Cross-border route

Russia Belarus

Driving across the border

Yes — you can drive from Russia into Belarus: carry a certified IDP translation of your licence alongside the original so border officials and rental desks can read your credentials. Belarus expects foreign drivers to hold an IDP, prepared in the 1968 Vienna Convention format. Both countries drive on the right, so there is no change of driving side at the border. Plan your border crossing in advance and keep your passport, national licence and IDP together.

Get my permit for Belarus Belarus requirements

Last reviewed July 2026

Route at a glance

FromRussia

ToBelarus

IDP in BelarusStrongly recommended

Accepted format1968 Vienna

Driving sideright (no change)

Currency in BelarusBYN

Emergency number112 or 102

Top speed limit110 km/h motorways

Russia → Belarus

Crossing the border

Russia and Belarus share a land border you can cross by car. Keep your passport, national driving licence and International Driving Permit together, and check opening hours and any toll or vignette requirements before you travel.

Driving rules in Belarus

Drive on the right.
Zero-tolerance alcohol policy (0.0%).
Headlights on outside built-up areas.
Carry passport, IDP and home licence.

Once you're driving in Belarus

Destination-specific detail sourced from national road authorities, motoring clubs and rental policies — the things that catch cross-border drivers out.

Driving on a foreign licence

Belarus accepts foreign national licences for short visits, but because it is a party to the 1968 Vienna Convention an International Driving Permit accompanying your home licence is strongly recommended and is required by virtually all rental agencies; licences not in Cyrillic/Latin script effectively call for an IDP.

Tolls & road charges

Belarus runs the BelToll electronic system on major highways (including the M1 to/from the Polish border); cars over 3.5t and most foreign cars must fit an on-board unit obtained with a deposit at border points and BelToll stations, paying per kilometre.

Parking in the cities

Central Minsk has paid parking zones marked by signs, payable by SMS, the parking app or terminals; many hotels and malls offer lots. Unpaid or illegal parking risks fines and, near government buildings, towing.

Fines & camera enforcement

Traffic police can levy on-the-spot fines that are often higher than visitors expect, covering speeding, no seatbelt and phone use; pay against an official receipt only, and note enforcement is strict with frequent roadside checks.

If you have an accident

Call 102 for police and 103 for ambulance (or 112). You must not move the vehicles and must wait for the traffic police (GAI) to attend and document the scene; a police report is effectively mandatory for any insurance or rental claim.

Driving in the capital

In Minsk the wide central Independence Avenue and its underpasses move fast, stopping or standing on main avenues is tightly enforced, and foreigners are frequently stopped for routine document checks so keep IDP, passport and insurance to hand.

Sources: rac.co.uk · belarus.by · internationaldriversassociation.com · tyremap.com

Common questions

Do I need an International Driving Permit to drive from Russia to Belarus?

Yes — Belarus commonly asks foreign drivers to carry an IDP with their national licence. Belarus recognises the 1968 Vienna Convention format, which is the format your certified IDP translation is prepared in.

Does the driving side change between Russia and Belarus?

No. Both Russia and Belarus drive on the right.

What is the emergency number and speed limit in Belarus?

In Belarus, dial 112 or 102 for emergencies; 112 also works from most GSM phones. The maximum for cars on the fastest road class is 110 km/h motorways, but posted limits in towns and on secondary roads are lower and always take precedence.

How do tolls and road charges work in Belarus?

How quickly can I get an IDP for this trip?

International Driver Licence issues your digital IDP in as fast as 8 minutes, so you can have it ready before you set off.