Do Russians need a foreign passport to Belarus?

Do Russians need a passport to Belarus?

Recently, Belarus has become a popular destination among Russian tourists who want to visit another country without difficulties with paperwork. The country has affordable prices, excellent service, rich culture, and a wide variety of gastronomic delights. It is also important that the second national language in the country is Russian, so there will be no difficulties with understanding.

Is there a border between Russia and Belarus

The border as such between Russia and Belarus has not existed since 1995. However, in 2014, from Belarus, and then in 2017 from the Russian Federation, a border zone was introduced. A border zone is a special area of terrain adjacent to the state border, within which a special regime for entry, stay, and movement of individuals and vehicles is introduced. The territory of the border zone (usually 30 km inland) is marked with special signs, and control is carried out by border service and internal affairs agencies.

You can enter Belarus from Russia and back through 19 checkpoints.

Rules for entry into Belarus for Russians

Citizens of Russia for tourism purposes for a period of up to 90 days can enter the territory of Belarus only with an identity document (passport or international passport). Those traveling by car will also need:

driver's license;
vehicle registration certificate;
insurance policy (Green card).

Permission will be required for citizens who plan to engage in work or want to get an education in one of the educational institutions of the neighboring country. In order to obtain permission, you need to contact the consular office and fill out an application. It is necessary to indicate the purpose of the trip, as well as additionally attach a foreign passport, color photo and medical insurance. The foreign passport must be valid throughout the entire period of stay on the territory of Belarus. You also need to prepare any document confirming the purpose of your trip to the country, for example, an invitation from an employer or a university with all the information about these institutions.

In all other cases, Russians can cross the border only if they have an internal civil passport. The duties of checkpoint workers include only document verification. There are no stamps placed at the border and migration cards and other papers are not even filled out, so there will be no difficulties.

Do I need a passport?

Russians can visit Belarus using both an internal passport and a foreign one. Please note that having a general passport is sufficient, but there will be no problems crossing the border with a foreign passport. A foreign passport will be required for those who plan to travel from Belarus to other countries, for example, to neighboring Lithuania or Poland.

A package of documents required to enter the country

The fastest and most convenient option to get to Belarus is by plane, and you can also cross the border by train or bus. In these cases, tourists will only need a valid passport of a Russian citizen.

Drivers of cars crossing the border must have additional documents. Thus, Russian drivers must provide a passport, driver's license, car insurance and registration certificate.

Is it possible to enter Belarus with a foreign passport?

Yes. You can enter the country only with a foreign passport. Typically, this option is chosen by Russians who have an urgent need to travel and whose Russian passport is about to expire or has been lost. When crossing the border, the passport is not stamped and there are no restrictions.

Russians also need to have a foreign passport with them in the following cases:

the purpose of the trip to Belarus is to obtain an education;
in the case of work in an institution on the territory of the country or for another purpose that forces you to stay in Belarus for a long time;
if a citizen plans to travel or visit a third state for other purposes.

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.

What to do if you lost your passport in the Republic of Belarus

While traveling around Belarus, such an unpleasant incident as losing your passport or other documents may happen. Each country sets its own rules and Belarus is no exception. First of all, you need to contact the Russian consular office. Let us remind you that Russian representative offices in the Republic of Belarus are located in two cities of the country: Minsk and Brest.

If you lose your passport while leaving the country, you must have one of the following documents:

service passport;
seaman's passport;
diplomatic certificate;
certificate of return to homeland - this document can be obtained at the Russian consulate in Belarus.

To obtain a certificate of return to the homeland for a Russian citizen, consular officers must present any official document that allows identification. For example, a driver's license, student ID, or other documents with a photo and personal information. If absolutely all documents were lost in Belarus, then you need to bring to the consulate at least two witnesses who are Russian citizens and have passports. The applicant must also bring two photographs. After this, a certificate will be issued to return to Russia. This certificate is issued free of charge based on the applicant’s application and the testimony of witnesses.

You also need to pay attention to the fact that the certificate is valid only for 15 days from the date of issue to the applicant. During this period, a Russian citizen must cross the border in order to restore lost documents in Russia.

In some cases, a certificate is issued on the basis of official responses received from Russia to a request for identification.

