Coronavirus
You should follow the advice of the Belarusian Government and your local authority. You can also read our Belarus travel advice for our latest guidance.
Entry requirements
Visas
All British national passport holders (except those entering on a diplomatic or official passport) can now enter Belarus for a maximum of 30 days without a visa (the day you arrive counts as day one, regardless of arrival time). Entry and exit will only be allowed at Minsk International Airport and you’ll need to show documentary evidence of medical insurance to the value of 10,000 euros and funds equivalent to 25 euros per day. This can be in the form of cash, credit card or travellers cheques in any currency.
You should be aware that if you are travelling immediately from or to Russia this visa-free arrangement doesn’t apply and you’ll need a visa. You can find more information at the website of the Belarus embassy.
If you wish to stay longer than 30 days, or plan to enter on a diplomatic or official passport, you’ll need a visa.
You don’t need a visa to transit Belarus by air, but the maximum period you can transit and remain airside is 24 hours. You must get a transit visa in all other circumstances including if you’re travelling by train on popular routes such as Warsaw-Moscow and St Petersburg-Kyiv.
If you attempt to transit Belarus in other circumstances without a visa, the border authorities will send you to Minsk to obtain the appropriate visa. You may also have to pay a fine of up to $300 and face deportation. There is a Belarus Embassy in London.
Since 1 January 2018, it’s possible to visit the areas of Avgustov Canal, Belovezhskaya Pushcha, Brest or Grodno for short periods without a visa. More information can be found at Grodno visa free and regulations for foreign citizens visiting the national park. This must be done through a registered tour operator and through assigned border checkpoints. The areas can’t be visited on an independent basis and you aren’t permitted to leave these zones and travel to other cities or regions. Failure to follow these rules could result in a fine and you could face deportation.
The rules connected to the 30 day visa free regime via Minsk International Airport and the 10 Day visa free regime in Grodno and Brest are separate, with different requirements. Make sure you check with the nearest Embassy of Belarus before you travel.
If you intend to work as a journalist in Belarus, make sure you receive accreditation from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Belarus before you travel and that you’re clearly identifiable at all times.
Entry rules in response to coronavirus (COVID-19)
Entry to Belarus
From midnight on 20 December, the government of Belarus introduced additional exit controls at its land borders. No one can leave Belarus by a land border unless they have a valid exemption as set out by the Council of Ministers. Flights continue to operate in and out of Minsk National Airport as normal.
Entering Belarus through the land border is only possible for those BNs who have temporary or permanent residency in Belarus.
All foreign arrivals, above the age of six, must have a medical certificate (PCR) showing a negative coronavirus test result, issued no later than 72 hours before entry. This requirement does not apply to holders of permanent or temporary residency in Belarus.
All arrivals from the UK must self-isolate for 10 days, regardless of whether they show symptoms.
There are different requirements in place for arrivals from other countries. You should check the specific COVID-19 test requirements set by the Belarusian authorities and your airline in advance of your flight. Different airlines have different requirements and may refuse boarding if they are not met.
You must wear a protective face mask in all indoor public spaces, on all Belavia flights and at Minsk National Airport.
You’ll need to have valid medical insurance before travelling to Belarus. You’ll be asked to provide proof of your insurance when you apply for your visa or when you arrive at Minsk airport under the visa-free regime. Contact the Embassy of the Republic of Belarus for full details of what’s required.
It is still possible to enter Belarus by land, however, given the current situation, checks at the border may take longer than usual. If you are planning to enter or exit Belarus by land, we advise you to check the travel advice of the relevant neighbouring country, as coronavirus-related border restrictions may be put in place at short notice.
Quarantime requirements and transiting
All arrivals from the UK must self-isolate for 10 days, regardless of whether they show symptoms.
There is no need to self-isolate or provide a negative coronavirus test certificate for BNs who plan to transit Belarus within 24 hours and provide evidence they will exit within this time-frame.
Moving to Belarus
Passports
Your passport should be valid for a minimum period of 3 months from the date of entry into Belarus. You can apply for or renew your British passport from Belarus. However due to pandemic it can take longer to get a new passport.
If you renewed your current passport before the previous one expired, extra months may have been added to its expiry date. Any extra months on your passport over 10 years may not count towards the 6 months needed.
Renew your passport before booking your travel if you do not have enough time left on your passport.
