New Rules for Foreigners in Belarus: Fingerprinting and Business Restrictions
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Belarus has updated the rules governing the stay of foreign citizens and stateless persons. The changes affect several key areas — from mandatory fingerprint registration to restrictions on entrepreneurial activity, BELTA reports. The new regulations also strengthen control over compliance with migration legislation.
What Has Changed for Foreigners in Belarus
Belarus is reforming its legislation and changing several key provisions. Prime Minister Alexander Turchin signed the updated rules. One of the main innovations is the expansion of biometric requirements. Fingerprint registration is now required not only for those entering the country, but also for foreigners transiting through the republic.
Significant changes also concern business activity. Foreigners temporarily staying in the country are prohibited from engaging in individual entrepreneurial activity. The possibility of one-time sales of goods at markets and other designated trading places has also been abolished. These measures were initiated earlier and finalized by the end of spring 2026. The authorities emphasize that the country remains open to foreign visitors.
Registration and Length of Stay in Belarus
Foreign citizens and stateless persons may stay in Belarus in accordance with the validity of their visa, if required. As a rule, this period may not exceed 90 days per calendar year, unless otherwise provided by international agreements.
Registration must be completed within 10 days after arrival. The procedure can be carried out at citizenship and migration offices or online via the national e-services portal. An exception applies to those staying in hotels, sanatoriums, and agro-tourism facilities, where registration is completed automatically. When changing the place of stay, registration must be updated within three working days.
Some countries benefit from simplified conditions. For example, Russian citizens may stay in Belarus without a visa or registration for up to 90 days. Citizens of Armenia, Kazakhstan, Lithuania, the UAE, Ukraine, and Estonia — up to 30 days.
Fines, Deportation, and Entry Bans in Belarus
Violation of migration rules in Belarus may result in administrative or criminal liability. The mildest penalty is a fine for non-compliance with stay rules, including registration violations and residence at an unregistered address. The fine may reach up to four base units. In 2026, one base unit equals 45 Belarusian rubles, or about 16 US dollars — meaning the total may exceed $60.
A foreigner may also be expelled or deported for violations of Belarusian law. After that, an entry ban is imposed for a period ranging from 6 months to 10 years. Entry may also be refused for repeated administrative offenses within a year, such as unpaid fines, or if there is a threat to public or state security.
Criminal liability applies for illegal border crossing, organizing illegal migration, and violating an entry ban. Penalties may include fines and imprisonment for up to one year.