); certificate for return to the country of citizenship or permanent residence (in case of loss of the passport on the territory of the Republic of Belarus).
Can we travel to Belarus now? ›FCDO advises against all travel to Belarus
Russian military operations are taking place in Belarus. There is some risk that direct conflict linked to the war in Ukraine may spread to Belarus.
Is it hard to enter Belarus? ›
On 3 April 2022 Belarus lifted pandemic- related travel restrictions. At present there are no entry and exit restrictions at international checkpoints of the Republic of Belarus: for citizens of Belarus; for foreign nationals and stateless persons (if they have a visa or are entitled to a visa waiver).