🇧🇾 Immigration & Residence Rules in Belarus (Third‑Country Nationals)
1. Legal Foundation
Belarus regulates immigration under visa laws and the Nationality Act of 2002, which outlines citizenship via naturalization, registration, or descent. Naturalization typically requires 7 years of permanent residence, language proficiency (Belarusian or Russian), sufficient income, and renunciation of other citizenships.
2. Visa Policy & Entry
Visa-Free Entry
From July 19, 2024 through December 31, 2025, citizens of 35 European countries (e.g. UK, Germany, France, Italy, EU, EFTA states) may enter Belarus visa-free for up to 30 days per visit via any land or air checkpoint.
Nationals of Poland, Lithuania, and Latvia (including stateless/non‑citizens of Latvia) enjoy visa-free stays of up to 90 days per year across all entry points.
Citizens of 76 countries (including India and Singapore) arriving by air may stay 30 days visa‑free, with entry only via designated airports—even if land travel is restricted.
India is listed among countries eligible for visa-free entry in 2025.
Visa‑on‑Arrival & Electronic Visa (e‑Visa)
From March 20, 2025, citizens of 67 eligible countries (including the USA, Canada, EU, UK, Japan, Singapore, India, etc.) can apply for a single-entry e‑Visa valid up to 30 days, via the official E‑Pasluga portal/app. The application requires a €6 service fee plus standard visa fee and is processed within seven calendar days.
3. Temporary / Long-Term Residence
Visas cannot be used for work, study or residency beyond tourism/business. Long-term stays require a specific visa and permit.
Residence permit categories include work, study, family reunification, or investment—typically requiring a Belarusian sponsor, proof of income, a clean record, and medical insurance. Current Belarus law requires these but doesn’t widely publish all residency framework details; typical regional norms apply.
4. Permanent Residence & Citizenship
Permanent Residence
Eligibility usually requires 7 years of permanent legal residence in Belarus, language proficiency (Belarusian or Russian), and stable income.
Citizenship by Naturalization
Requires permanent residence for seven years, legal income, proficiency in a state language, and renunciation of prior citizenship. Exceptions may apply for ethnic Belarusians, former citizens, or those who contribute significantly to the country.
Citizenship by Descent/Registration
Applies to those born to Belarusian citizens, former USSR citizens born or resident in Belarus before November 1991, or minors of Belarusian citizens.
Dual Citizenship
Generally prohibited, except in cases like citizenship by descent. New citizens must formally renounce other citizenships unless exempted.
5. Special Agreements & CIS Integration
From January 2025, Belarus and Russia implemented mutual recognition of visas and residence permits under CIS agreements. Holders of valid Russian or Belarusian visas or permits may travel between the two countries via regulated crossing points without needing separate visas.
Cross‑border land crossings between Belarus and Russia are limited to six authorized checkpoints; crossing elsewhere is prohibited and considered illegal entry.
⚠️ Advisory Notes & Travel Tips
Even under visa-free schemes, travelers must meet entry conditions: valid passport, travel & medical insurance (minimum €10,000 coverage), proof of sufficient funds (e.g., 2 daily “base amounts” or ~Br50 base amounts), and a confirmed itinerary.
Police registration is mandatory:
Within 10 days of arrival for most nationals
Within 30 days for those crossing from Poland, Lithuania, or Latvia
UK nationals can enter Belarus visa‑free by land since July 2024, limited to 30 days per year.
Illegal entry—even via train—can lead to detention or imprisonment up to 2 years. A U.S. national was detained in March 2025 under this rule.
The political climate in Belarus remains tense. National laws restrict those with foreign residence permits from holding high office, and dissent is heavily suppressed.