MFA clarifies entry and exit rules for Belarusians holding foreign citizenship

MINSK ( BelTA) – The Belarusian Ministry of Foreign Affairs has provided clarification on the rules for Belarusian citizens who also hold foreign citizenship when entering and leaving Belarus, BelTA has learned.

“Under the Law of the Republic of Belarus ‘On Citizenship of the Republic of Belarus’ of 1 August 2002, if at least one of a child’s parents is a citizen of Belarus on the day of the child’s birth, the child acquires Belarusian citizenship by birth regardless of the place of birth. A person who is a citizen of Belarus is not recognized as holding citizenship of a foreign state,” said Svetlana Borisenko, Head of the Citizenship and Exit Abroad Division of the MFA’s Main Consular Department.

This means that Belarusian citizens must enter and leave Belarus using a Belarusian passport, even if they also hold citizenship of another country.

“Belarusian nationals abroad who do not have a valid Belarusian passport, including because their passport has expired, is unfit for use or has been lost, should contact a Belarusian embassy or consulate convenient for them to obtain a certificate of return. This document confirms the holder’s right to make a one-time entry into the Republic of Belarus,” the MFA explained.

The ministry emphasized that a certificate of return to Belarus cannot be used to leave the country.