Entry into the Republic of Belarus by car

When entering the country, you can be stopped only if you are driving abroad in your car. They stop you mainly to simply check your transport documents, but at the same time they ask for your passport.

If you are traveling to this country by personal transport, be sure to have with you:

personal passport of a citizen of the Russian Federation (if you are with people aged 14 to 18 years, then they must also have a passport with them);
driver license;
health insurance;
a document confirming the registration of the car in the Russian Federation.
Example of a vehicle registration certificate

If you do not have any document from the list, you may be detained at the border or sent back. It is worth considering that at night border guards study all documents more carefully.

If there is suspicion of transporting contraband into the country, you and your car may be searched.

Should I take a foreign passport to Belarus?

Times change, and with them the rules of travel to certain countries. Even if you have repeatedly visited a friendly state, before your next trip, familiarize yourself with the rules of entry into Belarus. This will help avoid surprises, some of which may have unpleasant consequences.

Belarus: with or without a passport?

It's 2021. The flow of travelers to near and far abroad is gradually gaining momentum. Many Russians have planned a visit to Belarus.

Some are drawn to a neighboring state by business, others decided to visit their relatives, others are attracted by the legendary natural landscapes of the region, which the whole world comes to admire. Prices in Belarus differ little from Russian ones.

They say that in some places in the “blue-eyed” country of forests and lakes you can breathe so easily that you get drunk from just one breath. This should be checked.

If you contact the migration service or other competent organization with the question of whether you should take a foreign passport to travel to Belarus, you will be answered in the negative.

Relations between our countries are regulated by the Treaty on the Union of Belarus and Russia. Published back in April 1997, it became the basis for the formation of an integral union territory. The state border is included in the formed territory.

According to the document, Belarusians and Russians are a single people with equal rights for every citizen. A single customs space is also provided.

Every citizen of our country has every right to freely visit a neighboring state.

You can stay in the territories adjacent to our country using a Russian passport. Accordingly, with it you must cross the border of two states.

There is no customs control as such, but the posts are functioning. Customs officers have the right to request identification documents from a person crossing the cordon.

You won’t need a foreign passport, much less a visa.

All that can await you at the border between Russia and the Republic of Belarus is a standard check of your documents. You don’t need to fill out any paperwork, and you don’t have to pay for anything either.

If minors are traveling with you

Nothing has changed in 2021 with the passage of children under 14 years old. They pass on the basis of their birth certificate. Please note that the child must be included in the parents' passports. This item is checked more often than the internal passport. The reason is clear: security. You must prove with documentation that it is your children who are traveling with you.

If you are traveling by car

Slightly stricter rules apply to those who cross country borders by car. In this case, you need to have a package of documents with you:

If all the listed documents and your Russian passport are in order, you will be able to travel to your Belarusian destination.

Is it possible to travel to Belarus with a foreign passport?

There are situations when a person has lost his internal document or it is in the process of being processed. You urgently need to go. Is it possible to cross the border taking only a foreign passport with you?

The agreement states that citizens of our country can enter Belarus using both an internal passport and a foreign passport. You won't have any problems.

Passport page with child's details

If you are traveling with children, they must be included in the document.

What to do if your passport is lost in the Republic of Belarus?

Unfortunately, losing a passport abroad is a common problem. Each country has its own rules in this regard. If this happened to you in Belarus, the first thing you need to do is contact the consulate of our country.

According to the agreement adopted in 1997, an internal passport and a foreign passport are not the only documents with which you can cross the border and stay on the territory of a neighboring state. You can also present the following:

seaman's passport;
service passport;
diplomatic passport;
certificate of return to the Russian Federation.

The last document is exactly what you need to have with you when traveling across the border in case of loss or absence of all the listed documents. This is exactly what you need to contact the consulate for.

Embassy of the Russian Federation in Minsk, st. Novovilenskaya, 1a

At the consulate you need to present an official document that will prove your identity. This could be a license, a service ID, a military ID, etc. If there is nothing that would indicate your identity, two witnesses can replace the document. You should bring them with you. Witnesses must have their internal or foreign passports of Russian citizens with them.

The applicant must provide two photographs measuring 3.5x4.5 cm. The basis for obtaining a certificate of return will be witness testimony and a statement drawn up in accordance with the requirements of the consulate.

