The Russian Federation and the Republic of Belarus: mutual recognition of visas

On February 01, 2023, the Federal Law on ratification of the Agreement concluded between the Russian Federation and the Republic of Belarus, introducing mutual recognition of visas, comes into force.

The entry into force of the Agreement is due to the completion of a number of domestic procedures both in the Russian Federation and on the part of the Republic of Belarus. In this regard, we will inform you additionally about the beginning of the application of this Agreement.

Mutual recognition of visas:

• foreign citizens who have received a visa of any type to enter the Russian Federation will also be able to enter and stay on the basis of this visa (during the validity period of the visa) not only in the Russian Federation, but also on the territory of the Republic of Belarus.
• foreign citizens entering the Russian Federation on a visa-free basis will also be able to enter the territory of the Republic of Belarus on a visa-free basis. At the same time, the period of stay is determined either by an international agreement or by the legislation of the country where the foreign citizen is located (i.e., the legislation of either the Republic of Belarus or the Russian Federation).
• foreign citizens who have a residence permit, a temporary residence permit or a permit to attend an international event in the Russian Federation can also enter the Republic of Belarus using these documents and stay on the territory of the Republic of Belarus.

Attention:

• foreign citizen has the right to work, study, and reside only on the territory of the country that issued him the relevant migration document.
• foreign citizens and stateless persons are required to register (register address of their stay) within the time limits and in accordance with the procedure established by the legislation of the country where they reside.

"If a foreign citizen has a visa, a temporary residence permit or a permanent residence permit issued in the Russian Federation and plans to stay on the territory of the Republic of Belarus for a long time, it is required to specify the period of the maximum possible stay at the country in the state bodies of the Republic of Belarus.

The same applies to citizens entering the Russian Federation on a visa-free basis and planning a long stay in the Republic of Belarus"

Federal Law № 2-FL dated 27.01.2023 "On ratification of the Agreement between the government of the Russian Federation and the government of the Republic of Belarus on mutual recognition of visas and on other issues related to the entry of foreign citizens and stateless persons on the territory of the states - parties to the treaty on the establishment of the union state"