Since January 2025, it’s been possible to travel between Russia and Belarus with a single visa—something that used to be practically impossible for foreigners. But theory is easy; practice, not so much. In this guide I’ll walk you through, step by step, how this route really works, what options you have to get to Minsk, how to cross the border into Russia by road or train, what happens with the migration card (a topic that causes a lot of confusion), and all the practical issues nobody tells you about.
The mutual visa recognition agreement: the essentials
On 11 January 2025, the Agreement between the governments of Russia and Belarus on mutual recognition of visas came into force, originally signed on 19 June 2020. This agreement solves a long-standing problem: until then, the land border between the two countries was open only to Russian and Belarusian citizens, and foreigners who tried to cross it found themselves with no immigration control, no passport stamp, and in many cases, in an illegal situation.
Now, with a valid regular (traditional) visa issued by either country, you can enter, exit, stay in, and transit through the territory of both states during the validity period of that visa. The agreement covers all types of visas: tourist, business, study, work, private visit, humanitarian, and journalist. It also applies to holders of temporary or permanent residence permits from either country.
What does NOT work: electronic visas
This is the most critical point—and the one that causes the most confusion. According to the official source from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Belarus, electronic visas (e-Visas) are excluded from the agreement for “technical reasons” that have not yet been resolved. Specifically:
- The Russian e-Visa does not allow you to enter Russia if you are coming directly from Belarus.
- The Belarusian e-Visa does not allow you to cross into Russia or enter Belarus coming from Russia.
- If you show up at the Russia–Belarus border with an e-Visa from either country, you will be denied entry.
The solution is straightforward: you need a regular (traditional) visa obtained at a consulate or visa center. With that visa—Russian or Belarusian—you’ll be able to move freely between both countries.
How the permitted stay is calculated
The total permitted stay is counted from the date of your first entry into the territory of either country from a third state. If your Russian visa is for 30 days and you enter Belarus first, the clock starts that day for both countries combined. It’s not 30 days in Belarus + 30 days in Russia, but 30 days total across the two.
What if my country has visa-free access to Belarus but not to Russia?
The visa exemption Belarus offers to European citizens (38 countries, extended until 31 December 2026) does not allow you to enter Russia. To travel to Russia, you absolutely need a regular Russian visa. And if you have it, that Russian visa will also be enough to travel around Belarus thanks to the mutual recognition agreement.
Likewise, the 30-day visa-free regime via Minsk airport (76 countries) requires that you also depart via a Belarusian airport. You can’t use that visa-free entry and then cross into Russia overland.
Land borders between Russia and Belarus: the 6 authorized crossings
The agreement sets out exactly six land border crossings where foreigners can cross between the two countries. Trying to cross at any other point is considered a border violation and can lead to fines, deportation, and a possible future entry ban.
| Border crossing (Belarus – Russia) | Main route |
|---|---|
| Redki – Krasnaya Gorka | Minsk – Moscow highway (M1/E30). The most used. |
| Yezeryshche – Nevel | Kyiv – Saint Petersburg route |
| Liozno – Kruglovka | Vitebsk – Smolensk highway |
| Yukhovichi – Dolostsy | Opochka – Novopolotsk route |
| Zvenchatka – Dubovichka | Bobruisk – Moscow route |
| Selishche – Novozybkov | Gomel – Bryansk route |
The Redki – Krasnaya Gorka crossing on the Minsk–Moscow highway is the busiest and the one used by international trains.
How to get to Minsk from Europe and the rest of the world
If your plan is to enter Belarus first and then cross into Russia from there, the first step is getting to Minsk. And this is where things get complicated because of sanctions.
Flights to Minsk: where can you fly from?
There are no direct flights between the EU, the UK, or Switzerland and Minsk. The main connecting hubs to reach Minsk airport (MSQ) are:
Istanbul (IST) — The most practical connection for Western travelers. Belavia operates daily flights, and Turkish Airlines also offers service. It’s the most reliable option with the best frequency.
Dubai (DXB) — Flydubai and Belavia operate multiple combined flights per week. It’s worth checking availability before booking, as Flydubai routes have been temporarily suspended on occasion.
South Caucasus — Tbilisi (Georgia) has daily flights, Yerevan (Armenia) around 4 weekly, and Baku (Azerbaijan) also has connections. A good alternative if you’re already in the region.
Beijing — Air China operates 2 flights per week. Long flight (9+ hours).
Central Asia — Tashkent, Almaty, and Astana have regular connections to Minsk.
Flights between Minsk and Moscow
Once in Minsk, there are numerous daily flights to Moscow (Sheremetyevo, Domodedovo, and Vnukovo), operated by Belavia, Aeroflot, and other airlines. Duration: 90 minutes. Price: from under 100 $ one-way.
Important: flights between Russia and Belarus are considered domestic within the Union State, so domestic terminals are normally used.
By train: Minsk to Moscow (and Saint Petersburg)
The train is the most popular way to cross between Belarus and Russia, and it works perfectly under the new agreement.
Main trains
Train No. 001/002 “Belarus” — The classic overnight train between Minsk and Moscow. It covers about 700 km in roughly 9 hours. It departs at night and arrives in the morning. Price in a 4-berth compartment (kupé): from about 35-55 $ depending on class and how far in advance you book.
“Lastochka” high-speed train — A faster daytime option, around 7 hours. Seats instead of berths.
There are also direct trains between Saint Petersburg and Minsk that use the Yezeryshche–Nevel crossing.
