Belarus (BY)

Required for entry, residence registration, banking, notarial services and SIM card registration. Passport validity should comfortably exceed the visa or permitted stay period. Belarus is under international sanctions (post-2020); check current travel advisories and banking restrictions before travel.

Belarus has nationality-specific and route-specific visa-free and e-visa arrangements. Entry via Russia involves specific rules; confirm border crossing conditions before travel. Apply for an e-visa at mfa.gov.by or the relevant Belarusian embassy.

Foreigners staying beyond the registration-free period (typically 10 days) must register through their hotel (automatic), host, or the Citizenship and Migration Department (GUGMiP) of the Ministry of Internal Affairs (MVD). The e-pasluga.by online portal handles some registration processes. Failure to register is a serious violation.

Belarus requires valid health insurance covering at least EUR 10,000 for entry and residence. Private international health insurance is standard for expats; many insurers provide compliant policies. Bring the original policy and carry a summary card.

Required for stays beyond short-visit limits on work, study, family reunification or other legal grounds. Apply at the GUGMiP (Citizenship and Migration Department) of the regional MVD office. Processing takes several weeks; apply well before your permitted stay expires.

Foreign nationals need employer-sponsored work authorisation from the Ministry of Labour and Social Protection (MINTRUD) before starting employment. The employer typically applies; confirm the work permit route with your employer before travel.

Required for temporary residence, some work permits, teaching roles and long-stay applications. Belarus is a Hague Apostille member; foreign police clearances from Hague member countries require apostille. Certified Russian or Belarusian translation required.

Required for family residence permits, school enrolment, marriage registration in Belarus and citizenship matters. Apostille from Hague member countries; certified Russian or Belarusian translation required.

Required for family reunification routes, property transactions, benefits and inheritance matters. Apostille from Hague member countries; certified Russian or Belarusian translation required.

Required for regulated professions (medicine, law, engineering, teaching) and some work permit categories. Belarus is a Hague Apostille member; apostille and certified Russian or Belarusian translation required. Degree recognition is handled by the Ministry of Education (MOEDU) or the relevant professional body.

All employed persons and business owners must register with the Ministry of Taxes and Duties (MNS — Ministerstva pa Podatakh i Zborakh). Payroll taxes, VAT and income declarations are filed through the MNS e-services. Keep home-country tax records for double-taxation treaty claims.

Foreign driving licences are recognised in Belarus for temporary visitors. Long-term residents must exchange at the State Automobile Inspection (GAI). If your licence is not in Russian or Belarusian, bring a certified translation or an International Driving Permit (IDP). Belarus drives on the right.

Required for importing cats and dogs into Belarus. Core documents: microchip certificate (ISO 11784/11785), current rabies vaccination record, a veterinary health certificate and transit-country documentation. Confirm current requirements with the State Veterinary Service (Gosvet) before travel.

Keep customs declarations and bank receipts for large cash or foreign-currency movements. Belarus has strict currency control regulations; bringing in or taking out more than the equivalent of USD 10,000 requires declaration. Retain all receipts for banking KYC compliance.