We proceed to the presentation of the algorithm for crossing the border and appear before the clear eyes of the guards and publicans of the sovereign.
I’ll make a reservation right away that the border crossing in Domachevo is usually calmer than in Brest. But everywhere there are nuances. We heard that if a car in Brest is suspicious, it is driven aside and the car is checked by special officers, this does not affect the progress of the queue. If such a misfortune happened in Domachevo, then the same employees carefully inspect the suspicious transport, and the whole line waits patiently and for a long time. On the other hand, Domachevo tax collectors are famous for their strictness and severity among the “fuel trucks” and “double bassists” and the latter willingly go to Brest, which significantly reduces the time it takes to cross the line to Domachevo. We preferred Brest all the time and always stood from one to two hours on the Polish side, even if the Belarusians were empty.
So, all roads lead to Rome, while ours leads to the Belarusian-Polish border. She can be seen from afar.
In front of it is a large parking lot, where there is a last chance to visit the free WC before the border crossing. The Poles also have it - but for zlotys. Go find them in no man's land.
We have almost no prohibited goods. Almost - because there was half-eaten food left in the bag, and it is forbidden to import meat and dairy products into the European Union. We shift them out of harm's way from the trunk to the passenger compartment - a female bag is always dangling under the feet of the Journalist, as a rule, they do not pay attention to it. This time we don't even carry contraband smoke - strictly according to the rules - 2 packs per person. The import of alcohol into Europe is also limited - one liter per person, but we do not go to Tula with our own samovar and our own beer.
It is also forbidden to use photo and video equipment at the border crossing. A thorough search for photographs of the Polish checkpoint did not lead to anything, only one old picture was found on Polish sites, so those who are interested will have to read, not watch. But in Belarus we managed to take a few shots from afar.
Belarusian side
1. We roll up to the border guard booth and stop at the stop line. We are waiting for the officer to release the car in front.
You need to wait for him to give the go-ahead and drive up to the booth, show your passports, registration certificate. This time (March 27, 2014) for the first time at the entrance we were asked to open the trunk, usually they check later. These documents are entered into a computer, after a while they are returned to us along with a “runner” - a small piece of paper, which then will need to be returned at the exit. The gate goes up and we move on.
2. We drive forward several tens of meters.
Before us are several entrances to the customs zone. We are looking for a green corridor with the inscription: “All pasports. Nothing to declare” (“All passports. There are no goods to be declared”). There is only one car ahead of us in line. She moves off, we take her place and stop at the stop line. The border guard immediately waves to us and we drive closer. Here again, checking documents and comparing photographs with those present. She takes the papers and leaves. After a while, the documents are returned, the barrier rises and we again move to the next booth.
She can be seen in the distance. Also in the picture you can see the queue at the entrance to the Republic of Belarus. We know from experience that returning to your native land in the evening means losing several hours at the border crossing. 3. We drive up to the last booth on the side of the Republic of Belarus. The husband sees no one and gets out of the car. The border guard politely reminds you to wait in the car. After 3-4 minutes, an officer comes up to us, takes the “runner”, opens the barrier and we drive into the neutral zone - the bridge over the Bug River.
Polish side
I note right away that the Head of the Expedition speaks a little Polish. When the Polish “border guards” hear “Polish, albeit inferior”, they speak mother tongue. But they also speak Russian. Therefore, at the border you can communicate either in Russian or in Polish. English, I think, is also suitable.
4. We roll up to the Polish side, drive through an open barrier and see in front of us approximately the same picture as in paragraph 2 on the Belarusian side. Only instead of the inscription "Domachevo checkpoint" flaunts "Rzeczpospolita Polska".
We are again looking for the right corridor. Some are marked with a blue round badge with yellow stars - the Poles are going there, these lines are to the left along the way. We find a familiar green inscription: “All passports. green lane. Nothing to declare". The rightmost corridor is for light trucks. This is news for us, earlier trucks were not allowed to enter Domachevo, now cars up to 7 tons are allowed to enter.
5. We roll up to the green corridor, in front of us is a Toyota from Minsk. She moves off, we stop at the stop line, the officer waves his hand and we move behind the Toyota. A Polish “border guard” comes up, we present documents, along with a file with insurance, he has in his hand the reservations of Czech hotels. He leafs through them approvingly because he sees a Czech visa in his passport. Asks about the purpose of the trip. We answer honestly: "Tourism". Looks at the trunk. He leaves and takes away the documents.
