Do Russian citizens need a foreign passport to travel to Belarus? Rules for entry into Belarus for Russians: crossing the border

You can get to Belarus from Russia by train, plane or car. It is important to note that now foreigners (including citizens of the Russian Federation) and stateless persons (except for those with temporary/permanent residence permits in Belarus) are allowed to enter Belarus only through airports and by rail

. Only Citizens of the Republic of Belarus and persons who have a basis for living/working/treatment/study in the Republic of Belarus can cross the land border; they also do not need a PCR test. Citizens of the Russian Federation can travel along the land border if they are transiting through Belarus; in this case, a PCR test will not be needed.

When do you need a passport?

In 2021, there are a number of circumstances under which Russian citizens in some cases will be required to have documents valid for traveling abroad.

For the planned trip, Belarus is a transit country. On such trips, when traveling beyond its borders to a third state, border guards will require a passport valid for traveling abroad.
It is planned to receive education in the country.
The Russian is going to work in Belarus or is coming for other business that requires a long stay.

In the last two cases, the document must have at least two blank pages, and its validity does not expire before the end of your stay on Belarusian territory.

Registration of a residence permit and other papers that allow you to stay on Belarusian soil for a long time stipulates that the Russian has both valid passports. These documents are not presented for ordinary visits, so in most cases the answer to the question of whether a foreign passport is needed to Belarus is negative.

Features of entry

Border guards very rarely check vehicles entering the territory. But a few kilometers after the entrance there is a traffic police post, whose employees stop cars to check insurance and driver’s licenses.

They monitor cars with Russian license plates. According to the law, a traffic police officer does not have the right to demand to see a passport; only transport control and the police have such powers.

The attractiveness of the former Soviet republics for Russian tourists remains unchanged. But the complexity of friendly and excursion visits is always associated with confusion in documents. This factor stops many even at the preparation stage. For example, few people know whether a foreign passport is needed for Belarus. So we will try to clarify this issue.

Relations between the two countries

Together with Russia, Belarus forms a single union, an agreement on which was signed back in 1997. According to this document, border controls between the two countries were abolished, and therefore customs services stopped their work on the Russian-Belarusian border. Since 2011, there has been no transport control at checkpoints. Thus, having bought a ticket to Minsk, you may not even notice how you end up there. You are not in danger of meeting annoying border guards.

Moreover, the agreement states that citizens of both states can move freely within these territories.

This rule cancels visas and migration cards, and also does not oblige Russian tourists to present a foreign passport in Belarus.
You will only need this document if this country is a transit country for you and you intend to travel through it to other countries. In this case, you should also clarify the issue of a visa; you may need it along with your passport.

You can replace your old passport at any time

If your passport is not expiring soon, but you want to get a new one now, then you can contact the relevant authorities with a request to issue you a biometric passport in order to travel abroad. For example, you were issued a passport corresponding to the old model in December 2021, but you want to have a biometric passport. In this case, you can write an application to replace your passport as early as January 2021. But there is one important point here: you will only be able to obtain “biometrics” if you have an ID card. In other words, you cannot have two passports: an old model and a foreign passport.

Please note that if you change your old-style passport, it will be confiscated from you and an ID card will be issued in return. And then, if you wish, you can actually get a passport. If your old passport contains a valid visa, it can be canceled and left with you. In this case, the passport itself will not be valid. Visa only.

Conditions for entry into the country

Citizens of the Russian Federation can enter the territory of the Belarusian state with only an internal document. Although no one restricts your right to take a foreign one with you if you consider it necessary.

A trip to Belarus for a citizen of the Russian Federation does not require complex visa formalities or special customs checks. Thanks to the Treaty on the Union of Belarus and Russia, since 1997, citizens of both countries have the same rights and responsibilities: they can apply for jobs in the host country, social guarantees, medical care and much more. As well as the most simplified crossing of adjacent state borders.

The entry and exit of Russians from Belarusian territory does not require the presence of a foreign passport or visa; it will be enough to present the migration service with a valid passport of a citizen of the Russian Federation and fill out a migration card (optional). You can stay in the country without registering, purchasing an insurance policy or completing other documents for no more than 90 days. In the same rule, according to the current legislation of both countries, there are some exceptions, they are determined by:

the age of the person who went on a trip to Belarus;
transport used to enter and move within the country;
purpose of the visit and duration of stay on Belarusian territory.

