Important Changes Are On The Horizon In Belarus
- 30.10.2026, 11:16
November's Biggest "Surprises."
In November, some benefits will be adjusted, schoolchildren will have a break, and the fall draft will conclude across the country.
You’ll also need to pay your property taxes by mid-month, according to Tochka.by.
Funeral allowance is being reduced
Starting November 1, the allowance paid to citizens for the funerals of relatives will be reduced.
The amount is equal to the national average salary for the month before last relative to the month in which the person died.
In November, the amount will be Br3,099.3—Br36.6 less than in October, when it was Br3,135.9.
Incidentally, the benefit has decreased for the second month in a row due to a decline in the country’s average salary. In September, it was Br3,172, meaning the amount decreased by Br36.1 in October.
Travel Discount Expires
Starting November 1, the discount on economy-class regional train fares for retirees will no longer be valid.
As a reminder, the discount amounts to 50% of the ticket price. Seniors can take advantage of it during the seasonal agricultural work period starting May 1.
Starting in November, however, retirees will have to pay the full ticket price when traveling, just like other adult passengers.
School Break Begins
Belarusian secondary schools will have a break in November.
Students will be on break from November 1 through November 8.
The school break schedule for the 2026/2027 academic year has been set by a decision of the Ministry of Education.
Sales of winter diesel fuel begin
Starting November 1, all gas stations in Belarus will begin selling winter diesel fuel, according to “Neftekhimiya.”
This refers to DT-Z-K5 Class 0 winter diesel fuel with a maximum filterability temperature of no higher than -20°C and a cloud point of no higher than -10°C, as well as DT-3-K5 Class 2 with a filterability limit of -32°C.
You can determine which type of diesel fuel is available at a specific gas station by checking the information displayed on the fuel dispensing equipment.
Belneftekhim recommends replacing the fuel filter in a timely manner and ensuring the use of lubricants and coolants recommended by the vehicle manufacturer to ensure uninterrupted operation of vehicles in winter.
In addition, drivers should check the condition of their glow plugs and battery, as well as arrange for seasonal tire replacement in advance.
Beltelecom Rates Are Rising
Starting November 1, Beltelecom is increasing some of its rates for residential customers.
The changes will affect local telephone services, long-distance calls, byfly Internet access, and telecommunications service packages.
For example, the “Domosed Start” plan will increase from Br17.8 to Br18.5 per month. “Domosed XXL” will rise from Br19.75 to Br20.7. The “Super Domosed” plan will increase from Br22.75 to Br23.85. The “Domosed Ultra” plan will increase from Br25 to Br26.25.
Prices for legacy plans will also be raised.
Fishing for three species of fish is prohibited
Starting November 1, a ban on fishing for common catfish and Chudskaya whitefish will take effect. This information was provided by the State Inspectorate for the Protection of Flora and Fauna.
The ban on both commercial and recreational fishing for catfish will remain in effect through March 31, and for Chud whitefish through December 15.
In addition, from November 15 through December 20, commercial fishing for European vendace is prohibited in the republic’s fishing waters.
International flights are restricted
Starting November 1, Latvia intends to extend the ban on its carriers providing international non-scheduled passenger bus services that cross the Latvian-Belarusian border.
This means that tourist, sightseeing, and charter bus trips will still not be permitted.
The restriction will again be in effect for one year—through October 31, 2027.
As before, the restrictions do not apply to regular passenger transport services.
Visa requirements introduced for Montenegro
Starting November 1, Belarusian citizens entering Montenegro will need a visa. The new rules will apply to tourist, visitor, business, and transit travel.
A national visa from Montenegro will be required to cross the border, as Montenegro is not part of the Schengen Area. Visa applications in Belarus can be submitted either through the Montenegrin Embassy in Moscow or through VFS Global visa centers in Minsk.
The reason for the rule change is that Montenegro has set a course toward joining the European Union and is therefore bringing its visa policy into line with the new requirements.
Price caps are being introduced for apples and vegetables
In November, maximum retail price caps for fruits and vegetables from stabilization funds will take effect, along with a maximum markup limit when setting retail prices for such products supplied under government contracts.
This decision was made by MART.
Specifically, the following maximum retail price caps have been set:
for cucumbers (long, medium) – Br9.162
tomatoes (red, excluding cherry tomatoes and vine tomatoes) – Br10.36
fresh table potatoes – Br1.11
fresh table beets – Br1.23
fresh table carrots – Br1.41
fresh white cabbage – Br1.7
fresh onions – Br1.77
fresh apples – Br4.8.
Prices include VAT; the markup must not exceed 30%.
Restrictions on cucumbers and tomatoes take effect on November 1; for other vegetables and apples, they take effect on November 15.
Qualification requirements are being updated
Starting November 14, the qualification requirements for four blue-collar occupations will change. This decision was made by the Ministry of Labor.
The occupations in question are:
third-grade security guard
sixth-grade checkpoint inspector
7th-grade installer of sanitary and technical systems and equipment
attendant for amusement rides and gaming equipment.
Specifically, for the security guard position, the facilities whose security falls under this grade have been specified, and for the installer, work involving the commissioning and maintenance of automatic fire suppression systems has been included.
Tax payment deadline is approaching
Belarusians must pay their property taxes—including real estate, land, and vehicle taxes—by November 16 (Monday).
Notices have been sent to taxpayers’ personal accounts and via email to those who have confirmed their preference to receive them electronically.
Restrictions are being introduced at casinos
Starting November 25, individuals under the age of 18 and those restricted from visiting gambling establishments, virtual gambling establishments, and participating in games of chance will be prohibited from participating in electronic instant lotteries.
The relevant decisions are set forth in Decree No. 64 of February 20, 2026, “On Improving Lottery Operations.”
At the same time, a mechanism has been established whereby banks may refuse to process transactions related to the payment of lottery bets for the aforementioned individuals.
In addition, a requirement is being introduced that lottery participants may only fund their gaming accounts via non-cash transactions.
Enrollment for distance learning is closing
On the last day of the month, November 30, enrollment for distance learning in secondary specialized agricultural programs will close, according to the Ministry of Agriculture and Food.
Students may apply for either government-funded or self-pay programs. Enrollment in the distance learning program will be finalized by December 10.
Admission is based on the average grade on the high school transcript. No separate entrance exams are required for standard majors—final ranking depends primarily on grades on the high school transcript.
Individuals with a general secondary education, as well as those with a vocational and technical education—provided it was obtained alongside a general secondary education—are eligible to apply for the distance learning program in specialized secondary education.
In addition, enrollment for distance learning programs at higher education institutions specializing in agriculture will take place from November 15 to December 5, the ministry reported.
Entrance exams for distance learners will be held from December 6 to 15, and enrollment for state-funded and self-funded spots must be completed by December 20.
Applicants for the programs “Agriculture,” “Veterinary Medicine,” “Fisheries,” and “Occupational Safety” must take two subject-specific entrance exams.
These can be taken as part of the Centralized Exam (CE) or the Centralized Test (CT), or as two internal exams administered directly by the university. The choice is up to the applicant.
Admission to these programs is based on the results of the two subject-specific exams and the average grade on the applicant’s academic transcript.
If a major at an agricultural university does not fall under the four fields listed above, applicants will need to take three exams: either Belarusian or Russian (at the applicant’s choice) and two specialized subjects.
Fall conscription is coming to an end
Conscription of conscripts for active military service and reserve duty will continue in November.
According to the Ministry of Defense, the Belarusian Armed Forces will recruit about 10,000 new recruits this fall. In addition, about 600 people are scheduled to be assigned to reserve duty between September and November.
The new recruits will take the military oath on November 21.