Agreement between Belarus and Russia on mutual recognition of visas comes into force

On January 11, 2025, the agreement between the Republic of Belarus and the Russian Federation on mutual recognition of visas took effect after the two countries completed the necessary domestic procedures.

According to the mutual visa recognition agreement, foreign citizens and stateless persons with a valid visa from either the Republic of Belarus or the Russian Federation can now enter, stay, and transit in the territory of both countries. This move demonstrates increased cooperation between the two countries towards simplifying travel for foreign citizens on their territory.

Foreign nationals who are eligible for a visa-free regime for both Belarus and Russia can enter and stay in both countries as long as they have an identity document (passport) that is recognized by both countries. If a traveler is eligible for a visa-free regime in one country but is subject to a visa regime in the other country, they will require a visa to enter and stay in the latter country, in addition to a passport. 

Individuals who have residence permits issued by either of the two states can also enter, stay, and transit through the territory of the other country without visas while their residence permit is valid. 

The duration of stay of foreign nationals in Belarus and Russia is calculated from the entry date into one of the two countries from a third country. 

The agreement specifies that entry to Belarus and Russia is possible via international checkpoints across the state border and directly via the international rail, air, and road routes listed in the annex.

The agreement currently provides for six such sections, namely: 

• Yukhovichi – Dolostsy (Opochka – Novopolotsk)
• Jezerishche – Nevel (Kiev – St. Petersburg)
• Liozno – Kruglovka (Vitebsk – Smolensk)
• Redki – Krasnaya Gorka (Minsk – Moscow)
• Zvenchatka – Dubovichka (Bobruisk – Moscow)
• Selishche – Novozybkov (Gomel – Bryansk)

Crossing the land section of the Russian-Belarusian border by any other route is not permitted and will be considered a violation of the state border.