Depending on the situation and the above factors, Russians are required to issue separate papers, and sometimes even an entry visa. For this reason, before making an exciting trip or moving for permanent residence in Belarus, you need to know what documents may be required to cross the border and whether there are requirements for the clearance/transportation of goods at customs control.

When do Russians need a visa?

In some cases, Russians will need a Belarusian visa. An entry permit document is required for foreign citizens or stateless persons residing in Russia temporarily or permanently. The diplomatic mission of Belarus is responsible for obtaining a visa. You can request a document:

at the Consulate - the representative office operates on the territory of the Russian Federation;
at the regional office of the Embassy.

The application is submitted to the department to which the applicant’s region belongs. Russians planning to live in Belarus for more than three months will also need a visa.

A visa is required for foreigners or stateless persons residing in Russia temporarily or permanently

Reference! You can apply for a visa to Belarus for citizens of the Russian Federation not only at the Embassy, but also at Visa Centers. But the final decision is made by an official of the diplomatic mission.

Visa regime

After signing an agreement on the mutual recognition of visas of Belarus and Russia, foreigners can seamlessly cross the borders of the republic. After this decision is made, citizens of the Russian Federation and Belarus will also not need a visa - the visa-free regime continues to operate.

According to the project, foreigners will be able to enter both countries without problems. This applies to persons entitled to temporary residence permit and permanent residence.

Crossing the Belarusian border by Russian citizens of various ages

A short-term trip to Belarus for Russians who have reached the age of majority only requires the presence of a valid national or international passport. For a stay of less than 3 months from the date of customs control, a visa or registration at the place of residence is not required.

Please note that staying on Belarusian territory does not oblige a citizen of the Russian Federation to purchase an insurance policy. At the airport, this requirement actually applies to residents of other countries (except Russia). If entry into the Belarusian territory is carried out by a resident of the Russian Federation who has not reached the age of 18, then the situation here is somewhat different and you need to understand what kind of document to prepare for the child.

Until 2007, it was enough for parents to present a Russian birth certificate, but in 2021 this rule is no longer valid. Do you need a foreign passport to Belarus? At least one of the parents must have a foreign passport in which the child is registered, or separate documents are issued for the child (also a personal Russian or foreign passport).

Please note that in order for a small Russian citizen to travel with one of the parents or a third party (for example, a close relative), a power of attorney must be issued by a notary. Otherwise, the customs service does not have the right to let the child cross the Russian border and the trip will have to be postponed indefinitely.

Crossing the Russian-Belarusian border by various types of transport

After the travel documents have been prepared for all family members, it is worth deciding on the travel route and transport.
The route may assume that Belarus is only a transit country and the end point will be far beyond its borders, or the trip involves visiting relatives/friends and sightseeing only inland. Any of these cases does not require additional preparation of special papers or permits, but special attention should be paid to customs rules and requirements regarding the transportation of baggage and personal belongings of the traveler. According to current legislation, Russian citizens can import and export from Belarus 1 liter of alcohol and 1 liter of low-alcohol drinks (beer), 2 cartons of cigarettes, jewelry (watches, bracelets, etc.) in an amount of no more than 6 items. If the specified limit is exceeded, you will need to pay duty and tax, the amount of which is 60% of the cost of “excess purchases”.

Audio and video materials are subject to mandatory inspection, and the transportation of historical valuables (coins, paintings, etc.) requires special permits. Such documents are issued by government agencies of Russia and the Republic of Belarus.

The amount of cash should not exceed the equivalent of 5900 US dollars in Russian or Belarusian national currency; in other cases, going through the declaration procedure is mandatory. Please note that this requirement does not apply to personal bank assets, that is, non-cash funds can be imported in any amount and there is no need to provide information about them.

Entering the country by train, car or plane also has some differences in the processing and verification of travel documents. Traveling by train does not require Russians to make special stops along the way to check tickets, ID cards, fill out a migration card, and the like.

The documents are checked once by the train conductor upon boarding; if he does not identify any registration errors or anything suspicious in them, then before arriving at the final destination on Belarusian territory, no border services will disturb citizens traveling from Russia.

