On January 11, 2025, the agreement on mutual visa recognition between Russia and Belarus came into effect.

The agreement was signed on June 19, 2020, as part of the program to establish a Union State. Now, it is possible to move freely within the borders of both countries with a visa issued by either one. Previously, foreigners could only travel between these countries using air transportation, which allowed authorities to control the presence of visas and permits for incoming travelers. With the new agreement, border crossings are now possible by land as well.

Key Points of the Agreement

Here are the main ones:

  • Visa recognition. Individuals requiring a visa to enter Belarus or Russia can now freely travel across the territory of both countries with a visa issued by either one.
  • Identification documents. Travelers crossing the border must carry valid identification recognized by both Russia and Belarus.
  • Border checkpoints. Foreign citizens can cross the border through designated international checkpoints. An additional list of routes is provided in the agreement’s annex.

A foreigner with a Russian visa issued to visit Saint Petersburg can now travel to Minsk without obtaining a Belarusian visa. This is convenient given the well-developed transportation links between the two capitals. Business representatives from Asian countries visiting Belarus for business trips can now obtain a Russian visa and use it to travel freely within both countries.

For example, аn Indian citizen studying at a Belarusian university can now visit Russian cities on weekends without needing an additional visa. A U.S. tourist traveling with a Russian visa can include a visit to Belarus in their travel itinerary.

Key points:

  • Duration of stay. Foreign nationals are allowed to remain in the territory of the other country only for the duration specified by their issued visa.
  • Entry denial. Border authorities in both countries may deny entry or adjust the length of stay for foreign nationals if there are legal grounds for such actions.
  • Agency cooperation. The agreement obligates the competent authorities of both countries to coordinate their actions and exchange information to ensure security and compliance with migration laws.
  • Visa categories. All visa categories are recognized, including:
    • Tourist visas. For visits aimed at tourism, including sightseeing and leisure activities.
    • Business visas. For business meetings, conferences, exhibitions, negotiations, and other commercial activities.
    • Transit visas. For transit through one country en route to another.
    • Study visas. For foreign students enrolled in educational institutions in one of the countries.
    • Work visas. For individuals authorized to engage in employment in one of the countries.
    • Humanitarian visas. For participation in cultural, scientific, sports, and educational events, as well as for providing humanitarian aid.
    • Family (Guest) visas. For visiting relatives or close friends residing in one of the countries.
    • Long-term (national) visas. Issued for extended stays with specific purposes, such as work, study, or family reunification.
  • Special document categories:
    • Diplomatic and official visas. For members of diplomatic missions, consulates, and other official representatives.
    • Refugee documents. Recognized provided they comply with international standards and the laws of each party.
    • Documents for participants in international humanitarian missions. Issued to individuals providing aid in emergency situations.

Despite this, both countries may carry out selective document checks for arriving individuals to ensure compliance with legal requirements.

Unilateral Visa-Free Regime

The Republic of Belarus unilaterally offers visa-free entry for up to five days to citizens of 67 countries, including those considered unfriendly by the Russian side. However, such visa-free entry does not grant the right to travel from Belarus to the Russian Federation.

In this case, a visa is required to enter Russia, which will subsequently extend the five-day stay limit to the duration of the visa.