Belarus -Russian Border closes for foreigners?
 

I got a few links and what they say is that the Belarus - Russian border is closed to 3rd country citizens.

Does anyone have better information or can confirm that ?

СМИ сообщили о закрытии российско-белорусской границы для иностранцев :: Политика :: РБК

https://www.charter97.org/en/news/2016/10/11/226863/

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Doesn't sound too good, just another reason to avoid Belorussia. Honestly it sounds like the Russians are playing some kind of game to pressure somebody (Belorussia?), as I expect that that route is a major truck transit route, but one which is fairly easily bypassed via Latvia.

Just when you thought things couldn't get more ridiculous...

I am hoping to travel from Russia into Belarus, with appropriate Visas, late May/early June 2017 - anyone know whether that will be possible?

The link says that route is closed to foreigners because it's not equipped to process international travellers (Russia and Belarus have a customs union and effectively open borders). There's no good reason for them to make the effort to upgrade that border crossing. If you really want to see Belarus, you'll probably have to go north and cross in Latvia.

OK, plan B...

I was going to avoid Ukraine but how about entering Ukraine in the very north, and then going to Belarus from there.

I won't have the time to go any further north to Latvia/Lithuania.

@klausmong1 - yes, borders are temporary closed. The main reason as AnTyx already said is that there is open border between Russia and Belarus at the moment and nobody makes custom and border control. And that's not good for Russian police because they can't control who is entering the country. Border points in Belarus will be opened as soon as Belarus will upgrade them to make right control

@v1nn1e - you can't enter Russia from Belarus, but there should be no problems to leave Russia if you have already entered the country. But still there is some risk in such scenario, so I would advice checking this with the border. Also, just in case, I am going from Moscow to Latvia border in the end of May, on the 25th approx, may be we can ride together

If there are any more questions remaining don't hesitate to ask

Best
Alex

Actually, lots of questions regarding travel in Russia! ;)

Firstly though, whilst I'll probably get a Belarus Visa, just in case, I think I may focus on northern Ukraine. My schedule was getting spread thinner than a small pat of butter across a loaf of bread! I can re-allocate some days back to Turkey and Georgia.

It will also give me more time travelling up from Vladikavkaz to Astrakhan, and from there to Volgograd. Any comments on the condition of roads in those parts? Are those journeys each do-able in a day, or longer?

There's nothing wrong with Ukraine as long as you stay out of southern Luhansk Region and eastern Donetsk Region.

You could enter from Russia at Troyobortnoye / Bachiivsk which is a good road to Kyiv, then you can stick to the quiet northern route through Ukraine (Korosten - Kovel) which is also good.

If you exit Russia into Belarus and then into Europe, I imagine you may have a problem in future if the Russian immigration system has not registered you leaving the country. I would not take the risk unless you are 100% sure.

EO

Another thought; there is a three-way border at 52.112134, 31.781986 where you can cross between Russia, Belarus or Ukraine. This is the only Russia - Belarus border where they will stamp your passport. You can then enter Belarus (or Ukraine) without any issue.

Ohh man, there are so many nice places you are going to see soon...))

Here are some thoughts:
1) I would suggest to stay not in Vladikavkaz, but in Grozny City
2) Grozny Astrakhan good road, no problem to reach in 1 day
3) From Astrakhan there is good road to Volgograd. I would suggest to visit this place on your way - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bogdo-...Nature_Reserve
4) If you visit Bogdo-Baskunchak you will arrive in Volgograd late, so take a rest day to see the city and all the sights about the WW2
5) From Volgograd to Moscow there is almost new highway

Thats a brief overview of my thoughts. If you need more info don't hesitate to ask.

Any issues with travelling into and out of Chechnya, Dagestan and Russia? UK FO has that whole area marked red...!?

I'm not going as far north as Moscow, just near to Tambov and then Voronezh. I'm actually now just in the process of re-planning and reversing the direction of my route, so will be coming from eastern europe and Ukraine, and then into Russia and south towards Georgia.

This will hopefully give me a better chance of getting over the Carpathians, as it will be later in the year. :)

Ingushetia, Chechnya and Dagestan do get the odd bit of anti government / anti police insurgency, but in my opinion they are pretty safe (been to the region multiple times).

I would throw the travel advice from the FCO straight in the bin.

I crossed from Belarus in Ukraine at Makrany last year (July). It's a relatively easy border so that would be one way for you to get into Belarus if you wanted to. You need to tell them though that you will be taking your vehicle out of a different Belorussian Border to the one you used for entry as that causes a bit of confusion.

Don't forget to get insurance on the border, they will check on Exit.

Beware the toll roads in Belarus, they will fine you when you get home!

I travelled around Sumy and Poltava in eastern Ukraine, no problems at all, except the usual bollocks from the Ukrainian police!