In fact, the same situation occurs when boarding a plane and upon arrival. Documents are checked only at passport control; you will need a foreign passport to Belarus only in case of transit. To cross the Russian-Belarusian border using personal vehicles, it is worth preparing more carefully.

At the customs point you will have to present a passport of a citizen of the Russian Federation, a driver’s license, a car registration certificate, insurance and a green card. Inspection of transported cargo by representatives of the authorities of Belarus is permitted by law and is carried out in 99% of cases.

Border crossing options and conditions

Adults are allowed visa-free entry, but minor passengers will need a power of attorney from the other parent if the child is traveling with one parent or with a third party

Friendly political relations between Belarus and Russia allow citizens of the Russian Federation to enter Belarus on tolerant terms. These are:

no need to obtain a foreign passport;
entry into the country by any type of transport;
no need to fill out a migration card;
Free medical care - no need to take out insurance.

Children under 14 years of age are allowed to cross the border using a birth certificate. If the child is traveling with one parent or with a third party, a power of attorney from the second parent will be required.

Reference! Only residents of the Russian Federation and the Republic of Belarus have the right to enter the republic by train or plane. Citizens of other countries will be able to enter Belarus only through an international checkpoint - with customs and passport control.

Airplane

Air flights do not undergo border control. When crossing the border, citizens are not given a mark in their passport. Your ID and boarding pass will be randomly checked. There are no additional requirements for passengers.

Train

Young travelers from Russia aged 5 to 10 years are given a 35% discount

When crossing the border by train, Russians are not required to go through border control. For residents of Russia who travel on the Belarusian railway, benefits are provided:

an adult is allowed to carry one child under 5 years of age free of charge;
Children from 5 to 10 years old receive a 35% discount.

If a child is under 10 years old, he must travel with adults; he cannot move around the country independently.

Bus

Do Russians who enter by bus need a visa to Minsk in 2021?

This type of vehicle moves around the republic constantly, so a visa is not needed - travelers are not subject to searches.

Automobile

The border between the Russian Federation and Belarus is conditional - there is no passport or customs control. Border Patrol agents randomly stop vehicles to check documentation. To enter the country you will need:

passport;
driver's license;
vehicle registration certificate;
green card.

In the absence of a policy (green card), the driver will face a fine

Green card is international insurance. Purchased near the border or issued in advance. When choosing a policy, you should indicate the validity period (at least 15 days), coverage area (Belarus) and vehicle type. If the driver does not have a policy, he or she will be fined.

When crossing the border by car, you must comply with customs regulations.

Although a simplified entry procedure is provided for Russians, when passing through a checkpoint, inspection of their belongings is a mandatory procedure. Sometimes they require you to fill out a customs declaration, which you will need to save before leaving the Republic of Belarus.

When is a visa required for citizens?

A visa for citizens of the Russian Federation in Belarus is necessary only in cases where the length of stay in the country exceeds 90 days. Reasons for such a long-term visit may include: education, work, business, treatment, etc.

In this situation, before crossing the borders of countries, it is imperative to consult with a lawyer or visa specialist about what documents need to be submitted to the consulate back in Russia so that subsequent entry/exit from Belarus does not violate current laws. To obtain a long-term entry permit or visa to the Embassy of Belarus, you must submit the following documents:

Visa application. You need to fill it out according to the sample in Russian, Belarusian or English. Please note that the purpose of the visit indicated in it must be confirmed by official papers in the form of an employment contract, certificates of enrollment in an educational institution, and the like. If the reliability of the information provided is questioned, the applicant will be summoned for an interview or entry into the country and may be prohibited altogether.
A foreign passport, valid for at least 3 months from the date of expiration of the issued visa, with two blank pages without any other notes.
An insurance policy valid on Belarusian territory for the entire period of stay in the country.
Two color photographs.

The greatest attention is required in cases of paperwork for long-term visits to relatives due to illness, partial or complete incapacity. In addition to the official invitation issued by the Migration Service of the Republic of Belarus, confirmation from medical institutions about the health status of the relative, documents confirming the relationship with the invited person, and other similar papers are required. A more detailed list can be found on the official website of the Embassy of Belarus in the Russian Federation, as it is periodically adjusted.

