Minsk Entry Requirements

Visa, immigration, and customs information

Minsk, the capital of Belarus, serves as the main entry point for international travelers visiting the country. Entry requirements for Belarus have evolved in recent years, with the introduction of visa-free travel for certain nationalities and an electronic visa system. All travelers must present valid travel documents, proof of sufficient funds, and may be required to show evidence of accommodation and return travel arrangements. The immigration process in Minsk typically takes place at Minsk National Airport (MSQ), the country's primary international gateway. Belarus maintains specific entry requirements that differ significantly from many European countries, despite its geographic location. Travelers should be aware that Belarus has unique registration requirements for stays exceeding certain periods, and strict customs regulations. The country operates under its own immigration policies, separate from the European Union and Schengen Area, requiring careful preparation before travel. It is essential to verify all requirements well in advance of travel, as Belarus periodically updates its visa policies and entry regulations. Travelers should consult official Belarusian government sources or their nearest Belarusian embassy or consulate for the most current information, particularly regarding visa requirements, registration obligations, and any temporary restrictions that may be in place.

Visa Requirements

Entry permissions vary by nationality. Find your category below.

Belarus offers several entry options depending on nationality, including visa-free entry for certain countries (particularly when arriving via Minsk National Airport), electronic visas, and traditional visa requirements. Visa policies can vary based on the port of entry and length of stay.

Visa-Free Entry (Airport Entry Scheme)

Up to 30 days

Citizens of certain countries can enter Belarus visa-free for up to 30 days when arriving at Minsk National Airport and departing from the same airport

Includes

European Union member states (all 27 countries) United Kingdom United States Canada Australia Japan Brazil Iceland Indonesia Mexico New Zealand Norway Switzerland UAE

Must arrive and depart via Minsk National Airport only. Must have valid travel medical insurance covering Belarus. Must have proof of sufficient funds (approximately €25 per day). Land border crossings do not qualify for this visa-free regime. This program has been periodically suspended, so verify current status before booking travel.

Electronic Visa (e-Visa)

Up to 30 days (single or double entry)

Electronic visa available for citizens of many countries for tourism, business, or cultural purposes

Includes

Available to citizens of over 70 countries including US, UK, EU states, Canada, Australia, China, India, and many others

How to Apply: Apply online through the official Belarusian Ministry of Foreign Affairs portal at least 3 business days before travel (recommended to apply 7+ days in advance). Processing typically takes 5 business days. Upload passport scan, photo, and travel insurance. Valid for entry through specific border checkpoints only.
Cost: Approximately €60 USD (single entry), higher for multiple entries

Must enter and exit through designated checkpoints listed on the e-visa. Print the e-visa approval and carry it with your passport. Travel insurance covering Belarus is mandatory. Check the official list of eligible nationalities as it is periodically updated.

Visa Required

Varies by visa type (typically 30-90 days for tourist visas)

Traditional visa application at Belarusian embassy or consulate required for countries not eligible for visa-free or e-visa entry

How to Apply: Apply at the nearest Belarusian embassy or consulate. Requires completed application form, passport photos, travel insurance, invitation letter or hotel confirmation, proof of funds, and visa fee. Processing time typically 5-15 business days but can be longer.

Citizens of some countries face additional requirements or restrictions. An official invitation may be required for certain visa types. Always check with the Belarusian embassy for your specific nationality's requirements.

Arrival Process

Upon arrival in Minsk, travelers will proceed through immigration control, baggage claim, and customs. The process is generally straightforward but can be thorough. Immigration officers may ask detailed questions about your stay, and all documentation should be readily available.

Immigration Control

Present your passport, visa (if required), completed migration card, and supporting documents. Officers will verify your entry eligibility, stamp your passport, and return your migration card (keep this document safe - you'll need it to exit Belarus).

Baggage Claim

Collect your luggage from the designated carousel. Report any missing baggage immediately to airport staff or your airline representative.

Customs Declaration

Proceed through customs via the appropriate channel (green for nothing to declare, red for items to declare). If carrying cash over the threshold or restricted items, complete a customs declaration form.

