Arriving in Belarus in 2026, you can bring duty-free goods worth up to €500 (air) or €300 (land/sea) and 1 liter of spirits (or 2 liters of wine/beer). Strict bans on narcotics, weapons, and certain meats apply. Cash over $10,000 must be declared.
Duty-free allowances
Alcohol
1.0 L
1 liter of alcoholic beverages with alcohol content over 22%, OR 2 liters of wine/beer. Traveller must be 18+.
Tobacco
200 cigarettes
or 50 cigars / 250 g
Cash to declare
$10,000
Cash amounts equivalent to $10,000 or more must be declared in writing on the customs declaration form. This includes banknotes, traveler's checks, and monetary instruments.
Goods duty-free
$800
Duty-free allowance for personal goods is €500 (approx. $540) for air travellers, €300 for land/sea travellers. Goods above this value are subject to duty at 30% of the excess value, but not less than €4 per kg.
Prohibited — banned from import
Narcotic drugs, psychotropic substances, and their precursors (except with a prescription for medical use, pre-approved)
Firearms, ammunition, explosives, and military equipment (except with special permit from the Ministry of Internal Affairs)
Radioactive materials and hazardous waste
Obscene or pornographic materials (including on electronic media)
Meat and dairy products from countries with animal disease outbreaks (e.g., African swine fever regions)
Endangered species of flora and fauna (CITES-listed) without a permit
Restricted — allowed with a permit or declaration
Medicines containing narcotic or psychotropic substances (e.g., codeine, tramadol) – require a prescription and a medical certificate, limited to a 90-day supply
Plants, seeds, and soil – require a phytosanitary certificate
Drones (unmanned aerial vehicles) – require prior registration with the Belarusian aviation authority and a permit for import
Satellite phones and encryption devices – require a license from the State Security Committee (KGB)
Cultural valuables (antiques, artworks over 100 years old) – require an export permit from the Ministry of Culture
Rules worth knowing
Duty-free allowance based on travel frequency
If you enter Belarus more than once every 90 days, your duty-free allowance for goods drops from €500 to €300 (air) or €150 (land/sea). This applies to non-residents as well.
Temporary import of vehicles
Foreign-registered vehicles can be driven in Belarus for up to 1 year without customs clearance, but you must declare the vehicle at entry and exit. Overstaying risks seizure and fines.
Currency declaration for amounts under $10,000
Even if you carry less than $10,000, you may still be asked to declare any cash if you are carrying Belarusian rubles equivalent to more than $500 – the banknotes themselves are restricted for export.
Frequently asked questions
Yes, personal electronics like laptops, cameras, and smartphones for your own use are generally duty-free as long as their total value does not exceed €500 (air) or €300 (land/sea). If you have multiple units, customs may consider them commercial goods.
You must pay duty on the excess. For alcohol, the duty is €10 per liter of spirits over 22% and €5 per liter of wine/beer. You can bring up to 5 liters total, but anything over 3 liters is subject to higher rates.
Only if they contain narcotic or psychotropic substances (e.g., codeine, diazepam, tramadol). For those, you need a doctor's prescription and a medical certificate in English or Russian. Non-controlled medicines for personal use are fine without declaration.
Yes, up to 5 kg of food products of plant origin (e.g., chocolate, nuts) and up to 5 kg of animal products (e.g., cheese, butter) are allowed duty-free, provided they are for personal consumption and in original packaging. Meat and dairy from countries with disease outbreaks are banned.
There is no limit on importing Belarusian rubles, but you must declare any amount equivalent to $10,000 or more. However, exporting rubles is restricted – you can take out up to 500 BYN (about $160) without declaration.
The duty-free allowance for goods is €300 (not €500) for land border crossings. You must also declare any fuel in the tank – up to 10 liters is duty-free; excess is taxed at €0.50 per liter.
For guidance only. Customs allowances and prohibited-item lists change without notice — always confirm with State Customs Committee of the Republic of Belarus before travelling.