Thus, a trip to this country for Russians can become a pleasant adventure, a reason for further moving to Belarus for permanent residence, or an unpleasant memory. To exclude the latter from the list, you need to think through your route around the country in advance, formulate the reason for entering Belarus and determining the period of stay on its territory, and most importantly, know which documents to prepare for checking at the border. If you cannot do this on your own, then you should seek help from a lawyer or visa specialist in advance.

Currently, Belarus is a popular destination among Russian citizens. This country attracts tourists with affordable prices, high level of service, rich cultural heritage and developed infrastructure. For Russians, a trip to Belarus is often due to close family ties with their Belarusian brothers (the country was a former part of the Russian Empire and one of the republics of the USSR) and a comfortable pastime. It is important that Russian is one of the two official languages.

Without a visa to Belarus for 5 days

For citizens of the European Union and other countries, visa-free entry into Belarus is available for a period of 5 days, including days of arrival and departure. Entry is only possible through Minsk International Airport. The number of entries is not limited, but a citizen should not stay in the country for more than 90 days per year. Upon entry, you must take out insurance or provide one valid in Belarus.

Contacts of official representatives

Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Belarus
Embassy of the Republic of Belarus in the Russian Federation
Embassy of the Russian Federation in the Republic of Belarus

Russian-Belarusian border

Is there a border between Russia and Belarus? Entry into Belarus across the border is carried out through a checkpoint, where you may be asked to present a passport. They can, but they don’t always ask. Usually, passing a control point is a conditional procedure and is more reminiscent of traveling to another region of Russia. There is no need to fill out a migration card and wait for your turn across the border at the checkpoint; marks and stamps are not placed on the document. Many people wonder whether Russians need a foreign passport to Belarus when going through control and whether they need a visa. No passport required. An exception is if our compatriot crosses the territory of the Republic of Belarus for the purpose of transit to other countries.

Don't forget to bring with you a birth certificate for a child under 14 years old. And if it is not included in the passport of at least one of the parents, the accompanying person must have a power of attorney with him! A visa to Belarus is required for foreign citizens of other countries, but in accordance with the Agreement on Visa-Free Travel, a simplified scheme works for our tourists. The visa-free regime will remain for citizens of Russia and Ukraine in 2021, even despite the presence of formal borders.

Traveling with children: what documents do you need for a minor child?

Children under 14 years of age can cross the border on the basis of a birth certificate, since they do not have their own passport. Border guards are required to double-check the presence of family ties, so information about the child must be included in the passports of the parents with whom he is traveling to Belarus. The legal guardian must also provide supporting documentation. This is a necessary safety measure.

If the parents only have a foreign passport, then the child must have his own passport to enter the country.

Entry into Belarus by car

Crossing the border with Belarus by personal transport is a convenient and economical way to travel with a Russian passport. It is possible to see all the sights without being tied to public transport. It is worth noting that Minsktrans provides free travel for children under 5 years of age. Heavy vehicles are stopped without fail, but personal cars are rarely checked.

What documents are needed:

driver's license of the appropriate category,
car insurance,
registration certificate,
passport.

Going to Belarus by car is a great idea to unwind with children or company. Uncrowded, wide roads with high-quality surfaces will be a pleasant bonus for travelers. We should also not forget that there are many photo and video cameras in the country, and improper implementation of traffic rules is punishable by hefty fines.

How to cross the border with Belarus by car

To travel to Belarus by car, you must have a driver's license, insurance policy and registration certificate.
Entry into Belarus by car requires the presence of three main documents:

driver's license;
car registration certificates;
civil liability insurance policy (the so-called “Green Card”).

It is advisable to issue a policy in Russia. This way it will be cheaper, and the likelihood of a fine for its absence disappears.

Registration at the place of residence is not necessary if the total number of days of stay does not exceed 30. Control at checkpoints usually does not take much time.

Other ways to come to Belarus from Russia

Airplane. The fastest, but most expensive (compared to others) way to get from Russia to Belarus and find the answer, is there a border between Russia and Belarus at least in airspace? When going through border control, a regular passport will do. It’s nice that babies have a 90% discount, and children under 12 years old have a 25% discount on the ticket price. Flight time is 1 hour 20 minutes. Flights are operated by Belavia, UTair and S7 airlines. Landing takes place at Minsk National Airport. Minsk National Airport is located 42 km from the capital! It is safer to order a transfer in advance, check the bus schedule or choose a taxi service (from 1000 rubles).
Train. Travel time by train varies on average from 8 to 10 hours from Moscow and St. Petersburg. A reserved seat will cost 3,000 rubles, a compartment from 5,000 and above. Regular flights are reported by many regional centers of Russia and Belarus.
Bus. An inexpensive way to enter the territory of a union country. Tickets can be found from 1000 rubles, and specialized websites often offer big discounts. The 10 hour journey is not very tiring, and usually the advantage of the affordable price decides in favor of the bus.