The application, the form of which is provided by consulate employees, is filled out and signed on the spot. You must also sign the return certificate that is issued. There is no need to pay for this document. Our citizens receive it for free.

The certificate, which replaces all other documents required to cross the Russian-Belarusian border, is not unlimited. From the date of issue it will be valid for another 15 days, during which the passportless Russian needs to return home. A document on the territory of the Republic of Belarus can perform only one function: to authorize travel. It should not be used anywhere else.

Green card for entering Belarus by car

Anyone traveling abroad by car must obtain a Green Card.

A green card is a foreign analogue of compulsory motor liability insurance. Its difference is that you issue MTPL for one year, and the Green Card is issued for different periods. The price also depends on the period. Two weeks costs about 500 rubles. If you do not have a document, you will have to pay a fine ($200).

The Green Card compensates the car owner for damage caused to his vehicle in a foreign country as a result of an accident. Those who travel frequently know that it is cheaper to take out insurance in advance. It can also be issued when crossing the border, but it will be much more expensive.

The green card is practiced in many countries around the world. The price for the CIS is lower than for other countries.

The Republic of Belarus is open to Russians. Just like Russia, it is open to Belarusians. Many of the rules are similar. If all your documents are in order, you will feel at home in Belarus.

What to do if your passport is lost in Belarus

A tourist may encounter such an unpleasant situation as loss of documents. Each state has its own conditions and rules in this case. If a Russian citizen has lost his passport on the territory of Belarus, it is recommended to contact the Russian consular office. When leaving the country without a passport, you are allowed to present the following documents:

Service passport;
Certificate of return to Russia;
Seaman's passport;
Diplomatic ID.

When contacting the consulate, you must provide an official document that identifies you. This could be a driver's license, military ID, etc. If all the documents were lost at once, then you can bring to the consulate at least two witnesses with Russian citizenship and Russian passports.

The applicant for document restoration must bring 2 photographs in the same format as for a Russian passport. At the consulate he will receive a certificate to return to his homeland. The basis will be the testimony of witnesses and the statement of the victim. The form is filled out according to the established template. For Russian citizens, such a procedure is free; payment of state duty is not provided.

The issued certificate is valid for 15 days from the date of receipt. During this period, a Russian citizen is obliged to return to his homeland.

In difficult situations, in the absence of witnesses, consular officers make a request to the Russian Federation to obtain personal information based on the applicant’s testimony. The certificate is issued after an official response from Russia.

Do Russians need a passport to Belarus?

Few Russian citizens who decide to travel to this country know whether a foreign passport is needed for Belarus and what documents are required. There are several conditions that must be observed in order to travel through the territory of this state and not break the law. Entry rules need to be known to both people who want to fly by plane and tourists who choose to travel by car, since in this case special requirements apply.

Relationship with the country

Despite the split of the Soviet Union, friendly relations have been maintained between Minsk and Moscow. Over the course of a long time, many attempts were made to organize unions of different types. The main objective of the association is a partnership that is beneficial for all parties.

If we consider the history of relations between the countries of the former Soviets, then from the time of the split to the present day, friendly ties have been the strongest with the Belarusian Republic.

It is officially called a union country, as indicated by the document signed by the presidents of the states in 1999. During this time, work has been carried out to ensure that integration processes only develop and are respected.

Despite all attempts to maintain friendship, relations between the countries were not always smooth. In 2016-2017 they were in a crisis, which required certain decisions, the tension only increased.

The Belarusian president criticized relations with the Russian Federation, as violations of early agreements were discovered. Despite the difficult situation, the leader of this state denied rumors that Belarus would withdraw from the previously signed agreement.

Today, the most difficult issue remains, which was the reason for the emergence of conflicts between countries - the introduction by the Russian government of border zones. Therefore, another question often arises - is there a border between states, and how do customs services operate?

The treaty establishes a formal border that separates the countries, but citizens on both sides will be able to cross without being subject to harsh checks.

It should be taken into account that at the beginning of 2021 a situation arose that forced Russia to establish border zones. The reason for this decision is the introduction in Belarus of a visa-free regime for a number of countries for 5 days.

In essence, this is an opportunity for foreigners to travel first to Belarus, and then to the territory of the Russian Federation, without thorough checks, but for many citizens a visa is required to visit Russia.

