Visitors coming to Białowieża Forest have an opportunity to go to the Belarussian part of the Forest without cost- and time-consuming visa formalities.
Belarussian Forest, as a part of the one integral forest ecosystem, is definitely worth seeing. Local authorities are now taking many actions to improve tourist infrastructure. You will find there accommodation, bicycle and foot trails, a nature museum and plenty of interesting events addressed to visitors. You will discover a great hospitality of local people and its traditional village culture.
Things to know:
1. To cross the border you need: valid passport and ‘’on-line pass’’ (see below how to get it)
2. You are allowed to stay only within the territory of the National Park „Belovezhskaya Pushcha”
3. Duration of one visit is maximum 72 hours
4. Border crossing allowed only on foot or bicycle in the one crossing point Białowieża-Piererow
Working hours:
from April 1 to September 30: 8.00-20.00
from October 1 to March 31: 8.00-18.00
Formalities to complete:
1. Go to http://bezvizy.npbp.by/en/ , fill in and send your visitor request to get a border pass ‘’Permit’’ (you are obliged to buy an entry ticket to the trail – about 5 EUR by online payment). Your border pass will be send on email and it takes a few hours. Simplified exchange 1 EUR – 2,3 rubel.
2. Get medical care insurance. You can buy it in Białowieża village, e.x. in PTTK tourist Office, Żubrówka Hotel, Białowieski Hotel. The cost is about 2 EUR per 1 person (3 days).
Crossing the border do not forget about:
1. Valid passport
2. ‘Permit’ – your border pass received by email, print it and keep with you
3. Medical care insurance
4. Keep ‘migration card’ with your passport (a document to fill in that you will receive at the crossing point)
5. Get to the crossing point only on foot or bicycle
Hints:
– if you are on a group and want to make your trip easier, get a tourist agency that offers trips to the Belorussian part. There are some in Białowieża.
– remember about time shift. One-hour in summer season and two-hours in winter season compared to the Polish time zone.
– control your mobile phone transfer, the Belorussian rates are much higher compared to the EU roaming area
– the main place to visit is Kamieniuki, 19 km from the border, you can get there by bus first departures 10.00 and 17.30 CET, the cost is about 7 EUR per 1 person with return ticket included
– while buying excisable goods do not forget about border crossing limits
Have a good trip