Registration

If staying more than 5 business days, you must register with local authorities. Hotels typically handle this automatically; private accommodation hosts must assist with registration at local offices.

Documents to Have Ready

Valid Passport

Must be valid for at least 3 months beyond your intended departure date from Belarus. Should have at least two blank pages for stamps.

Visa or e-Visa Approval

If required for your nationality. Print and carry the e-visa approval letter if applicable.

Migration Card

Completed on arrival or during flight. Keep the stamped copy with you at all times and present it when exiting Belarus.

Travel Medical Insurance

Proof of valid travel insurance covering Belarus with minimum coverage of €10,000. Required for visa-free and e-visa entries.

Proof of Accommodation

Hotel booking confirmation, invitation letter, or address where you'll be staying.

Return/Onward Ticket

Proof of departure from Belarus within the permitted timeframe.

Proof of Sufficient Funds

Bank statements, credit cards, or cash demonstrating ability to support yourself (approximately €25-50 per day).

Tips for Smooth Entry

Keep all entry documents together in an easily accessible location - you'll need them multiple times during entry and throughout your stay.

Have proof of accommodation, return tickets, and insurance readily available in printed form, even if you have digital copies.

Keep your migration card safe throughout your stay - losing it can cause significant problems when exiting Belarus and may result in fines.

Ensure your travel insurance explicitly covers Belarus and meets the minimum coverage requirements (€10,000).

Register within 5 business days of arrival if required. Hotels handle this automatically, but if staying with friends or in private accommodation, visit the local migration office.

Be prepared for detailed questioning at immigration - answer honestly and have supporting documentation ready.

Exchange some currency before leaving the airport, as not all locations in Minsk accept foreign currency or cards.

Photography is prohibited in immigration and customs areas - keep cameras and phones stored.

Customs & Duty-Free

Belarus has strict customs regulations that must be followed carefully. All travelers must pass through customs control, and failure to declare required items can result in significant fines, confiscation, or legal issues. When in doubt, use the red channel and declare items.

Alcohol

Up to 3 liters of alcoholic beverages (including up to 2 liters of wine)

Must be 18 years or older. Alcohol must be for personal use only.

Tobacco

Up to 200 cigarettes OR 50 cigars OR 250 grams of tobacco products

Must be 18 years or older. For personal use only.

Currency

Up to €10,000 (or equivalent in other currencies) without declaration

Amounts exceeding €10,000 must be declared on the customs declaration form. Both cash and monetary instruments (checks, bonds, etc.) count toward this limit. Declaration is mandatory for amounts over the threshold.

Gifts/Goods

Goods for personal use with total value up to €1,500 and weight up to 50 kg

Goods exceeding these limits are subject to customs duties. Commercial quantities will be questioned and may be denied entry or subject to commercial import procedures.

Prohibited Items

Narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances - strictly prohibited with severe penalties
Weapons and ammunition (without proper permits and prior authorization)
Explosives and flammable materials
Pornographic materials
Materials considered extremist or undermining state security
Counterfeit currency or goods
Certain plants, seeds, and soil without phytosanitary certificates
Endangered species products (CITES-protected items)
Radioactive materials

Restricted Items

Medications - require prescriptions and should be in original packaging; large quantities may require special permission
Cultural artifacts and antiques - require export certificates; items over 50 years old face strict controls
Professional photography/video equipment - may require declaration and proof of re-export
Drones and radio equipment - require special permits from Belarusian authorities
Precious metals and stones - require declaration if exceeding certain values
Firearms for hunting or sport - require advance permission and proper documentation

Health Requirements

Belarus does not currently have extensive mandatory vaccination requirements for most travelers, but health precautions are recommended. Medical facilities in Minsk are adequate but may not meet Western standards, making travel insurance essential.

