The easiest and fastest way to get from the UK into Russia is to take a flight, but what about people, who prefer travelling overland? The most popular rail route has been, is and will likely be via Europe and Belarus. This has recently become an essential question for travellers raising disputes on the forums without having any certain information.

Ruined travel plans

The issue is that foreign tourists have been started to be refused entering Russia overland from Belarus since October 2016 without any warning or official announcements from the Russian side and despite having valid visas for both countries.

First it affected only those, who travelled by car or bus, and only via certain routes. Later it impacted trains as well. From the beginning of 2017 such cases became more frequent.

Why does it happen?

The reason for this might be the introduction of a 5-day visa-free regime for about 80 countries to visit Belarus. Since effectively there is no border control between Belarus and Russia, it led to the fact that foreign tourists may enter Russia from Belarus without a visa.

Actions from the Russian side

As preventive measures, the Russian Border control has been instructed to restore the borderland on the way of Russian border with Belarus. The official administrative orders have been issued and the relevant works begun in February 2017.

How will it affect me?

At the same time, the official announcement appeared on the website of the Russian Border Guard service. It clearly states that any attempt of foreign citizens – people, who hold passports of the countries other than Russia and Belarus – to enter Russia overland from Belarus will be qualified as illegal.

If you are stopped on the border, it will lead to the administrative caution and fine of about 2000 RUB. You will also get a note in your ‘immigration history’, which will be on file at the Russian Consulates and may affect your future applications for a visa, though not too seriously.

Backup plan

Despite the fact that the border is officially closed, many people continue travelling by rail and provide different feedback: someone manage to cross the border without any issues, while others are turned back. If you want to try your luck, it is always good to be prepared to the worst-case scenario. If you are turned back, alternative ways would be to take a flight from Minsk or train/bus going through Latvia or Ukraine.

Update from July 2017

Russian suppliers of train tickets, suffering from this issue as well, managed to get an official response from the Russian border guard service. They advised it was a matter of enhanced security measures due to the Football Confederations Cup. It is highly likely, we may expect the same during the Football World Cup in 2018. Make your plans accordingly.

Do you have further questions?

Please contact us at your conveniece and we will be happy to assist.

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