MINSK, 23 March (BelTA) – In line with the Russian government's resolution of 20 March, Belarusians and citizens of the other CIS countries are allowed to transit Russia. Belarusians who do not have a Russian residence permit still cannot enter the country, BelTA learned from the press service of the Belarusian Embassy in Russia.
“If one reads the resolution of the Russian government closely till the end, they will understand that it allows only transit of Belarusians who return home from third countries. Allowing Belarusians who do not have a Russian residence permit to enter the country in order to stay there is out of the question now,” the press service noted.
On 23 March, the Russian official internet portal of legal information published Resolution No.685p of the Russian government of 20 March that introduces amendments to Resolution No.635p of 16 March. According to it, Point 1 of Resolution 635p does not apply to the CIS citizens, who arrive in Russia in order to depart for their native countries via airports or other border checkpoints by other means of transportation.
The resolution instructs the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs to interact with embassies of the relevant countries, and the Russian Federal Service for the Oversight of Consumer Protection and Welfare to ensure sanitary control. The Russian Ministry of Internal Affairs is responsible for escorting persons who travel by road transport to the border.
In line with Resolution No.635p of 16 March 2020, Russia banned the entry of all foreign citizens, including Belarusians and citizens of the other CIS countries, from 18 March till 1 May in view of the coronavirus situation.
