Do Australia passport holders need a visa to visit BY?

Australian ordinary passport holders can enter Belarus visa-free for up to 30 days for tourism, provided they arrive and depart by air through one of six designated international airports (Minsk National, Brest, Gomel, Grodno, Mogilev, Vitebsk) and not on a flight to/from Russia. This regime is confirmed extended through 31 December 2026. Belarus operates an airport-based visa-free regime covering citizens of 76 countries, including Australia. Australians can stay up to 30 days per visit without any prior visa or e-visa, capped at 90 days total within a calendar year. The waiver applies ONLY when entering and exiting through one of six designated airports - Minsk National Airport, Brest, Gomel, Grodno, Mogilev, or Vitebsk. Crucially, it does NOT apply to anyone arriving on a flight from the Russian Federation or departing on a flight to Russia (Belarus-Russia flights are treated as domestic and bypass border control). Land and rail crossings are NOT covered for Australians - that separate land/rail visa-free scheme is restricted to 38 European states. On arrival travellers must hold a passport valid at least 90 days beyond the planned departure date, valid medical insurance with at least EUR 10,000 coverage usable in Belarus, proof of sufficient funds (roughly 2 Belarusian base rates per day), and return/onward tickets. The regime is for tourism and short visits only; work, paid activity, or study require an appropriate visa. The current extension runs through 31 December 2026 under Belarusian presidential decree. Australia's Smartraveller currently advises "Do not travel" to Belarus due to the security situation and risk of arbitrary detention, so travellers should weigh that advice independently of the visa rules. Those entering by land/rail, transiting via Russia, or staying beyond 30 days need a Belarus visa or e-visa instead.