Tourist transit through Minsk: what are the prospects and risks
Since October 22, the State Border Committee of Belarus has allowed foreigners to transit without a certificate of absence of coronavirus disease and self-isolation for 10 days.
Foreigners need to document the fact of transit (up to 24 hours) through Belarus with a ticket, a transit visa, an official invitation of the state of destination, a ticket to medical (health) institutions, other documents.
Travelers without documents confirming transit have the opportunity to enter Belarus without a certificate and self-isolation. However, the border guards will issue an “arrival questionnaire” to such persons, in which the guest of the country must leave a record: “transit through the territory of the Republic of Belarus in a period of no more than 24 hours.” A person must save the questionnaire, and then give it to the border guard.
The State Border Committee emphasizes that if foreigners in transit do not have time to leave the territory of Belarus within 24 hours, they will have to present a document at the border confirming a negative PCR test for COVID-19.
Since October 13, the requirement for a negative test for coronavirus is presented to Russians who travel to Belarus for personal, business, tourist purposes. Russia is classified by the Belarusian authorities as a “red zone” (more than 100 countries in this list).
According to the experts of the tourism industry, the Belarusians intend to form transit traffic from Russia through Minsk to Europe, supporting the interest of the national carrier.
Formally, Russians have an alternative to flights to Europe through Istanbul – flights through Minsk. Transit through Minsk to Europe, depending on the directions, is 10-20% cheaper than through Istanbul.
Participants of the tourist market believe that flights through Minsk will interest independent travelers, as tour operators offer tours to Europe with transit through Belarus will not be due to the unresolved “question of safety of Russian citizens and the action of insurance”.
Experts draw attention to the tightening of the EU entry policy for Russian citizens.
Russians can theoretically buy a ticket and fly to a European country via Minsk. However, they must have a clear justification for entry. Family reunification, education, treatment, urgent business issues <...> In many European countries, travelers from Russia will simply not be allowed, and in this case, Russians will have to buy tickets again to return home. When planning a trip to Europe, take into account all risks and limitations.
Source: atorus
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