6. The car in front of us drives off a few meters ahead, we take its place. A hand sticks out of the booth window and hands us documents. Attention, general advice! We have never heard of anyone having their documents mixed up. But always, when receiving passports at the border, we check whether they are our Ausweisses, because it’s better to make sure than to explain later that you are not Vasya Vasiliev and frantically search for Vasya. We are still standing still and watching the manipulations of the Toyota owner. It is located at the booth on the left in front. Finally, the car drives off.
7. We are invited with a gesture to take the place of the departed car. The officer takes the passports, asks if there are cigarettes, how much gasoline and if there is a prohibited product. The Head of the Expedition replies that there is one pack of cigarettes, a full tank of gasoline, nothing is not allowed. The border guard gives the passports and says: “You can go.”
Everything! The border has been passed. This time in a record short time. The procedure began on the Belarusian side at 17.25. Exactly at 18 o'clock in Moscow (in Polish - at 15!) We have already rolled across the Commonwealth.
We ignore the next road sign, because we are not going to paid autobahns.
The third pointer is as relevant as possible - we spend the night at.
Contrary to the rule, do not reserve a hotel in Poland, but drive as far as you can, with regret we drive to, because this time we decided to make a Polish reservation to obtain a Czech visa.
Finally - technical advice on currency exchange. In Terespol, there are no questions about this - just outside the border on the right there is a booth - an exchanger, (in Polish - KANTOR). Change rubles, euros, dollars. If you go to Domachevo, then the exchanger can be found at the first gas station to the right of the road. Or in the nearest city, in the same. You can withdraw zlotys from an ATM. Or stock up on them back in Russia - whatever suits you.
"M-1 on a plate".
For many citizens of the countries of the former CIS, the journey through Europe begins with Poland. Belarusian and Russian tourists can enter this country, for example, through the Domachevo checkpoint.
A couple of years ago, this checkpoint was closed for some time due to the need to repair the bridge over the Western Bug River, which separates Belarus and Poland at this point. At that time, many motorists were interested in when the Domachevo border crossing would be opened. After all, the load on other checkpoints of the Polish-Belarusian border at that time greatly increased. And consequently, the queues grew. But in October 2016, this checkpoint, fortunately, started working again.
What checkpoints are there on the Polish-Belarusian border
In total, there are 7 checkpoints in Belarus on the border with Poland. They work in different modes. Russian tourists can cross the border in a passenger car only through one of the following 5 checkpoints:
- "Warsaw Bridge".
- "Sand".
- "Brestovitsa".
- Domachevo.
- "Bruzgi".
The Kozlovichi checkpoint allows only freight transport to enter Poland. Only pedestrians and cyclists cross the border at Pererovo.
Where is the point "Domachevo"
This checkpoint is located 45 km south of the city of Brest. The exact coordinates of the Domachevo border crossing are as follows: 51°44"38"N 23°36"20"E. The checkpoint from Poland in this place is "Slovatichi".
Most often, motorists cross the border through the nearby Warsaw Bridge checkpoint. "Domachevo" is considered to be mostly an alternative transition. The fact is that very long queues often accumulate at the Varshavsky Bridge checkpoint. In this case, some travelers go further along the Polish border through Priluki and Znamenka to Domachevo.
To get to this checkpoint, you just need to turn left a little before reaching the Varshavsky Bridge and drive straight for about 40 km. The queues at the Domachevo border crossing usually do not accumulate too long.
What is a locality
Domachevo itself is For the first time this settlement is mentioned in documents of the 18th century. As part of Russian Empire the village appeared after the division of the Commonwealth in 1795. Even then, there was also a border post here.
In 1921, according to the Treaty of Riga, Domachevo became part of the interwar Polish Republic. After the outbreak of World War II, in 1939, this settlement became part of Belarus. January 15, 1940 Domachevo was given the status of an urban-type settlement.
During the Second World War, the Nazis staged on the territory of this settlement. ghetto, in which about 2-3 thousand Jews were subsequently killed. At the moment, the Polish border runs about 400 meters from this village.