The border procedure on the train
The train crosses the border via the Redki–Krasnaya Gorka checkpoint. The procedure is as follows:
- Belarusian border guards board the train. They check your passport and visa and stamp you out of Belarus.
- Next, Russian border guards board. They check your passport and visa, stamp you into Russia, and hand you the migration card (ask for it proactively if they don’t give it to you).
- The process can take anywhere from 30 minutes to several hours, depending on passenger volume.
How to get to Belarus from the EU: unstable land borders
If your plan is to enter Belarus overland from the European Union, you need to know that the border situation is highly unstable and changes frequently—sometimes with as little as 24-48 hours’ notice. Since 2021, Poland, Lithuania, and Latvia have been repeatedly closing and reopening border crossings for security reasons, migration tensions, or military maneuvers.
Poland – Belarus border
This is the most volatile border. Poland has repeatedly closed its crossings with Belarus—sometimes all at once—and reopenings are usually partial and conditional. Of the several existing border crossings (Terespol-Brest, Kukuryki-Kozlovichi, Bobrowniki-Bierestovitsa, Kuźnica-Bruzgi, among others), in recent years it has been common for only one or two to be operating, and at times none have been available for passengers. Don’t plan your trip relying exclusively on this border without checking its status at the very last minute.
Lithuania – Belarus border
Of the six crossings that exist, Lithuania has closed most of them since 2023. Typically only two remain open (Medininkai-Kamenny Log and Shalchininkai-Benyakoni), but Lithuania reserves the right to close them immediately if it detects security threats, as it has done on several occasions.
Latvia – Belarus border
Only one border crossing remains operational for passengers: Pāternieki-Grigorovshchina (the Silene crossing was closed by Latvia in 2023). Since October 2025, it has been mandatory to register in advance in an Electronic Queue System (ERRS) via lvrobeza.lv in order to cross. You can no longer queue in person. The reservation costs 9,30 € per vehicle and can be made up to 30 days before crossing.
General recommendation
All of these borders can change with little notice. Always check the latest status 24-48 hours before your trip using official sources:
Belarus visa requirements: don’t mix up the regimes
Belarus has several visa-free entry regimes, but none of them allow you to continue on to Russia. It’s important to understand them so you don’t make mistakes:
Visa-free regime via the airport (30 days, 76 countries)
Citizens of 76 countries (including the EU, the U.S., Canada, Australia) can enter Belarus visa-free through Minsk airport and stay up to 30 days. Mandatory: you must also depart via a Belarusian airport. This regime does not allow travel to Russia.
Visa-free regime for Europeans (38 countries)
In force at least until 31 December 2026 (it is periodically renewed by presidential decree), it allows citizens of 38 European countries to enter via any international crossing (road, rail, or airport) and stay up to 30 days (90 days for Poles, Lithuanians, and Latvians). Maximum 90 days per calendar year. Important: this regime allows transit to third countries except Russia.
Belarusian e-Visa (67 countries, since March 2025)
Available to citizens of 67 countries, it costs between 41 and 66 € and allows stays of up to 30 days. You can enter via any international crossing. It is not valid for crossing into Russia or for entering Belarus from Russia.
So what’s the solution for traveling to both countries?
Get a regular Russian or Belarusian visa from the relevant consulate (or visa center). With that visa you’ll be able to:
- Enter Belarus (under the mutual recognition agreement).
- Move freely between both countries via any of the 6 land crossings, by train, or by plane.
- Exit via any international border crossing of either country.
Practical requirements you shouldn’t forget
Travel medical insurance
Both countries require medical insurance, but with different minimum coverage amounts:
- Russia: minimum 30.000 € coverage (medical expenses, evacuation, and repatriation).
- Belarus: minimum 10.000 € coverage.
The big problem: most Western insurers don’t cover Russia due to sanctions. You’ll need to buy insurance from a provider that operates in Russia. Check the travel insurance for Russia page for updated options.
Money and payments: be ready for cash
Visa and Mastercard cards issued outside Russia and Belarus do not work in either country due to sanctions. Not for paying in shops, not in restaurants, and not for withdrawing cash from ATMs. For more information, I recommend reading this article: How to pay in Russia
5 mistakes that can ruin your trip
1. Showing up at the border with an e-Visa. Neither the Russian nor the Belarusian e-Visa allows you to cross the border between the two countries. If you try, you’ll be denied entry. No appeal, no exceptions. You need a regular visa.
2. Trying to cross at an unauthorized checkpoint. There are only 6 designated land crossings between Russia and Belarus for foreigners. Crossing at any other point is illegal and is considered a border violation.
3. Assuming Belarus’s visa-free entry for Europeans lets you enter Russia. Belarus’s visa-free regime for Europeans explicitly excludes transit to Russia. Without a Russian visa, border guards will stop you.
4. Not checking the status of the EU borders. Borders between the EU and Belarus can close with very little notice. Always check 24-48 hours beforehand on official websites.
5. Not obtaining—or losing—the migration card. Without this document you can’t register at hotels or leave Russia without problems. Ask for it proactively when crossing the border and keep it for your entire trip.
Official sources and useful links
- Mutual visa recognition agreement — Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Belarus
- Visa-free regime for Europeans — Belarus MFA
- Real-time border situation — Belarus Border Committee
- Status of crossings with Belarus — Polish Border Guard
- Electronic queue for the Latvian border — ERRS
Article updated in February 2026. The situation at the borders changes frequently. Always check official sources before traveling.
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