Given the restrictions that have come into effect, the civilian population of both countries continues to move freely, and special measures are extended to other states.

Required documents

If entry into Belarus is required for Russians, then in 2021, despite certain complex relationships, there is no need to apply for a special visa for a foreigner. At the border you only need to present a Russian civil passport or a valid international passport.

Filling out emigration cards for Russian citizens is not required. Whether a foreign passport is needed for Belarus and what package of papers may be useful is determined by what is available, since you can provide one of the following documents:

civil passport of the Russian Federation (from 14 years old);
certificate of an employee of the diplomatic department;
international passport;
seaman's passport;
service passport.

All paperwork is handled by the MFC at the place of residence; the passport of a diplomat or sailor is issued at the place of work. We must not forget that during the production of a foreign and internal passport it is necessary to pay a state fee.

If the trip takes place with children who have not reached the age of majority, then the following documents will be required:

power of attorney from parents - if the trip takes place with one of them;
Civil passport of the Russian Federation - from 14 years of age;
birth certificate - up to 14 years of age.

As for medical certificates, some relaxations have also been introduced for Russian citizens - there is no need to specifically make or pay for an insurance policy.

If medical assistance is needed while on the territory of Belarus, then in this case there are a number of rules:

ambulance is provided free of charge;
planned - you need to pay.

If the trip takes place by car, then a Green Card is required. This is a special insurance policy that needs to be taken out in order to be able to cross the border by car.

What does it give:

settlement of all emerging claims;
compensation for damage;
protection in case of road accidents.

We must not forget that an issued MTPL policy in the Russian Federation is not an analogue of a Green Card. Therefore, it is necessary to prepare this document first.

Features of border crossing

Obtaining permits is not required if the stay of a citizen of the Russian Federation in the state is no more than three months. In other situations, permission is needed (study, work). To obtain this document, you must contact the Consulate. Next, fill out a special form.

At this stage you need to present the following documents:

a foreign passport, which must be valid for at least 3 months;
a written document confirming the purpose of the trip;
1 photo;
medical insurance (not required, but recommended).

If this is a business purpose of the visit, then confirmation is required from the employer. It is necessary that the document indicate the guarantees, obligations and location of the organization.

A trip to enroll in a university is confirmed by a document issued by the educational institution.

For a long-term guest trip, you must present one of the following documents:

evidence that relatives require care or assistance;
a certificate from the clinic indicating the illness of a relative;
invitation from the receiving party.

In other cases, only a civil passport is required to enter Belarus.

Entry methods

When deciding to travel to Belarus, you must take into account that entry conditions for different types of transport differ. The most common choice is to travel by car.

To do this, you will need an additional list of documents, which contains:

vehicle registration certificate;
standard driver's license;
OSAGO policy.

It is necessary to take into account the legislation, which specifies the minimum age from which you can drive a vehicle. You can drive a passenger car from the age of 18, you can use a trailer, any type of body.

You can drive a moped and scooter from the age of 16. In this case, the citizen’s medical insurance policy and registration are not checked.

Other methods:

If you enter the country by train, you will not need a visa, since the purpose of the visit is tourist. Persons from the Russian Federation do not undergo customs control (inspection of things, filling out declarations and other formalities). If the purpose is transit, then you need to present permission to enter the country of your final destination.
If you buy a plane ticket, it will save a lot of time. No special additional papers are required. Feature: the cost of all things imported into the country must be no more than 10 thousand EURO.
When visiting in transit, no visa or other documents are required, with the exception of the Civil Passport of the Russian Federation. All other requirements must be met (for example, presenting a driver's license).

Temporary residence

Students and citizens who got a job in this country or came to visit their relatives will be able to obtain documents for temporary residence. To obtain a permit, you need to: fill out an application form, where you need to explain in detail the purpose of the trip, then you need to fill out an application according to the specified sample (the candidate for the permit must fill out the application directly). Additionally, you need to take with you a medical insurance policy, as well as documents that allow you to visit this country (usually a Russian civil passport).

For financial guarantees, it is also necessary to present a bank statement on the status of the current account or confirmation of receipt of other income. Most often, the processing time for all documents is no more than 2 weeks.