Required Vaccinations

No vaccinations are routinely required for entry to Belarus for most travelers
Yellow fever vaccination certificate required if arriving from countries with risk of yellow fever transmission

Recommended Vaccinations

Routine vaccinations (MMR, DTP, influenza)
Hepatitis A and B
Rabies (for travelers with extensive outdoor activities or animal contact)
Tick-borne encephalitis (particularly for summer travel and rural areas)
Diphtheria and tetanus

Health Insurance

Travel medical insurance is mandatory for visa-free entry and e-visa holders, with minimum coverage of €10,000. Insurance must specifically cover Belarus and be valid for the entire duration of stay. Proof of insurance must be presented at immigration. Even if not mandatory for your visa type, comprehensive travel insurance is strongly recommended as medical costs for foreigners can be high and medical evacuation is expensive.

Current Health Requirements: Health entry requirements can change rapidly due to disease outbreaks, pandemics, or public health concerns. Check current COVID-19 requirements, testing, quarantine, or vaccination certificate requirements before travel. Consult the Belarusian Ministry of Health website and your country's travel health advisory for the most current information. Some countries may have additional requirements for travelers returning from Belarus.

Important Contacts

Essential resources for your trip.

Embassy/Consulate

Contact your country's embassy or consulate in Minsk for citizen services and emergency assistance

Register with your embassy upon arrival for extended stays. Check your government's travel advisory website for current safety information and embassy contact details.

Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Belarus

Official source for visa information, e-visa applications, and immigration policies

Website: mfa.gov.by - For official visa requirements and application procedures

Department of Citizenship and Migration

Handles registration, visa extensions, and migration-related issues

Contact for registration requirements and visa extension questions

Emergency Services

Emergency number: 112 (unified emergency number) or 102 (police), 103 (ambulance), 101 (fire)

English may not be widely spoken; have your hotel or a Russian/Belarusian speaker assist if possible

Minsk National Airport

Airport information and services

Phone: +375 17 279-1300 - For flight information and airport services

Special Situations

Additional requirements for specific circumstances.

Traveling with Children

Children must have their own passport (included in parent's passport is generally not accepted). Minors traveling without both parents should carry a notarized letter of consent from the absent parent(s), translated into Russian or Belarusian. This is particularly important if the child has a different surname from the accompanying adult. Divorced or separated parents should carry custody documents. Children are subject to the same visa requirements as adults.

Traveling with Pets

Pets must have a microchip and valid rabies vaccination (administered at least 30 days before travel but not more than 12 months prior). A veterinary health certificate issued within 5 days of travel is required, along with an international veterinary certificate (Form 5a for dogs/cats). The certificate must confirm the animal is healthy and free from infectious diseases. Some breeds may face restrictions. Only a limited number of pets per person are allowed. Contact Belarusian veterinary authorities for current requirements as regulations change frequently.

Extended Stays

Tourist visas and visa-free entry are limited to 30 days (or as specified on your visa). For longer stays, you must apply for a visa extension through the Department of Citizenship and Migration before your current authorization expires - this is rarely granted for tourists. Alternatively, obtain a different visa type (work, study, business) before traveling if you know you'll need more time. Overstaying your visa can result in fines, detention, deportation, and future entry bans. If staying with the visa-free airport scheme, you cannot extend beyond 30 days and must depart via Minsk National Airport.

Business Travelers

Business travelers may require a business visa or invitation letter from a Belarusian company, depending on nationality and length of stay. The invitation must be registered with Belarusian migration authorities. Business e-visas are available for eligible nationalities. Carry documentation of your business purpose, including invitation letters, conference registrations, or meeting confirmations. Registration requirements still apply for stays exceeding 5 business days.

Dual Nationals

If you hold Belarusian citizenship (including by birth), you must enter and exit Belarus using your Belarusian passport, regardless of other citizenships held. This is strictly enforced. Dual nationals may face additional scrutiny and should be aware that Belarus may not recognize other citizenships while you are in the country, potentially limiting consular assistance from other nations.

Journalists and Media Professionals

Professional journalists and media workers require special accreditation from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs before arrival. Filming or photography for professional purposes without proper accreditation can result in detention, equipment confiscation, and deportation. Tourist visas do not permit journalistic activities. Apply for accreditation well in advance of travel through official channels.