Your travel insurance could be invalidated if you travel against advice from the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO).
\nFCDO advises against all travel to Belarus. You face a significant risk of arrest if you have at any time engaged in any activity now considered illegal by the Belarusian regime.
\n\nThere is also a low risk that direct conflict linked to the war in Ukraine may spread to Belarus. Find out more about why FCDO advises against all travel.
\n\nIn the unlikely event that conflict starts, FCDO’s ability to support British nationals will be severely limited.
\n\nBelarus does not recognise dual nationality. If you have both Belarusian and British passports, the authorities will consider you Belarusian, even if you enter the country on your British passport. Dual British-Belarusian nationality will not reduce your risk of arrest, questioning, or detention if you have engaged in any political activity related to Belarus. This limits the UK government’s ability to help you. See Safety and security.
\n\nIf you choose to travel against FCDO advice, research your destinations and get appropriate travel insurance. Insurance should cover your itinerary, planned activities and potential expenses in an emergency.
\n\nFCDO provides advice about risks of travel to help you make informed decisions. Find out more about FCDO travel advice.
\n\nSign up to get email notifications when this advice is updated.
\n\nFollow FCDO:
\n\n\n\n","slug":"warnings-and-insurance","title":"Warnings and insurance"},{"body":"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.
\n\nThe 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.
\n\nTo visit Belarus, your passport must be valid for at least 3 months from the date you arrive.
\n\nCheck with your travel provider to make sure your passport and other travel documents meet their requirements. Renew your passport if you need to.
\n\nWhen returning to the UK, British citizens must carry a valid British passport or certificate of entitlement. See Dual Citizenship.
\n\nChildren 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.
\n\nThe 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.
\n\nIf 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.
\n\nIf 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
\n\nYou 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.
\n\nFCDO 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.
\n\nThe 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.
\n\nFor details about medical entry requirements and recommended vaccinations, see TravelHealthPro’s Belarus guide.
\n\nWhen you apply for your visa or when you arrive in Belarus, you will need to show both:
\n\nThis can be in the form of cash, credit card or travellers cheques in any currency. Contact the Embassy of Belarus for full details.
\n\nIf you plan to work as a journalist in Belarus, you must get accreditation from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Belarus before you travel.
\n\nAccommodation 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.
\n\nIf 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.
\n\nYou 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.
\n\nIf 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.
\n\n","slug":"entry-requirements","title":"Entry requirements"},{"body":"There is a high threat of terrorist attack globally affecting UK interests and British nationals, including from groups and individuals who view the UK and British nationals as targets. Stay aware of your surroundings at all times.
\n\nUK Counter Terrorism Policing has information and advice on staying safe abroad and what to do in the event of a terrorist attack. Find out how to reduce your risk from terrorism while abroad.
\n\nAlthough there’s no recent history of terrorism in Belarus, attacks cannot be ruled out.
\n\nAttacks could happen anywhere and could affect western interests and places visited by foreign nationals.
\n\nDemonstrations and protests are possible and could become confrontational, with security forces likely to use force to disperse and detain demonstrators. The authorities launched a violent crackdown against demonstrators across Belarus after the 2020 presidential elections.
\n\nBelarus is still a repressive environment. You should:
\n\nThere is often a heightened security presence, including on the streets of Minsk and other major cities. Security forces (some may be in plain clothes) might carry out a stop and search or ask for identification documents, and require you to unlock your phone. Make sure you carry your passport or a printed copy of the photo page of your passport, and visa if you have one.
\n\nYou face a significant risk of arrest, questioning or detention if you have engaged in any political activity related to Belarus. This can include having donated to organisations or supported activity now considered illegal by the Belarusian regime. Laws can be applied retroactively by the authorities.
\n\nIf the authorities suspect you of engaging in and supporting activities against Belarusian law (including political activities), even if activities took place outside Belarus, you may be subject to:
\n\nThe risk of arrest and detention is greater for those, including for dual nationals, who have previously been involved in activities inside or outside of Belarus, or on social media, which the authorities have since classed as illegal.
\n\nMobile phones and other personal items may be seized and inspected by the authorities, including at the border upon entering Belarus.
\n\nBelarus has designated BBC News Russian content as “extremist material” under BBC.com. Distributing, reposting or storing material from BBC.com is now an offence under Belarusian law.
\n\nBelarus does not recognise dual nationality. Even if you have both Belarusian and British passports, the authorities will consider you Belarusian. Dual British-Belarusian nationality will not reduce your risk of arrest, questioning, or detention if you have engaged in any political activity related to Belarus. In the event of arrest or detention, Belarusian authorities are unlikely to allow FCDO consular access. This limits the UK government’s ability to help you.
\n\nIn Belarus, military service is compulsory for all males between the ages of 18 and 27. Dual UK-Belarus nationals in that age group may be liable for military service and should check before travelling to Belarus.
