Belarus
 

I'm planning a summer trip to The Baltic States and Finland. I'm thinking of heading into Belarus for a couple of days, as a way of getting from Eastern Poland to Lithuainia. I'm aware that the Visa process isn't the easiest but, then again, it isn't impossible.

Has anyone been to Belarus in the last few years?

Would you advice against travelling there (on a motorbike) why?

Thanks

Dom

Ispent 3 weeks driving around Belarus in 2011 and really loved it. It's very different from the Baltic States, and surprisingly different from Russia and Ukraine too. The country does not have a lot of conventional sights, but Minsk is one of the best-preserved Soviet cities, Brest Fortress is very impressive, Polotsk is one of the oldest cities of Rus', Hrodna is nice, there are (re-introduced) wild wisent in the western forests on the Polish border and the south of the country has some beautiful scenery and charming small towns such as Pinsk and Mazyr. I had no problems at all with police or borders (though I entered from and exited to Russia, where there is basically no border control) and I met some great people. I see no reason not to go there on a motorcycle. The fact that there is a visa requirement merely keeps out all the hordes of tourists who I would usually make an effort to avoid.

If you are interested in the journey I made, you may read about it here:

https://eurasiaoverland.com/2011/03/19/26/

Thanks for the advice and the link to your website. I've had a good look round - looks like an amazing trip - have you written a book?

Looks like I might need more than a few days for Belarus! Better get on and sort that visa.

Dom

Eurasiaoverland neglected to mention that the women are beautiful, unless that is what he meant by "beautiful scenery" and "great people". You can thank me later. :-))

Did you get a visa before going or is it possible on the border if travelling overland. What I've read so far suggests you need to do it beforehand, but you also need a letter of introduction from your hotel. (Plus a medical form)

I was hoping I wouldn't have to pre-book my accommodation but it looks like it's the only way of getting the paperwork done.

If you need any help - please let me know. I am from Belarus and already had an experience of it.

Thanks for the offer. Not sure I'm going to head that way now. I'm put off by the paperwork needed (lazy, I know)

I'll jump in here as I'm definitely planning on going to Belarus. I'm currently in Norway and expect to get to Belarus in late July or early August. I'll probably enter from Lithuania. I understand it's possible to get the visa in Vilnius and takes about a week.

Spyworm67, I would appreciate any advice on what I need for the visa especially regarding invitations. Also, is it any problem if I enter Belarus from Lithuania and exit to Russia?

Thanks for any help... also advice on places to visit would be appreciated.

Belurusa
 

Hi All
I'm presently traveling around Russia and looking at the option of entering Belurusa mid July. Traveling on a NZ Passport and would apply for my entry visa at Belurusa Embassy in Mosscow.
I would appreciate any feed back if and how long to get my visa from Moscow??

If it's a hassle my plan B. Would be to skip Belurusa and enter via Estonia into Europe.

Regards
Ray

Hi
Just found your message. I will send tomorrow the neccessary docs.

You definetely could go to Russia from Belarus without any troubles, however you also need a visa for that. Funny situation, but we actially do not have a border between Russia Belarus however have different visas and regulations. So, please be sure that you have Russian visa otherwise... A huge problems...

Hi Ilya,

I just noticed that you said there is basically no border between Belarus and Russia. If so, how do I get my passport stamped into Russia and my motorcycle documents? Since I'll probably be leaving Russia into the Ukraine I'll need to have these, otherwise big problem leaving.

By the way, I don't need a Russia visa since I have Panama passport which is visa-free for Russia :thumbup1:

Belarus is part of the Russian Customs Union (along with Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan and Armenia), so the vehicle import documents you get at the Belarussian border are valid throughout this region.

Same for immigration with Belarus and Russia (not the others), there is no passport control at the Belarus - Russia border.

Unless you come from a visa-free country (CIS countries and some in Latin America), do not try to enter Russia without a visa. Although you will get in without a problem, if you are caught you are in for a lot of trouble, fines, deportations and a five year entry ban.

Latvia
 

Hi
I was planning to enter EU via Balarus but after the embassy
In Mosscow wanting letters of invitation and long ques at the embassy !
I opted to drive from Mosscow to Terehova, Latvia and enter there
It was so easy as I didn't require a visa !
Lots of trucks crossing but cars and bike lane was easy!

Hi
Bad to hear that you missed Belarus. Please pm me which docs they would like from you. If neccessary I could make invitation, but I have no idea why do they need it for tourist visa.