Belarus
Summary
The FCDO advise against all travel to Belarus.
Russian military operations are taking place in Belarus. There is some risk that direct conflict linked to the war in Ukraine may spread to Belarus. In the event of conflict, our ability to offer consular assistance will be severely limited. Routes out of the country are limited, particularly by air. The FCDO advises against all travel to Ukraine. You should not attempt to cross into Ukraine from Belarus. See Safety and security
COVID-19 entry restrictions for Belarus
Before you travel, check the ‘Entry requirements’ section for Belarus’sBelarus’ current entry restrictions and requirements. DueThese to COVID-19, these may change with little warning. Monitor this advice for the latest updates and stay in contact with your travel provider.
Travelling from and returning to the UK
Check what you must do to travel abroad and return to England, Scotland, Wales or Northern Ireland.
If you plan to pass through another country onto yourreturn journey,to the UK, check the travel advice for the country you’re transiting.
ItFor information relating to coronavirus in Belarus, see the Coronavirus section.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, it is more important than ever to get travel insurance and check it provides appropriatesufficient cover. See the FCDO’s guidance on foreign travel insurance.
For information about COVID-19 vaccines, see the Coronavirus page.
Demonstrations can be met by violent crackdowns by the Belarusian authorities. You should stay away from any demonstrations, and exercise caution around them. See Political situation.
The UK government has imposed sanctions against a range of Belarusian companies and individuals. These may impact on financial transactions.
In May 2021 a Ryanair flight from Athens to Vilnius was forcibly diverted by the Belarusian regime while in Belarusian airspace and compelledmade toan landemergency landing at Minsk InternationalNational Airport. In response, the UK government issued an advisory notice to strongly advise all UK airlines to cease overflights of Belarusian airspace. There are currently no direct flights available andbecause the operating permits permit for Belavia, the main Belarusian airlineairline, andto otherfly Belarusianbetween registeredthe carriers to enter UK airspaceand areBelarus is suspended. See Safety and security
Although there is no recent history of terrorism in Belarus, attacks cannot be ruled out. Attacks could happen anywhere and could affect western interests and places visited by foreigners. See Terrorism
Most visits by British nationals to Belarus are trouble-free. However, due to the war in Ukraine we currently recommend against all travel to Belarus due to the increased risk of military action within the country.
If you’re abroad and you need emergency help from the UK government, contact the nearest British embassy, consulate or high commission. The Minsk embassy can be contacted on +375 17 229-82-00.
Update history
2025-06-04 17:03
Updated information on the risks of being involved with illegal drugs, including cannabis. This includes risk of arrest if you are found carrying drugs when transiting through the airport (‘Safety and security’ page).
2025-06-04 15:00
Updated information on the risks of being involved with illegal drugs, including cannabis. This includes risk of arrest if you are found carrying drugs when transiting through the airport (‘Safety and security’ page).
2025-01-16 10:05
Information added about mutual visa recognition between Belarus and Russia and extended visa free entry for British nationals until 31 December 2025 (‘Entry requirements’ and ‘Safety and security’ pages).
2024-07-22 16:52
Information added about new visa-free entry being allowed for British nationals until 31 December 2024 (‘Entry requirements’ page). Information added about new Belarus-Lithuania border restrictions (‘Safety and security’ page). This travel advice was also reviewed for style and accuracy.
2024-04-11 13:19
Addition of information on dual nationality as well as risks around arrest and detention (‘Safety and security’ page).
2024-04-10 09:43
Updated information on dual nationality (‘Warnings and insurance’ page).
2024-03-01 14:41
Information on border crossings (‘Safety and security’ page).
2023-10-24 11:16
Updated information on entry requirements (‘Entry requirements’ page).
2023-10-04 11:21
Information on the accessibility of registering accommodation online (‘Entry requirements’ page).
2023-08-21 10:26
Information on checking for the latest information before any travel across the Lithuanian-Belarus border (‘Safety and security’ page).
2023-06-22 09:52
Information about the global terrorism risks to British nationals abroad on all FCDO travel advice pages.
2023-06-21 09:47
Information on air travel (‘Safety and security’ page).
2023-04-19 11:23
Updated information on requiring a 1968 International Driving Permit or a valid UK driving licence to drive in Belarus and information on exchanging currency (‘Safety and security’ page).
2023-04-17 14:52
Advice rewritten to help readability.
2023-02-10 15:15
Updated information on the closure of the Bobrovniki/Berestovitsa border checkpoint (‘Safety and security’ page).
2022-08-01 16:52
Updated information advising against commissioning new surrogacy arrangements in Belarus and on Emergency Travel Documents (‘Local laws and customs’ and ‘Entry requirements’ pages)
2022-06-08 18:15
Updated information on lifting of COVID-19 restrictions (see ‘Entry Requirements’ page)
2022-05-25 12:33
Updated information on COVID-19 vaccinations (‘Coronavirus’), ‘Safety and security’, ‘Surrogacy’ (‘Local laws and customs’) and ‘Money’.
2022-04-08 10:31
Updated information on entry rules (‘Entry requirements’ page) and Russian military operations in Belarus (‘Safety and security’ page)
2022-03-25 19:54
Updated to better reflect the current situation in Belarus (see ‘Safety and Security’ and ‘Money’ pages).
2022-02-26 12:46
The FCDO advise against all travel to Belarus (See ‘Summary’ and ‘Safety and security’ pages)
2022-02-24 05:33
There are multiple reports of widespread military activity in Ukraine. You should not attempt to cross into Ukraine from Belarus. (‘Summary’ and ‘Safety and security’ pages)
2022-02-18 16:26
The FCDO now advise against all travel to Yelsk, Mazyr, Rechitsa, Luninets, Gomel, Asipovichy, Baranovichi and Brest. The FCDO advise against all but essential travel to the remainder of Belarus