Features of the checkpoint
Some time ago, as already mentioned, this checkpoint did not work. The Domachevo border crossing was closed in 2016, however, it was not for too long - only a few months. It is currently running smoothly.
Domachevo is chosen for crossing the border, thus, mainly those travelers who do not want to stand long time queue. In most cases, people arriving at this checkpoint in Poland find themselves within 1-2 hours.
Experienced travelers recommend this checkpoint to those tourists who want to get to the Czech Republic, Hungary or Slovakia through Poland. Also, Belarusian and Russian motorists heading to Kielce, Krakow or Lublin usually go through the Domachevo border crossing.
This checkpoint is most often chosen by tourists to cross the Polish border. "Warsaw Bridge" is preferred mainly by border merchants. Tourists, on the other hand, can easily make up for the time spent on the road from Brest to the village by quickly passing control. Moreover, the asphalt on the roads connecting these two settlements judging by the reviews, pretty good. And there are a lot of gas stations on local highways. Motorists have the opportunity to fill the tank with gasoline every 40 km.
Passes through the border checkpoint "Domachevo" basically only cars. This control point is international. Its throughput is 2000 cars per day. On average, about 800 cars pass through this point per day.
Reviews of the border crossing "Domachevo" from motorists deserved good. Special problems with travel to the territory of Poland for tourists passing control here, in the presence of all necessary documents usually does not occur. Passes passenger vehicles checkpoint to the territory of Poland around the clock, without breaks for lunch and weekends.
The queue at the border crossing "Domachevo" (Belarus - Poland) from the cars does not accumulate too much. But for those tourists who, for whatever reason, want to get to Poland as soon as possible, experienced travelers are advised to arrive at this border checkpoint around 8 am. On any day of the week at this time, crossing the border at Domachevo can be done very quickly, with almost no time wasted.
Control procedure
Tourists who decide to enter Poland through the border crossing at Domachevo first pass a gas station and one sump with a barrier. Then, near the second barrier, travelers pay an environmental fee of approximately 3,500 Belarusian rubles. At the same time, they are given a paper confirming this fact.
Next, motorists enter the second sump, where their documents are checked at the barrier. Also, tourists are given a "runner". IN last third the sump is located directly at the border terminal itself.
At this point, travelers must choose which corridor they need to go next. If you do not need to declare any goods, you should choose Green. Otherwise, you will need to go to the Red Corridor.
On the final stage travelers wishing to get to Poland, in the terminal itself, park the car where the customs officer indicates, and go to the transport inspection booth in order to get a signature on the “runner”. Here, tourists will be checked, among other things, for the availability of paid transit.
Polish item "Slovatichi"
We found out how the Domachevo border crossing works. But what awaits travelers at the checkpoint on the Polish side. As soon as the signature on the "runner" is received, tourists can already leave the territory of Belarus. Motorists need to follow the repaired bridge over the river and enter the Polish customs terminal. Here, travelers will have to answer several on-duty questions from border guards.
Employees of the Polish checkpoint "Slovatichi" speak, among other things, Russian. So travelers should not have any special problems with crossing the border at this stage either. Most FAQ, which employees of the Slovatichi point ask car owners are “What are you carrying?” and "Where are you going?"
As many travelers note, Polish border guards often also check the operation of the lighting equipment of tourists' cars crossing the border. The employees of the checkpoint "Slovatichi" very carefully monitor the amount of alcohol transported to the territory of their state. It is not allowed to carry more than 1 liter of vodka and 2 liters of wine per person. In addition, the number of cigarettes carried by travelers is also checked at the Polish border. According to the rules, it is allowed to carry no more than 2 packs of tobacco products per person.
What documents are required
To get to Poland through the Slovatichi - Domachevo border crossing, citizens of Belarus and the CIS countries, among other things, will need (for 2018):
- green map;
- international passport with a valid visa;
- medical insurance;
- Title, driver's license, registration certificate;
- MOT pass certificate;
- a document confirming the purpose of the trip;
- paper confirming the hotel reservation.
Travelers carrying a pet will need to present to the Polish border guards, among other things, a document confirming the absence of diseases. In addition, the pet must have a tattooed number or a sewn-in CHIP.
