In recent years, independent travel has become popular. People go to Europe in their own car, taking their children and luggage with them. A convenient route from Russia passes through the territory of neighboring Belarus. Questions arise about how entry into Belarus occurs. Is it possible to cross the border with a Russian passport? Find answers to this and other questions in our article.
Let’s say right away that in 2019 the entry rules for Russians have not changed. The agreement on mutual visa-free entry has been in force between the countries since 1997. If the period of stay in the territory of a neighboring country does not exceed 90 days from the date of entry, our compatriots will not need a visa to Belarus.
To cross the border, it is enough to present an internal passport of a Russian citizen or a valid foreign passport. At the border, you do not need to fill out a migration card or put special marks in your passport.
If you are traveling with children, keep in mind that a child can only be registered with their parents until they are 14 years old. When crossing the border, it is enough to present a birth certificate. After reaching this age, children are required to have their own passport - Russian or foreign.
If the child is accompanied by relatives or friends, you will have to show a power of attorney for departure from the absent parents, issued by a notary. This is the demand of the Russians. Belarusians do not insist on it.
Across the border by car
Most often, entry into Belarus occurs in your own car. This may be a transit passage through the territory of the country or following a route within the state. Special checkpoints are equipped for travel by car. Their location can be clarified in advance on the border service website.
To cross the border you will need:
- A foreign passport valid for at least three months.
- Car registration certificate, driver's license.
- International car insurance, the so-called green card.
It is better to take out insurance in advance, but if you forget to do this, you can buy it right before the border. There are usually companies that provide this type of service. The cost of insurance is low. We do not recommend neglecting the safety of the machine. If the absence of a green card is discovered, you will have to pay a fine of two hundred dollars.
The rules for crossing are as follows. When you arrive at the checkpoint, you stop at the stop line and wait for a border patrol agent to approach you. You are allowed to remain in the vehicle. The border guard will inspect the car and issue a control ticket. Check if there are any errors in it.
Next, follow the border corridor. Your passport will be checked and then a customs inspection will be carried out. Leaving Belarus requires more careful control. Comply with international baggage regulations, in particular for alcoholic beverages. You may need to complete a customs declaration. If you are bringing animals with you, they must be vaccinated and have a certificate.
After the inspection, you must give the ticket to the border guard. The border has been passed. You can continue the route through the territory of Belarus. If there are no queues, the whole procedure takes no more than fifteen minutes. Cars of Russians containing children under three years of age or disabled people are allowed to pass out of turn - this is the rule.
By train and plane
If you cross Belarus by train or travel to another country through its territory, you do not need to obtain a transit visa. Border guards can check whether you have a visa from the country you are traveling to. Tourist buses from Russia often pass through the country. As a rule, they are not inspected.
Trains pass through the border without stopping, as if you had never left the Russian Federation. Train passengers are not subject to any searches.
At the airport border control, the same rules apply as at the land crossing. Remember that medical policies issued in Russia are not valid in Belarus. However, in case of a serious illness, you will receive emergency assistance free of charge.
When is a visa to Belarus issued?
There are cases when obtaining a Belarusian visa is necessary. Suppose you decide to open a business in the country or go to study. Even if you plan to stay for a long time, you will no longer be able to do without permission. In this case, it is necessary to obtain a residence permit for permanent residence in Belarus without restrictions on the duration of stay.
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To obtain a residence permit you will need to provide the following documents:
- A completed application in Russian with an attached autobiography.
- Internal civil or foreign passport.
- 4 color photographs 40×50 mm.
- Confirmation of registration at the place of residence in Belarus (or rental housing).
- Medical certificate confirming the absence of dangerous infectious diseases.
- A paid receipt for the state fee for registration (approximately 700 rubles).
You may need to confirm the reason for your stay in the country: invitation of relatives, letter from the company inviting you to work, employment contract, confirmation of enrollment in an educational institution. To obtain a permit, apply to the Consulate of Belarus in Moscow at the address: 101990, st. Maroseyka, 17/6.
A residence permit is issued for two years, if the validity period of the passport allows. When you come to apply to renew your residence permit, you will be allowed to stay in the country for five years.
But it will not be possible to obtain Belarusian citizenship while simultaneously holding a Russian passport. You will have to choose which country you want to be a citizen of. Dual citizenship is not allowed under the laws of the country.
To Belarus to work
To get a job, you will not need to confirm diplomas issued in Russia or study the Belarusian language. Fortunately, Russian is the second official language in Belarus. You are required to register at your place of residence or rent housing.
True, wages in Belarus are usually lower than those of Russians, but life is also significantly cheaper. So, for a trip to Minsk you will not need to collect documents. You can get by with a Russian passport. We wish you pleasant travels!