\n\nThe Belarusian regime is facilitating Russia’s war against Ukraine. Russian military activity is taking place inside Belarus. The situation is unpredictable and there is a low risk that direct conflict linked to the war in Ukraine may spread to Belarus. In the unlikely event that a conflict starts, FCDO’s ability to support British nationals may be limited. Events in Ukraine are fast-moving.
\n\nThere is a higher risk of military activity in places where there are Russian and Belarusian military personnel and equipment, including:
\n\nAvoid restricted areas reserved for military exercises or operations. It’s illegal to take photographs of police or military personnel, or locations of strategic importance, including government buildings and critical infrastructure. There may not be warning signs in locations where prohibitions are in place. If in doubt, leave potentially restricted areas immediately.
\n\nMonitor local media, sign up to get email notifications when this advice is updated, and read our advice on how to deal with a crisis overseas.
\n\nCrime levels are low in Belarus, but be alert to the possibility of street crime and theft from vehicles or hotel rooms.
\n\nThere may be long queues at border crossing points and there are few facilities for those waiting. Customs and immigration can be lengthy and bureaucratic.
\n\nIf driving, you must be able to produce original vehicle ownership documents at border crossings. If you’re not the owner, you will need a letter to show you have ‘power of attorney’. You must have car insurance. See Road travel.
\n\nIf you overstay or break the temporary import terms and conditions, your vehicle could be confiscated at the border or at an in-country police checkpoint.
\n\nSee FCDO’s Russia travel advice if considering travel to or from Russia.
\n\nAs 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.
\n\nIf you do not have a Belarusian or Russian visa, there are no legal grounds for foreigners (including British nationals) to cross the Russia-Belarus state land border including by road, bus or rail.
\n\nIf you travelled to Belarus from Russia and need assistance, contact the British Embassy Minsk on +375 17 229 8200 or send an enquiry using the web contact form.
\n\nSee FCDO’s Ukraine travel advice if considering travel to or from Ukraine.
\n\nBritish nationals cannot currently cross the Belarus-Ukraine border. If you travelled to Belarus from Ukraine and need assistance, contact the British Embassy Minsk on +375 17 229 8200 or send an enquiry using the web contact form.
\n\nThe border with Poland reopened on 25 September 2025.Open border crossings are Brest-Terespol Kuznica Bialostocka – Bruzhi (passenger vehicles only) and Bobrovniki – Bierastavitsa (passenger vehicles and freight). Political relations between Belarus and Poland remain unstable and the border could be closed again at short notice. Check the latest information on the Polish State Border Guard website.
\n\nOn 20 November 2025, Lithuania reopened two border crossings with Belarus: Medininkai – Kamenny Log and Salcininkai – Benyakoni. Political relations between Belarus and Lithuania remain unstable and the border could be closed again at short notice. Check the latest information on the Lithuanian Government website (only available in Lithuanian).
\n\nLithuania denies entry to cars registered in Belarus, with certain exemptions. For further information on these restrictions, see the Lithuanian Government website (only available in Lithuanian).
\n\nOnly the Paternieki-Grigorovshchina border crossing point between Latvia and Belarus remains open. On 16 July 2024, Latvia introduced further restrictions at the border with Belarus to deny entry to passenger vehicles registered in Belarus. This border crossing may close or implement restrictions at short notice. Check the latest information on the Latvian State Border Guard website.
\n\nIf you are planning to drive in Belarus, see information on driving abroad and check the rules of the road in the RAC’s Belarus guide. The guide lists driving regulations and other legal requirements you need to be aware of.
\n\nYou need car insurance to drive in Belarus. There is more information about insurance requirements on the State Border Committee website.
\n\nThere is a zero-tolerance policy towards drink-driving. Depending on the situation, penalties can include fines or imprisonment.
\n\nDrivers with foreign licence plates must pay a fee to use toll roads or face a fine. For more information, see the BelToll website.
\n\nThere can be police checkpoints on routes throughout the country. Stop when instructed and have vehicle documentation available.
\n\nDriving standards in Belarus are unpredictable and road conditions vary. M-class highways are in good condition. Some R-class roads are impassable for periods in winter. Roadworks and potholes are usually poorly marked.
\n\nThere are no direct flights between Belarus and the UK.
\n\nSince mid-2021 all Belarusian airlines have been banned from flying into the UK. The EU has closed its airspace to Belarusian registered aircraft and has sanctioned Belavia, the Belarusian state-owned carrier.
\n\nDue to international restrictions on Belavia, they may not have access to components which are needed for the safe maintenance of their aircraft.
\n\nUK government staff do not use Belavia.
\n\nThe UK has placed sanctions on some Russian airlines, including Aeroflot, Rossiya Airlines and Ural. You can buy flight tickets if the journey is starting in, or within, Russia without breaching UK sanctions.
\n\nThe UK has also sanctioned the Belarusian air traffic control operator.
\n\nThere are frequent standard security checks at some stations on the Minsk Metro. Transport police may ask to scan your bags. You must comply with this. You could be arrested if you refuse.
\n\nPolice can fine you if you are jaywalking – ignoring pedestrian crossings or signals.
\n\nThere’s an exclusion zone immediately around the Chernobyl site. This 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.
\n\nThere are severe penalties for drug-related crimes in Belarus. Possession of illegal drugs, including small amounts of Class C substances such as cannabis, can result in prison sentences of up to 5 years. More serious offences, such as smuggling or trafficking, carry penalties of up to 25 years in prison and heavy fines. These laws apply even if you are only transiting through the airport.
\n\nAirports in Belarus have excellent technology and security for detecting illegal items. This is also used to scan the baggage of transiting passengers. You should expect strict enforcement and serious consequences if found in possession of illegal substances.
\n\nSame-sex sexual activity is legal in Belarus. However, Belarus is still a conservative society and the LGBT+ scene is very low profile. Very few LGBT+ people are open about their sexuality. Read more advice for LGBT travellers.
\n\nFCDO advises against commissioning surrogacy arrangements in Belarus.
\n\nIf you are a British national with existing surrogacy arrangements in Belarus, contact FCDO on 01908 516 666 if you have not already done so.
\n\nIf you already have surrogacy arrangements in place:
\n\nIf you are considering changing your surrogacy arrangements, or making a new arrangement in another country, read the guidance for intended parents planning for international surrogacy.
\n\nThere are plenty of ATMs in major cities. However, there are currently problems withdrawing cash or paying with foreign credit and debit cards. Almost no major banks in Belarus accept foreign cards. Those banks that do may charge a higher commission.
\n\nThere is also limited cash available. Many ATMs have limits on the amount of cash you can withdraw, particularly for foreign cards. Not all cards will be accepted in Belarus. Many reputable international money transfer providers have suspended operations in Belarus. Consider taking cash in US dollars or euros.
\n\nThe UK government has imposed sanctions against a range of Belarusian companies and individuals. These may impact on financial transactions.
\n\nIt can be difficult to exchange British pounds for Belarusian roubles. US dollars and euros are more widely accepted. Use government-licensed currency exchanges and have your passport with you. If you exchange money elsewhere, you could be fined or arrested and the currency will be confiscated.
\n\nYou cannot exchange Belarusian roubles into other currencies outside Belarus.
\n\nIf you’re travelling to Belarus, speak to your UK bank before you go. Because of sanctions against Belarus, your bank may block your card if you use it in Belarus.
\n\n","slug":"safety-and-security","title":"Safety and security"},{"body":"Before you travel check that:
\n\nThis is particularly important if you have a health condition or are pregnant.
\n\nDial 103 and ask for an ambulance.
\n\nContact your insurance or medical assistance company quickly if you’re referred to a medical facility for treatment.
\n\nMost people in Belarus only speak Russian or Belarusian, so emergency services staff may not speak English. You may need to find someone who speaks English to interpret for you.
\n\nAt least 8 weeks before your trip:
\n\nSee what health risks you’ll face in Belarus, including biting insects and ticks.
\n\nDo not drink village well water. It is usually heavily contaminated with impurities. In cities, boil then filter tap water before drinking. Bottled water is widely available.
\n\nThe availability of local medical supplies cannot be guaranteed – bring all essential medication with you.
\n\nThe legal status and regulation of some medicines prescribed or bought in the UK can be different in other countries.
\n\nTravelHealthPro explains best practice when travelling with medicines.
\n\nFor more information on the legal status of a specific medicine, contact the Embassy of Belarus in the UK.
\n\nThe standard of healthcare is below that of the UK.
\n\nFCDO has a list of medical facilities in Belarus where some staff will speak English.
\n\nRead FCDO guidance on travel and mental health. There is also mental health guidance on TravelHealthPro.
\n\n","slug":"health","title":"Health"},{"body":"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.
\n\nAmbulance: 103
\n\nFire: 101
\n\nPolice: 102
\n\nContact 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.
\n\nFor 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.
\n\nFind out more about changing or cancelling travel plans, including:
\n\nFCDO has guidance on staying safe and what to do if you need help or support abroad, including:
\n\nSee how to get help from the UK government abroad including in an emergency.
\n\nYou can call FCDO in London if you need urgent help because something has happened to a friend or relative abroad.
\n\nTelephone: 020 7008 5000 (24 hours)
\n\n\n\nSign up to get email notifications when this travel advice is updated.
\n\nFollow FCDO:
\n\n\n\nThe 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.
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