Travelers may also be required to show proof of solvency. Each person entering the territory of Poland must have at least 300 PLN for each day of residence (including the equivalent in foreign currency). You can show the border guards both cash and a credit card.
How to get to Poland through Domachevo for Russians
common border Poland also has it with the Russian Federation - in the Kaliningrad region. However, to get to this region, Russians need to pass through Lithuania, having issued a Schengen visa, or through Belarus. Therefore, many residents of the Russian Federation prefer to simply cross the border with Poland in the Brest region, including Domachevo, without making "loops" to the Kaliningrad region.
In order to get into Belarus itself, residents of Russia need to present at the border:
- your passport;
- documents confirming the right to drive the vehicle;
- green card.
Belarusian customs officers, among other things, have their own website. Here, Internet users who wish to visit this country can use the service electronic queue crossing the border. All that is needed for this is to register on the site and fill out the form provided. You can take a place in the electronic queue for crossing the border of Belarus in 90 days.
What is a green card
Such a policy is a kind of international similarity to the Russian OSAGO. Many draw up a Green Card Insurance companies RF and Belarus. Tourists traveling to Poland should definitely buy such a policy. Otherwise, they, unfortunately, will not be able to cross the border.
In Poland itself, the policy should be carried everywhere with you. In case of his absence, road inspectors on the territory of this state issue a rather large fine to the motorist. Russian tourists without this document, you should not drive on the roads of Belarus itself. The fine for his absence in this state for foreign citizens is about $ 200.
Driving through Poland
Terespol is the closest city to the Domachevo border crossing. Russian and Belarusian tourists enter the territory of Poland in Lately so many. And the infrastructure of the surroundings of Terespol is very friendly to travelers from the CIS countries. Along the E30 highway, for example, leading from the Domachevo checkpoint to this town, there are many billboards and signs in Russian.
The roads themselves in Poland, judging by the reviews of tourists, are mostly flat and two-lane. Overtaken drivers in this country traditionally lean to the right, letting a faster motorist pass. On simple roads in Poland it is allowed to drive at speeds up to 90 km/h, on highways - up to 120 km/h.
You can pay for food in restaurants and rooms in many roadside motels in Poland, including in euros. Institutions Catering and gas stations with toilets on the roads of this country are usually located every 30-50 km.
Motorists do not consider the roads of Poland too confusing. In order not to get lost in this country, Russian or Belarusian tourists You don't even need a navigator. For comfortable movement on the roads of Poland, it will be enough to buy a simple card at any of the stations.
Online video queue
Border crossing Domachevo - Slovatichi is located in the Brest region, Brest district, Domachevo village. At this checkpoint across the state border there is a republican checkpoint customs clearance- PTO "Domachevo" (working hours around the clock). Specialization of PTO "Domachevo" - customs operations related to the arrival at customs territory Customs Union and departure from such territory of goods transported in international road traffic
The checkpoint Domachevo - Slovatichi is located on the Belarusian side at the border crossing Domachevo - Slovatichi not far from the settlement of Domachevo, is one of the checkpoints in Belarus and from the side of Poland the checkpoint "Slovatichi" has an international status. Passenger cars, as well as vehicles with a carrying capacity of 3.5 tons, passenger minibuses with a capacity of up to 9 people can follow through it. Designed for the passage of citizens of any country and stateless persons.
Bandwidth"Domachevo" is up to 2500 cars per day in both directions. The Slovatichi checkpoint is capable of passing up to 2,000 vehicles of a mixed type.
Border crossing length Domachevo - Slovatichi from the barrier of the Border Committee of the Republic of Belarus at the entrance to the checkpoint "Domachevo" to the barrier at the exit from the checkpoint "Slovatichi" is 0.8 km.
Served destinations. Bialystok, Warsaw, Berlin: Brest-Warsaw, Vitebsk-Warsaw, Gomel-Warsaw, Minsk-Warsaw, Moscow-Warsaw, Gomel-Warsaw, Vitebsk-Warsaw. Additional destinations: Krakow, Wroclaw, Prague, Vienna, Bratislava: Brest-Prague, Vitebsk-Prague, Gomel-Prague, Minsk-Prague, Moscow-Prague.
The nearest checkpoint is an:
- - 69 km along the R-94 road.