Customs

Considering the conditional nature of the border, many citizens do not think about whether there is such a controlling body as customs between Russia and Belarus? Nevertheless, Belarusian customs officers have the right to inspect the luggage and personal belongings of passengers and, if necessary, will offer to fill out a declaration.

It is allowed to import duty-free by personal transport:

Tobacco products (up to 250 g of tobacco or 200 cigarettes),
Alcoholic drinks (2 liters of strong alcohol or 1 liter of beer),
Wristwatch (1 piece),
Leather and fur products (3 pcs.),
Jewelry (5 pcs.),
Tires for cars (no more than 4 pcs.),
Special equipment for recording and playing video.
Money up to 3000 USD

It is prohibited to import:

Information on any media that threatens the security of the country,
Narcotic substances,
Firearms without special permission,
Scrap, ferrous and non-ferrous metal,
Wild medicinal plants.

Customs regulations

Despite the simplified entry procedure, personal belongings and luggage of Russian citizens may be searched when crossing the Belarusian border.

You will also need to fill out a customs declaration, which must be kept until leaving the country.

The following items are allowed to be imported into the country without paying duty:

Tobacco products (up to 200 cigarettes or 250 g of tobacco).
Alcohol-containing drinks (no more than 2 liters of strong alcohol and 1 liter of beer).
Wristwatch in one copy.
Clothes made of genuine leather or fur - no more than 3 pieces.
Jewelry - 5 pieces.
Personal belongings (within 50 kg and a total value of no more than 1.5 thousand euros, by air - 10 thousand euros).
Car tires - no more than 4 pieces per tourist.
Commemorative coins made from base metals.
Equipment for recording or playing video, vacuum cleaners.
Pets for tourism, sporting purposes, as well as for hunting. Animals must have appropriate certificates and vaccinations.

When importing items in quantities exceeding the permissible norms, a duty of 60% of the value of the item is paid.

It is prohibited to import and export to Belarus:

Electronic, printed, audio media with information that may threaten the security of the country, including harm to the health, interests or moral character of the country's citizens.
Various types of explosive substances, narcotic drugs.
Firearms, with the exception of sports, military, personal weapons, for which there is an appropriate permit.
Things that have cultural and historical value.
Samples of fauna and flora listed in the Red Book of Belarus.
The export of scrap, waste of non-ferrous, ferrous and precious metals is prohibited.
Wild medicinal plants.

Residence permit in Belarus

Citizens of the Russian Federation have the opportunity to stay on the territory of Belarus for up to 90 days according to the permitted period of stay. If the trip is related to a long-term stay, study or work, you must obtain a special residence permit. The Belarusian Consulate in Moscow provides a service for providing such entry permits. Package of documents to be submitted to the Belarusian consulate:

A completed application form indicating the purpose of the trip. Russian, English, Belarusian language to choose from when filling out, international passport with two blank pages and sufficient validity,
Color photography,
Insurance (examine operating agencies in Belarus),
Original documents confirming the right to reside in the republic (application from the host party, official paper from the educational institution, certificate from a medical institution, etc.)

Do Russians need a visa to Belarus?

Currently, in bilateral relations, Moscow and Minsk adhere to an open border policy. An entry permit is not required from Russian citizens traveling to the neighboring republic. Just like Belarusians, traveling on the Belarus-Russia route will not need visas.

Citizens of the Russian Federation entering the territory of Belarus have the right to:

travel through Belarusian lands in transit;
enter and exit an Eastern European country;
move freely throughout the territory of the state;
stay in Belarus for an unlimited period of time;
reside in the republic on a long-term or permanent basis;
obtain a permanent residence permit (there is no period of residence).

Every citizen of Belarus visiting Russia has exactly the same rights. It does not matter in which world power a Russian/Belarusian regularly lives. “Visa-free” applies in any case. Even when entering from the territory of other states.