Belarus

This information is for people travelling on a full ‘British citizen’ passport from the UK who choose to travel against FCDO advice. It is based on the UK government’s understanding of the current rules for the most common types of travel.

The authorities in Belarus set and enforce entry rules. If you’re not sure how Belarus’s entry requirements apply to you, contact the Embassy of Belarus in the UK.

Passport validity requirements

To visit Belarus, your passport must be valid for at least 3 months from the date you arrive.

Check with your travel provider to make sure your passport and other travel documents meet their requirements. Renew your passport if you need to.

Dual nationals

When returning to the UK, British citizens must carry a valid British passport or certificate of entitlement. See Dual Citizenship.

Children of Belarusian passport holders

Children aged 15 and under who do not have a Belarusian passport but have a parent who does, must have a travel certificate issued by a Belarusian embassy or consulate to enter Belarus. Parents of children entering on this document should contact the State Border Committee, Ministry of Interior and Ministry of Foreign Affairs to make sure their children also have the relevant documentation to exit Belarus.

Visa requirements    

The Belarusian authorities have announced that until 31 December 2026 all British nationals (except those entering on a diplomatic or official passport) can enter Belarus for up to 30 days without a visa, limited to a total of 90 days per calendar year.

If you want to stay longer than 30 days during a visit, or for a total period exceeding 90 days per calendar year, you must have a visa. You can find more information from the Embassy of Belarus in the UK.

If you’re travelling directly from or to Russia, the visa-free arrangement does not apply and you must have a visa. As of 11 January 2025, foreign citizens with a Belarusian or Russian visa may enter, leave, stay or transit through either Belarus or Russia during the period of validity of the visa. This is limited to certain international border crossing points. For more information, please see the website of the Belarusian Ministry of Foreign Affairs

Visas for travelling through Belarus

You do not need a visa to transit Belarus by air, but the maximum period you can remain airside (in the airport without going through border control) is 24 hours.

Travelling by air between Belarus and Russia

FCDO is not aware of any difficulties for British nationals travelling by air between Belarus and Russia. However, make sure you get an exit stamp in your passport when you leave Belarus. If you have no stamp, you will not be allowed back in on your next visit.

Land borders

The land border with Ukraine is currently closed to British nationals. The border with Poland reopened on 25 September 2025. Other land borders have restrictions. See Safety and security.

Vaccine requirements

For details about medical entry requirements and recommended vaccinations, see TravelHealthPro’s Belarus guide.

Insurance requirements

When you apply for your visa or when you arrive in Belarus, you will need to show both:

• documentary evidence of medical insurance to the value of 10,000 euros
• funds equivalent to 25 euros per day

This can be in the form of cash, credit card or travellers cheques in any currency. Contact the Embassy of Belarus for full details.

Journalists

If you plan to work as a journalist in Belarus, you must get accreditation from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Belarus before you travel.

Registering with the authorities

Accommodation providers must register any foreign guests staying for more than 10 days in Belarus. Registration will normally be arranged by your hotel. If you’re staying with someone, check that they’re doing this. You can register with the authorities online (this page may not be accessible from all countries) or with the local police office (OVIR) in the district where you’re staying. There are fines for not registering in time. See the Ministry of Foreign Affairs website for more details.

Customs rules

If you are carrying cash or travellers cheques worth more than 10,000 US dollars, you must complete a currency declaration form and get it stamped by a customs officer.

You are not allowed to take more currency out of Belarus than you declared when you arrived. Keep your entry declaration form for the duration of your visit. When you leave Belarus, you must complete a new form and show the entry form. If you do not, you could be delayed and fined.

Importing goods for charitable purposes

If you want to import goods or services for charitable purposes, consult the Embassy of Belarus in the UK for advice about local procedures and tariffs. If you think your goods will be exempt from Belarusian taxation, get written confirmation from the embassy.

The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) cannot provide tailored advice for individual trips. Read this travel advice and carry out your own research before deciding whether to travel.

Emergency services in Belarus

Ambulance: 103

Fire: 101

Police: 102

Contact your travel provider and insurer

Contact your travel provider and your insurer if you are involved in a serious incident or emergency abroad. They will tell you if they can help and what you need to do.

Refunds and changes to travel

For refunds or changes to travel, contact your travel provider. You may also be able to make a claim through insurance. However, insurers usually require you to talk to your travel provider first.

Find out more about changing or cancelling travel plans, including:

• where to get advice if you are in a dispute with a provider
• how to access previous versions of travel advice to support a claim

Support from FCDO

FCDO has guidance on staying safe and what to do if you need help or support abroad, including:

• finding English-speaking lawyers, funeral directors and translators and interpreters in Belarus
• dealing with a death in Belarus
• being arrested in Belarus
• getting help if you’re a victim of crime
• what to do if you’re in hospital
• if you are affected by a crisis, such as a terrorist attack.

Contacting FCDO

Help abroad

See how to get help from the UK government abroad including in an emergency.

Help in the UK

You can call FCDO in London if you need urgent help because something has happened to a friend or relative abroad.

Telephone: 020 7008 5000 (24 hours)

Find out about call charges

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Risk information for British companies

The Overseas Business Risk service offers information and advice for British companies operating in Belarus on how to manage political, economic, and business security-related risks.