Press releases

MOSCOW, 31 May (BelTA) – On its website the Belarusian Embassy in Moscow has explained the rules to enter, leave, temporarily stay and transit through Belarus during the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia, BelTA has learned.

“The Agreement between the Government of the Russian Federation and the Government of the Republic of Belarus on Issues Related to the Entry of Foreign Nationals and Stateless Persons into the Union State to Attend Sporting Events will be valid during the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia (from 14 June-15 July). “From 4 June through 25 July 2018 foreign citizens and stateless persons can enter, leave, temporarily stay and transit through Belarus without visas on the basis of a personal spectator card (or FAN ID) or evidence of obtaining such a document (notifications through email) and a valid travel document (passport),” the ministry said.

Fans and also drivers (if the latter hold visas, temporary residence permits in Russia or residence permits in Russia, if visa-free travel and residence are not formalized by the international treaties of the states-parties), who provide transport services to fans, can travel between Belarus and Russia exclusively along the international road and rail routes listed in Annexes 1 and 2 to the Agreement.

“People outside this category (e.g., athletes, coaches, doctors, journalists, etc.), except for citizens of Belarus and Russia, can enter and leave the Russian Federation only through international checkpoints. If they want to enter Russia from Belarus, it can be done only by air,” the diplomatic mission said.

With regard to the period of validity of the travel document (FAN ID) used for visa-free entry, the need to register with a local body of the interior authorities, medical insurance and other things not stipulated in the Agreement, the national legislation or relevant international treaties of the Republic of Belarus will apply in Belarus.