Registration
Anyone staying for more than 10 days in Belarus must register. You can register online or with the local police office (OVIR) in the district in which you’re staying. Registration will normally be arranged by your hotel. If you’re not staying in a hotel, registration must be organised by your host. There are fines for not registering in time. If you arrive at the weekend, the earliest you will be able to register is Monday (but offices are only open until 1pm).
Declaration of currency and goods
If you are carrying more than $10,000 in cash or travellers cheques you must complete a currency and goods declaration form on entering and exiting Belarus. This must be stamped by a Customs Officer. Upon exit from Belarus you will not be allowed to take out more currency than you originally declared on the currency declaration form upon entry. You should keep these forms for the duration of your visit. When leaving Belarus you will have to complete a new form, but you should also have the original form to hand. If you do not, your journey may be delayed and you may be fined.
Driving in Belarus
Licences and documents
You need to have a 1968 International Driving Permit (IDP) to drive in Belarus. 1949 IDPs previously issued by the UK may no longer be accepted for use in Belarus after this date. You can get IPD’s over the counter from 2,500 UK Post Offices. You will not be able to buy an IDP outside the UK, so get one before you travel.
When driving, you should always have your:
- driving licence
- ID
- car registration papers
- insurance papers
At the border
There may be long queues at borders. Customs and immigration can be lengthy and bureaucratic. You should ignore any private facilitators who offer to help you pass through checkpoints and border crossings.
You must be able to produce ownership documents or a letter of ‘power of attorney’ at border crossings. Only originals of these documents are accepted. You must have third party car insurance or you may get an on-the-spot fine. You can only buy this when entering Belarus. Ask at Customs’ border offices for further information.
Don’t overstay the temporary import terms for your vehicle. Violation of the exit deadline may result in confiscation of your vehicle at the Belarusian border or if stopped at an in-country police checkpoint.
Driving regulations
Drivers with foreign licence plates must pay a fee to use toll roads, via an electronic toll collection system. Information can be found on the BelToll website. The website includes toll road maps and guidance on registration, purchase of the required on-board unit, and payment. There are fines for non-compliance, so follow the installation instructions carefully to make sure your vehicle is successfully identified at checkpoints.
You should observe the speed limit at all times. The standard speed limit is 60 km/h (37 mph) in built up areas; 90 km/h (55 mph) outside built up areas; and up to 120 km/h (74 mph) on motorways (Brest-Moscow). Visiting motorists who have held a driving licence for under 2 years must not exceed 70 km/h (43 mph).
There is a zero-tolerance policy towards drink driving.
There are police checkpoints on routes throughout the country. You should stop when instructed and have vehicle documentation to hand. You should only make official payments.
Driving standards
The quality of driving in Belarus is unpredictable. A-class highways are in reasonable condition. The condition of B-class roads varies considerably and some are impassable for periods in winter. Road works and potholes are usually poorly marked. Horse and carriage combinations are a specific hazard for drivers in rural unlit areas.
See the AA and RAC guides on driving in Belarus.
Healthcare
At least 8 weeks before your trip, check the latest country-specific health advice from the National Travel Health Network and Centre (NaTHNaC) on the TravelHealthPro website. Each country-specific page has information on vaccine recommendations, any current health risks or outbreaks, and factsheets with information on staying healthy abroad. Guidance is also available from NHS (Scotland) on the FitForTravel website.
General information on travel vaccinations and a travel health checklist are available on the NHS website. You may then wish to contact your health adviser or pharmacy for advice on other preventive measures and managing any pre-existing medical conditions while you’re abroad.
The legal status and regulation of some medicines prescribed or purchased in the UK can be different in other countries. If you’re travelling with prescription or over-the-counter medicine, read this guidance from NaTHNaC on best practice when travelling with medicines. For further information on the legal status of a specific medicine, you’ll need to contact the embassy, high commission or consulate of the country or territory you’re travelling to.
While travel can be enjoyable, it can sometimes be challenging. There are clear links between mental and physical health, so looking after yourself during travel and when abroad is important. Information on travelling with mental health conditions is available in our guidance page. Further information is also available from the National Travel Health Network and Centre (NaTHNaC).
The reciprocal healthcare agreement between the UK and Belarus terminated on 26 December 2015.
The standard of health care is below that of the UK. You should bring essential personal medications, as the availability of local supplies can’t be guaranteed. Make sure you have adequate travel health insurance and accessible funds to cover the cost of any medical treatment abroad and repatriation.