Permanent residence

Permanent residence in Belarus (RP) will be available to persons who plan to work in this state and live in this country on a permanent basis.

To complete the required package of documentation, you must present an application form (the application must be filled out in legible handwriting, preferably in block letters) and an autobiography about yourself with detailed and truthful information.

In addition to these papers, the following standard documents are required:

a document confirming temporary residence (for example, if you have rented housing - a rental agreement);
civil passport as the main way to confirm identity;
international passport.
4 photos;
medical certificate.

Additionally, the list of documentation must include a receipt confirming that all state fees have been paid. If the residence permit is approved, it is valid for 24 months.

It is necessary to take into account that the period of permanent residence permit cannot last longer than the validity period of a foreign or civil passport. If a repeated residence permit is approved, the validity period of the permit is 5 years.

Apparatus employed

Russian citizens are provided with excellent conditions for employment in this country, since they do not need to learn the Belarusian language. To successfully get a job, knowledge of Russian is allowed as one of the main languages. It is necessary to obtain permission, which can be done directly by the employer, or a request for work can be sent by relatives.

A feature that is the main advantage for Russians is that education diplomas when traveling to Belarus are valid, therefore people from each country go to the union states to receive an education. Previous work or entrepreneurial experience and studies included in the work experience are also taken into account.

Permanent residence in Belarus for a long time (more than 1 year), that is, with employment, payment of taxes, starting a family, implies subsequent acquisition of citizenship of this state. It is important to remember that the country does not have dual citizenship; Russian citizenship must be renounced.

Customs regulations

Despite the fact that visas or foreign passports are not needed for residents of Russia who have citizenship, when moving across the border you must follow certain rules for clearing customs. Personal items (for one person) must be no more expensive than items up to 1500 EURO. Permitted for import:

cigarettes - up to 2 blocks;
perfumes or alcoholic drinks - up to 3 liters;
loose tobacco - up to 250 grams;
jewelry - no more than 5 pieces;
cigars - up to 50 pieces.

The total weight of luggage must not exceed 50 kg. Pets must have all appropriate vaccinations (in particular against rabies), as well as veterinary certificates. It is completely prohibited to import:

toxic compounds;
narcotic drugs - absolutely any type, including herbal ones;
cold steel or firearms.

The transportation of radioactive and explosive substances is also prohibited.

If you lose your passport

If a civil or foreign passport was lost while staying in Belarus, then the citizen must contact the Consulate. Here he needs to fill out an application form, and also needs to provide two photos measuring 3.5x4.5.

It’s good if you can give testimony that allows you to determine the circumstances of the loss of your passport. Then a certificate is given that is valid on the territory of the Russian Federation for up to 10 days after arriving in the country (can be used as an identity document), during which time you need to submit all the papers to restore the lost document.

Is a foreign passport to Belarus required for citizens of the Russian Federation when traveling to this union state - most often not. Only applicable customs and driving regulations must be observed.

Do Russians need a foreign passport to Belarus?

Of course, you can buy tickets, find out schedules, book hotels, etc. without any registration.

But after registration, all this will become more convenient and faster.

At any time you can

print the order form or itinerary receipt,
order a call from an operator, etc.,
view order history.

We created a personal account quite recently. Soon its capabilities will significantly expand.

Price

About Belarus

Resorts of Belarus

Do Russians need a visa?

Many tourists wonder: do they need a visa to Belarus? The answer is that Russians do not need a visa to visit Belarus. Moreover, you can enter the country not only with a foreign passport, but also with an internal Russian passport.

In Belarus, Russian citizens can stay without registration for 90 days from the date of entry. If you plan to stay longer, you need to register at your place of stay. This can be done in person, at the nearest branch of the migration service, or online, on the Belarusian Unified Portal of Electronic Services.

If you enter Belarus by train or bus, most likely you will not encounter border control.

For tourists with children

To cross the border between Russia and Belarus with a child under 14 years old, Russian citizens only need to have the child’s birth certificate. Children over 14 years old only need to present an internal Russian passport.

If one of the parents is traveling with the child, consent from the other parent is usually not required. The document will be asked only if the second parent has stated his disagreement with the removal of the child. If a minor travels to Belarus alone (children over 14 years old can do this) or accompanied by third parties, he needs written consent from both parents.

