Entry Rules to Belarus for Russians
The most delicious draniki, kolduny, and grechaniki, Catholic architecture, and the forests of Belovezhskaya Pushcha — all this is Belarus. An hour and a half by plane — and you're there. In this article, we tell you everything about the entry rules to Belarus for Russians, advise where to find accommodation, and how to get a Visa card.
What documents are needed to enter Belarus
Internal or international passport. The document must be valid for the entire duration of your trip. Do you need an international passport for Belarus if you only have an internal one? — No. You can enter with an internal passport; obtaining an international one specifically is not required.
According to the entry rules for Belarus, Russians also do not need a visa: no unnecessary hassle with visa centers. The maximum period of stay in the country without a visa — 90 days. If you plan to stay longer, you will need to obtain a temporary residence permit by collecting the necessary package of documents. It is issued for valid reasons:
• having a close relative in the country: spouse, parents, siblings;
• studying at a university;
• owning real estate in the Republic of Belarus;
• investments in the state;
• a job invitation from a Belarusian company.
Medical insurance. A policy will not be required when crossing the border, but it is worth getting one to save on medical services if treatment is suddenly needed. Russian citizens — are foreigners, and foreigners pay for doctor's appointments themselves.
According to the procedure for providing medical assistance to citizens of the Russian Federation, established on January 24, 2006, emergency assistance in life-threatening situations is provided free of charge. This means that the patient does not have to pay for an ambulance call and the actions of the team. Emergency cases — include injuries, childbirth, poisoning, or critical conditions, such as a heart attack.
You can purchase a medical insurance policy remotely. The cost of insurance ranges from 50 to 400 rubles per day: it depends on the company providing the services and the number of items you include in your insurance coverage.
PCR test and COVID-19 vaccination certificate. Currently not required, but it's worth checking the information before your trip.
What is needed to enter Belarus with a child
If the child is under 14 years old. In this case, only the child's birth certificate will be needed, which must be presented at the border.
If the child is over 14 years old. Older children require an internal Russian or international passport.
If a child enters Belarus without a parent or guardian, for example, with a grandparent or aunt, they must provide a notarized consent for departure, signed by one of the parents. Without consent, the child will not be allowed to leave the Russian Federation.
Transit rules through Belarus
For transit through Belarus, citizens of the Russian Federation do not need a visa.
Which bank cards work in Belarus
Visa, JCB, and Mastercard cards issued in Russia do not work in Belarus due to sanctions. However, "Mir" cards are accepted, making it quite easy to pay for purchases in stores. Currently, cash can be withdrawn from Sberbank or VTB ATMs, but sometimes — with a commission.
The official currency — is the Belarusian ruble. 1 Belarusian ruble — is approximately 26 Russian rubles.
Life hack for those interested: today in Belarus, you can freely obtain a local bank card that will also work abroad. For this, you only need a Russian passport: no TIN, residence permit, or other complex abbreviations.
On the Vinsky forum, it is reported that Alfa-Bank, BSB-Bank, Zepter Bank, and BNB-Bank open such cards for Russians. The card production time — is from 1 week to 10 days. It is also advised to open cards in several Belarusian banks at once: it's more reliable that way. Some users write that they were unable to pay for Airbnb and other services in Europe with one Belarusian card, but the second one worked.
How to get to Belarus from Russia now
By plane (easiest). There is regular air service between Russia and Belarus. You can fly to Minsk , Sochi, St. Petersburg, Kazan. Moscow — Minsk air tickets from "Pobeda" company for mid-March 2023 will cost 3,440 rubles. Also, a ticket to Belarus can be bought from "Aeroflot" and S7.
By land (a bit longer).You can get to Minsk by regular train . Trains also run from there to Gomel and Brest. There is also a faster way: the "Lastochka" train (No. 717/718 and No. 721/722), which departs twice a day. Travel time — 6 hours 50 minutes.
You can also go to Minsk by bus or car: this is an inexpensive, but the longest option. For example, a Moscow — Minsk trip with Ecoline will cost 1,500 rubles, but you will spend a full 9 hours on the road. Whereas flight time by plane — is 1.5 hours.
Accommodation rental in Belarus
To make it easy: options for hotels, apartments, or flats are listed on Russian websites. For example, on Sutochno.ru, Avito or 101 Hotels. The average price for decent apartments or a hotel room in the center of Minsk — is 3,500–4,000 rubles per night, but there are cheaper options closer to the outskirts. Or the classic choice: hostels.
If you plan to rent accommodation for a long time, you can use Realt.by or GoHome.by. These are analogues of the Russian "Cian": here you can find advertisements for renting apartments and rooms from both owners and realtors.
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