The embassy/consulate can assist you in contacting family or friends who may be able to help and support you. We cannot pay for your treatment or intervene in your treatment.
Health risks
There’s an exclusion zone immediately around the Chernobyl site, which includes the area close to the border with Ukraine in the south east of Belarus. Access to this part of the country is limited. The risk of radioactive contamination from the Chernobyl site is insignificant elsewhere.
Don’t drink village well water as it is usually heavily contaminated with impurities. In cities, you should first boil, then filter tap water before drinking. Bottled water is widely available in shops.
If you need emergency medical assistance during your trip, dial 103 and ask for an ambulance. You should contact your insurance/medical assistance company promptly if you are referred to a medical facility for treatment. Most people in Belarus only speak the Russian or Belarusian languages. You may need to find someone who speaks English to interpret for you.
Education and working in Belarus
Moving to Belarus to study 
If you are planning to study in Belarus, make sure you meet all visa requirements before you arrive. Contact the relevant Higher Education provider in Belarus to check what fees you may have to pay. You must apply for a residence permit in Belarus.
Should be noted that Belarus is not a member of Bologna process and that’s why diplomas issued in the country may be not recognised in the United Kingdom and the European Union.
Working in Belarus
To work in Belarus you may need to get a special permission from the authorities. Generally your employer is responsible for al formalities related to permit obtaining. A work permit in Belarus is typically issued for one year. However, highly qualified employees may be eligible to receive one that’s valid for two years.
There are some exceptions when foreigner doesn’t need a permisision to work in Belarus. Your employer should refer to the relevant authority and check the conditions with regard to your future work in Belarus.
Money and tax
The UK has a double taxation agreement with Belarus to ensure you do not pay tax on the same income in both countries. You should direct individual taxpayer questions about double taxation to the relevant tax authority.
Existing double taxation arrangements for UK nationals living in Poland have not changed.
You should read the guidance on:
We recommend you get professional advice on paying tax in Belarus.
Find English-speaking lawyers in Belarus.
National Insurance
Find out if you need to pay National Insurance in the UK or social security contributions in Belarus.
Banking
Whether UK banks can provide services to customers living in the Belarus is a matter of local law and regulation. Your bank or finance provider should contact you if they need to make any changes to your product or the way they provide it. If you have any concerns about whether you might be affected, contact your provider or seek independent financial advice.
Read the Money and Pension Service guidance on banking, insurance and financial services changes for more information on cross-border banking.
Benefits
Find out which UK benefits you might be able to get while you’re abroad and how to claim them if you’re eligible.
You will need to tell the UK government offices that deal with your benefits, pension and tax if you are moving or retiring abroad.
Check which UK benefits you can claim while abroad and how to claim them.
If you’re abroad for more than 4 weeks, many income-related benefits such as pension credit and housing benefit can’t be paid.
You can request proof of the time you’ve worked in the UK from HMRC if you are asked for this.
Voting
Only foreigners with Belarusian permanent resident can vote in local municipal elections.
It is not possible to vote in UK elections in Belarus. British Embassy in Minsk doesn’t provide respective service.
The UK is working with the Polish government to explore whether any solution can be found for UK nationals to vote in future local elections. We will update this guidance when more information is available.
Births, deaths and getting married
If your child is born in Belarus, you will need to register the birth abroad.
If someone dies in Belarus you can:
Find out how you can get married abroad.
Find out about notarial and documentary services for UK nationals in Belarus.
You may also need English-speaking lawyers in Belarus.
Social ethics and traditions
Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender (LGBT)
Homosexual relationships are permitted under Belarusian law. However, Belarus remains a conservative society and the LGBT scene is very low profile. Very few LGBT people are open about their sexuality. See our information and advice page for the LGBT community before you travel.
Emergencies
Belarus has the following emergency numbers:
- 101 – fire brigade
- 102 – police
- 103 – ambulance
If you need urgent help, contact the British Embassy Minsk.
Returning to the UK
Tell the Belarusian and UK authorities if you are returning to the UK permanently.
Read the guidance on returning to the UK permanently which includes information on, amongst other things, tax, access to services and bringing family members.
Disclaimer
Please note that this information is provided as a guide only. Definitive information should be obtained from the Belarusian authorities. The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office will not be liable for any inaccuracies in this information.