To Belarus by car

The border between Russia and Belarus is conditional, that is, there is no total passport and customs control. Border guards can selectively stop cars and ask to see the necessary documents. But it may also turn out that during the entire trip they will not ask for documents.

To enter a neighboring country by car, the driver must have:

passport (for Russians - domestic or foreign);
driver's license;
vehicle registration certificate;
green card - insurance policy for civil liability of car owners.

A green card is a kind of compulsory motor liability insurance, but at an international level. A green card can be bought at the border at gas stations or at kiosks with the inscription Green Card, or you can apply for it in advance at any of the Russian insurance companies, you can even do it online. When choosing insurance, you must specify the validity period (minimum 15 days), coverage area (Belarus) and type of vehicle.

For the absence of a green card, the driver will have to pay a fine of 20 basic units, or 510 Belarusian rubles (15.7 thousand Russian rubles). And if an uninsured car causes an accident, the fine will be 25 basic units, or 637.5 Belarusian rubles (19.7 thousand Russian rubles). If you order insurance online, you need to take a printout with you.

Rules for entry into Belarus for citizens of other countries

To travel to Belarus, tourists who do not have Russian citizenship need to study the country’s visa requirements and, if necessary, obtain a visa from the Embassy of the Republic of Belarus. You cannot travel with a Russian visa.

Please note: only citizens of the Russian Federation or Belarus can enter Belarus from Russia by train or bus across the Russian-Belarusian border. Citizens of other countries can enter Belarus only through international checkpoints where passport and customs control is carried out.

For foreigners there are several ways to get to Belarus:

— by plane to the cities of Belarus;

- by car - through the checkpoint "Novye Yurkovichi" on the triple border Russia - Belarus - Ukraine;

— any transport from Latvia, Lithuania and Ukraine.

Technically, a foreign citizen can buy a bus or train ticket, for example, from Moscow to Minsk, but he will be denied boarding or dropped off at the border during a random document check. We do not recommend violating the rules for crossing the Russian-Belarusian border.

To Belarus with a Russian and foreign passport: studying the nuances

On the eve of the holiday season, many Russians are wondering whether they need a foreign passport and a visa to travel to Belarus, or whether they can travel using internal documents. Citizens of most CIS countries have simplified rules for entering the territory of the union state, according to which they do not need to obtain a visa. A foreign passport is not required; an internal Russian one is sufficient.

With or without a passport

Crossing the border with a neighboring state is possible in 2 ways: using a foreign passport and using a passport of a citizen of the Russian Federation. In the first case, the only requirement for the document is: it must be valid for another six months after the expected end of the trip. When presenting a national ID card, no marks are placed on the document; only a visual check of the passport is performed. According to the agreement on the union of Belarus and Russia, Russians do not fill out a migration card.

Short-term tourist visits lasting up to 30 days can be made without a visa, but one must be obtained for a long stay in Belarus. The reason for issuing a permit will be

issuing an invitation from an educational institution or a Belarusian company (for business trips);
employment contract, invitation from relatives or friends

Traveling to Belarus with a foreign passport

If an unforeseen situation arises, a citizen of the Russian Federation urgently needs to go to Belarus for work or to visit relatives, and the internal passport has been lost or its validity has expired, then you can freely cross the border with the state using a Russian passport. There are no restrictions, stamps are not placed on the foreign passport.

If a trip is planned with minor children, then they must be included in the parents’ document.

From 2021, Russian citizens must have a foreign passport with them if:

The trip is made for educational purposes. A Russian citizen plans to get an education in Belarus;
A Russian citizen is employed by a company in the country, there are matters that take a lot of time and require a long stay in Belarus;
If you plan to visit a third country, and Belarus is a transit country, then when leaving, border guards require you to present a foreign passport.

It is important to take into account the validity period of the foreign passport and the availability of blank pages for stamps. The passport must be valid at the time of return to Russia.

If a Russian citizen plans to live on the territory of Belarus for a long time, then a residence permit will be required. In turn, to obtain a residence permit, you must present both an internal passport and a foreign one. Therefore, whether you need to have a passport depends on the circumstances. To make regular tourist or guest trips to Belarus, it is enough for Russians to have an internal passport of the Russian Federation.