Information on Safe Migration
We promote the role of women in society,
revealing her personal potential, professionally
assisting in the realization of civil and social rights
revealing her personal potential, professionally
assisting in the realization of civil and social rights
What to do if Sheremetyevo was refused entry: step-by-step instructions for Ukrainians
10.09.2025
It is not uncommon for Ukrainians to be denied entry to Russia. If this happened to you at Sheremetyevo Airport, you need to return to Belarus and temporarily register there and apply for protection. Below is a step—by-step plan on how to proceed.
Return to Belarus
You can only get from Russia to Belarus by air (direct flight). Important: the period of temporary stay in Belarus for Ukrainian citizens is 90 days for six months (and no more than 180 days per year).
Temporary registration
You can only stay without registration for up to 30 days. For further stay, you must register no later than this period. Registration is possible in person at the Citizenship and Migration Department at the place of residence.
Preparation and translation of documents
For any official procedures in Belarus, the documents must be in Belarusian or Russian and notarized.
Have the translated documents notarized:
- foreign passport;
- birth certificates of children (they will be needed to obtain a temporary residence permit in Belarus, for example, on the basis of an application for additional protection).
SIM card and mobile communication
Buy a Belarusian SIM card with internet connection. You will need it for:
- registration on housing search websites (Kufar.by , Irr.by ), where exactly the Belarusian number is required;
- mobile banking (without a SIM card, you will not be able to link the application and receive SMS codes);
- access to online services (shopping, taxi, marketplaces);
- communication with relatives, friends, landlord, bank, and government agencies, etc.
Where to buy a SIM card:
- official offices of operators: A1, MTS, life:);
- sales points in large shopping centers.
Opening a bank account
A Belarusian bank account is convenient and often necessary.
The most common banks: Belarusbank, Priorbank, Belinvestbank, Alfa-Bank, etc.
To open an account, you usually need:
- passport;
- temporary registration (some banks open an account without it, but may limit access to services).
Through mobile banking apps, you can pay for:
- utilities;
- taxi;
- internet and mobile communications;
- purchases on marketplaces, etc.
Finding housing and rental agreement
Finding an apartment is a key step because only with an official rental agreement can you get temporary registration.
Where to look for housing:
- websites Kufar.by, Irr.by (From Hand to Hand);
- Telegram channels with rental ads;
- real estate agencies (charge a commission).
Important point:
Check with the apartment owner if they are willing to sign a lease agreement. Many rent out housing "without a contract," but this is not suitable for legalization.
Things to pay attention to:
- the lease agreement must specify the rental period and all family members who will be residing;
- the lease agreement must be officially registered at the Settlement and Information Center ("one window"). With the registered agreement, you can obtain temporary registration at the OGiM.
Obtaining a temporary residence permit (temporary registration)
Temporary registration is your document for legal stay in Belarus. Without it, you cannot apply for additional protection, enroll a child in school, or enter into an employment contract.
Where to apply:
- at the OGiM (Department of Citizenship and Migration) of the Ministry of Internal Affairs at the location of the housing.
What is needed for registration:
- registered housing lease agreement;
- passports of all family members with notarized translation;
- application (form provided on site).
Application for additional protection
After receiving temporary registration, submit an application for additional protection to the Office of Citizenship and Migration (UGIM).
More information on this issue can be found on the website of the NGO "Business Women's Club" in the article "How can Ukrainian citizens get additional protection in Belarus?"
What provides additional protection
- the right to temporary residence in Belarus (with extension);
- the opportunity to work without obtaining a special permit, receive medical care on an equal basis with Belarusians;
- protection from deportation.
This instruction will help Ukrainians who find themselves in a difficult situation after being denied entry to the Russian Federation to legalize their stay in Belarus step by step and protect their rights.
Calls and written requests are temporarily not accepted!
- 8-801-201-5555, for calls on the territory of the Republic of Belarus, from landlines of mobile operators A1, MTC, life :) the call is free
- +375162218888, for calls from abroad and on the territory of the Republic of Belarus - payment at long-distance rates
- 113, free code-free calls from landlines in the territory of the Republic of Belarus.
You can leave a comment or share your story:
