“They require a test for Covid”: how to go to Belarus from Russia and return back now, rules for crossing the border

Entry to Russia from Belarus

Border crossing rules are constantly changing due to the unstable situation in the world. Now foreigners are allowed into the Russian Federation only with a negative test result for COVID-19. In addition, a two-week quarantine is provided for migrant workers.

The updated requirements apply to all countries, including Belarus. Previously, restrictions applied only to those returning from Turkey and Tanzania, where there was a difficult epidemiological situation. Due to the growing number of infected people around the world, Russian authorities decided to tighten rules to protect Russians from the rise in imported cases.

Rospotrebnadzor ordered people to take tests twice within 5 days with an interval of 1 day after crossing the border. In this case, the results must be entered into the database on the State Services portal. Foreigners will be allowed across the Russian border only with a negative coronavirus test result, which must be shown in paper or electronic form.

About restrictions for tourists in April 2021

Today there are no longer restrictions regarding coronavirus. Restaurants, cafes and retail outlets are operating as usual. Parks, museums, and exhibitions are open to the public class=”aligncenter” width=”610″ height=”343″[/img]

It is important to remember basic hand hygiene when returning from crowded and public places.

Since Belarus is another state, therefore it is abroad. The requirement to take a PCR test upon arrival home has not yet been lifted. Upon arriving home from the Republic of Belarus, you must do the following:

1. In the State Services, in particular in the Personal Account, you should upload the results of the coronavirus test for each arriving family member, including small children. This should be done within 3 days from the day of arrival. You not only need to pass the analysis, but also upload the results to the State Services. If this requirement is ignored, a visit to court awaits, since a fairly large fine is at stake - 15-40 thousand rubles. By the way, the courts sometimes cooperate if there is an insignificant delay in the results of the analysis.
2. If the test was not carried out at the airport, the result is still awaited, then you should be at home until it is received and sent to the State Services.

Borders of Russia and Belarus

On April 30, high-speed trains “Lastochka” opened from Moscow to Minsk. There will be two departures daily in each direction, and tickets will no longer be available for holiday dates.

The connection will be provided by the fastest trains on the route (the journey will take less than 7 hours). Stops will be in Vyazma, Smolensk, Orsha. The line will operate five-car trains with a so-called premium interior. Ticket price:

• for the full route 1420 rubles;
• for regular seats and 3939 rubles. to business class.

The prices are quite competitive, especially compared to night trains. Therefore, Lastochka trips are in demand.

The procedure for border control at Lastochki is not known exactly - perhaps it will be carried out along the way. Some experts believe that, theoretically, epidemiological control may be completely absent.

Temporary stay in the border zone

Employees of the Border Committee of the Republic of Belarus issue passes both for entry into the country and for the temporary stay of foreigners in the border zone. The same applies to stateless persons who permanently reside outside this state.

To do this, foreign persons undertake to prepare a full package of documents, including:

• application form (filled out in the prescribed form);
• a certificate required to travel outside the state;
• invitation (can be replaced with any other document that confirms the purpose of entry).

The duration of this procedure is short. Today it is 5 working days. The amount of payment is also affordable: it is only 0.2% of the base amount. Certificates are valid for 12 months. Documents are issued on weekdays. You can also submit a corresponding application by regular mail.

Will there be any relaxation when crossing the border between Russia and Belarus?

Roman Golovchenko suggested that Mishustin organize free movement across the border for work and business purposes. Quarantine restrictions significantly hamper economic recovery.

It is important for both countries to return to the “pre-Covid” mode of communication. And permission to cross the Russian-Belarusian border for business purposes may be the first step. Representatives of Belarus believe that this will give impetus to interregional relations and will contribute to the development of business communication between the two countries.

There is a visa-free regime for Russians. Entry is permitted with a general civil and foreign passport. Insurance is not a mandatory requirement, but the tourist bears all expenses if treatment is necessary on his own.

When entering Belarus from Russia, you are not required to comply with quarantine. But you will need to present a certificate of a negative coronavirus test. The document can be in paper or electronic form. We accept Russian, Belarusian or English. If test results are not available, entry into the country will be denied. A certificate of absence of COVID-19 is not required for tourists transiting through the Republic of Belarus within 24 hours.

Rules for entry into Belarus for Russians

Border crossing points between Belarus and Russia

The borders of the two states are crossed by 13 highways and 6 railways. At the initiative of the FSB, border zones are in effect in 2021, but for Belarusians and Russians the pass remains invariably comfortable. And, if you are traveling through one state to another, a visa is not issued.

For citizens of the Russian Federation, entry into Belarus is simplified as much as possible: it is enough to present an internal passport.

There are crossing points on the border between Russia and Belarus for passing passport and customs control; below is a list of them:

When planning to go through control, set aside time for the queue at the Russian-Belarusian border, which can be expedited at three checkpoints Brest, Kotlovka, Grigorovshchina by indicating the hour on the official portal of the State Border Committee of the Republic of Belarus. Those. The technology is this: you will register on the website of the Border Committee online in the section

Payment of 560–700 rubles for booking depends on the day of the week; reservations can be made 90 days before the trip, but no later than 3 hours. Border crossing -> electronic queue system and choose paid or free booking.

The situation in Belarus

According to statistics, there are now 35 thousand cases for every million inhabitants. However, there is still a steady increase in the number of cases.

As of early May, more than 300 thousand people have been vaccinated. There are more than 400 thousand people on the waiting list for vaccination. Belarusians are being vaccinated with the Gam-COVID-Vac vaccines produced by the Russian Federation and Vero Cell from China. Everyone who has been vaccinated receives a medical certificate indicating both stages.

Russians are allowed to enter the country. In the case of air travel, you can cross the border without explaining the reasons or presenting special documents. To enter Belarus by car, you need a reason - treatment, work, study, funeral, etc. You will need to show the relevant document.

There are no special restrictions within the country. Restaurants, hotels, shops, and businesses operate as usual.