Leaving Belarus After Your Programme
Updated June 2026
Whether you are leaving Belarus temporarily (planning to return for the September intake) or not returning at all, this guide covers what you need to do before you depart. The most important steps are retrieving all your original documents, settling all outstanding balances, and understanding the implications for your visa and insurance.
Need help with your transition?
Your inBelarus agent on Go will guide you through every step and payment.
Who This Guide Is For
- Students finishing a Russian Language Course or Preparatory Programme and planning to return home for the summer
- Students who have decided not to continue studying in Belarus — either permanently or not for the immediate next intake
- Students who need to exit Belarus while deciding what to do next
Your Exit Visa
An exit visa is obligatory once you finish your Russian Language Course or Preparatory Programme — this applies whether you are transferring, staying, or leaving. Even if your current visa or TRP is still technically valid, you cannot legally depart Belarus without an active exit (or entry/exit) visa. Your university issues it once your exit list and final paperwork are complete; budget for this regardless of how much time is left on your current visa/TRP.
Getting Your Documents Back
Before leaving you must retrieve all original documents from your university. Your university will issue an exit list — a checklist of departments requiring signatures before documents are released. Request this approximately 2 weeks before your programme ends. You will not get your documents back until all outstanding hostel and tuition debts are fully settled.
Documents to retrieve:
- Notarised passport translation (original)
- Study certificate from current university (confirming programme completion)
- Medical examination results (original)
- Medical insurance documents (original)
- School leaving certificate / O-level / A-level (original)
- Any other original documents submitted on arrival
You cannot get your documents back if you have any outstanding debts to the university or hostel. Settle everything before your last day.
Keep all documents safe during travel — losing originals causes significant difficulties if you decide to return.
If you plan to return in September, your documents will need to be in order for re-enrollment. Do not leave any document behind.
Step-by-Step Process
Inform your agent of your plans
Let your agent know as early as possible whether you are leaving temporarily (returning in September) or not returning. This affects the administrative steps they need to take on your behalf.
Request your exit list and begin collecting signatures
About 2 weeks before your programme ends, request the exit list from the university. Visit each department and obtain all required signatures. This typically takes 3–5 days.
Settle all outstanding balances
Clear any remaining hostel fees, tuition arrears, or other university debts. The library, finance department, and hostel management will not sign your exit list until all debts are paid. Any remaining hostel prepayment balance will be refunded or transferred by the university.
Retrieve all original documents
Once all signatures are collected and balances settled, the university will return your originals. Check every document carefully and report any missing items before you leave the university.
Plan your insurance and visa situation
Review the current expiry date of your medical insurance. If you plan to return in September, decide with your agent whether to let the insurance lapse and purchase a new policy on return, or to maintain continuous coverage. Continuous coverage is often more cost-effective for a short absence.
Obtain your exit visa before departing
You cannot leave Belarus without an active exit visa, no matter how much time is left on your current visa or TRP. Your agent will help you apply for it once your exit list and final paperwork are complete — typically about 1 week before your planned departure.
For September returners: plan re-enrollment before you leave
If you plan to return for the September intake, discuss your re-enrollment options with your agent before leaving Belarus. Whether you are applying to a new programme, a new university, or re-enrolling at the same university, starting the process before departure saves significant time and avoids missing deadlines.
Fee Breakdown & Deadlines
Enter your course end date to calculate personalised deadlines.
My programme ends on:
All deadlines in the table are calculated for this date.
| Item | Amount (USD) | Recommended by |
|---|---|---|
Outstanding hostel balance settlement Must be settled before signatures can be collected on your exit list. Check your current balance with hostel management. | Varies (what you owe) | 27/06/2026 3 days before course end |
Exit visa fee Obligatory for every finishing student regardless of your current visa/TRP status — you cannot leave Belarus without it. Have funds ready about 1 week before your programme ends. | ~$100 | 23/06/2026 7 days before course end |
Insurance continuation (if returning in September) If you are returning in September and wish to maintain continuous coverage. Your agent will advise the most cost-effective option. | Varies — discuss with agent | 30/06/2026 Last day of course |
All amounts are approximate. Paid in Belarusian rubles at the National Bank exchange rate — add a 5–10% buffer.
Agency assistance fees are not included — contact your agent on inBelarus Go for the current rate.
All information is subject to change. Confirm current fees with your agent before making any payment.
Processing Timeline & Exit Visas
Expected processing time
The departure process itself takes approximately 1–2 weeks (exit list + signatures + document retrieval). If returning in September, plan the re-enrollment process well in advance — ideally 1–2 months before the September intake begins.
How many exit visas to expect
1 exit visa, always — every finishing student must obtain an exit visa before departing, regardless of how much time is left on their current visa or TRP.
Important Notes
RETURNING IN SEPTEMBER: If you plan to return for the September intake, contact your agent before leaving Belarus. Discuss which programme and university you want to apply to next. Starting the application process before you leave is much more efficient than starting after you return home.
NOT RETURNING: If you have decided not to continue studying in Belarus, ensure you formally withdraw from the university rather than simply not returning. This ensures your record is properly closed and avoids any complications if you want to return in the future.
DOCUMENT SAFETY: Carry all retrieved original documents in your hand luggage. Never put originals in checked baggage. Losing originals significantly complicates any future re-enrollment.
HOSTEL REFUNDS: If you have a positive balance in your hostel prepayment account, the university will process a refund. This may take several weeks. Ask your agent how to handle this if you are leaving before the refund is processed.
ALL PRICES ARE APPROXIMATE: Any fees are paid in Belarusian rubles. Add a buffer. Information is subject to change — confirm with your agent.
Related Reading
Your agent will guide you through every step and payment in this process.