Russia/Belarus: Mutual Visa Recognition
January 13, 2025
At a Glance
UPDATE - January 13, 2025: The agreement went into effect on January 11, 2025.
UPDATE - January 3, 2025: According to news reports, the agreement is now expected to take effect mid-January, 2025. The countries have both reportedly completed necessary legal formalities.
UPDATE - May 15, 2024: The expected date of enforcement has been further delayed and, according to news reports, it is now expected to be December 8, 2024 (being the 25th anniversary of the Russia-Belarus Union State agreement).
UPDATE - September 6, 2023: The expected date of enforcement has been delayed and is now early 2024.
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Russia and Belarus have finalized an agreement to recognize each other's visas and right to enter and stay on the basis of the other country’s residence permits.
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This will allow individuals with visas or permits issued by one country to enter the other without having to undergo the other country’s visa requirements.
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However, foreign nationals who are visa exempt in either Russia or Belarus but require a visa to enter the other country will still be required to obtain that visa. Nationals who are visa exempt in both Russia and Belarus can still travel to either of the counties, under existing visa-free arrangements.
The situation
UPDATE - January 13, 2025: An agreement between Belarus and Russia to recognize each other's visas went into effect on January 11, 2025. This follows a period of extended delays in implementing this agreement dating back to 2023.
A closer look
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Mutual recognition of visas. Foreign nationals who have received any type of visa to enter Russia will be able to enter and stay in Belarus on the basis of this visa, for the time specified in that visa. This will reciprocally apply to foreign nationals with Belarusian visas entering and staying in Russia.
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No reciprocity for visa exemptions. Foreign nationals who are eligible to enter Russia without a visa but who require a visa for Belarus, will still need to obtain a visa to enter Belarus; and vice versa. Nationals who are visa exempt in both Russia and Belarus can still travel to either of the counties, under existing visa-free arrangements.
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Other permits. Foreign nationals who have a permanent residence permit, temporary residence permit or a permit to attend an international event in Russia can also enter and stay in Belarus using these documents; the reciprocal arrangement also applies.
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Work/study rights. Working and studying is possible only in the country where the work permit or student visa was issued.
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Registration requirements. Foreign nationals entering either Belarus or Russia must register their address of stay within the time limits and in accordance with the procedures of the country they have entered.
Impact
Foreign nationals who hold a visa or certain permits for Belarus or Russia will be able to enter the other country more easily without having to go through the other country’s visa requirements.
Background
This agreement has been in discussions between Russia and Belarus since 2017, but the signing and ratification of the agreement were repeatedly postponed. The agreement was eventually signed by both parties on June 19, 2020 and Belarus ratified the agreement on December 21, 2020. Russia finally ratified the agreement on February 1, 2023.
Looking ahead
It is not likely that either country will implement similar types of agreements with other countries. However, strong relations between Belarus and Russia are likely to continue to grow.
This alert is for informational purposes only. If you have any questions, please contact the global immigration professional with whom you work at Fragomen or send an email to [email protected].
