Monthly Update (August 2026):
The Novozybkov & Selishche Border Crossing remains a useful route between the Gomel and Bryansk regions, with traffic generally moving without the kind of sustained queues seen on the major Russia–Belarus corridors. Checks can take a little longer when security measures are tighter, but there is no indication of a recent disruption at the crossing itself. For foreign travelers, its importance has increased since the Belarus–Russia visa agreement took effect, as Selishche–Novozybkov is one of the six designated road crossings where international travelers can cross the land border.
About this crossing
Operational Details
This checkpoint connects the Gomel Region of Belarus with the Bryansk Oblast of Russia. It is a full-service international crossing, open to all passenger cars and commercial freight. The facility is large and designed to handle a high volume of traffic. It is the main gateway for travel and trade between southeastern Belarus and central Russia. For years, controls for Union State citizens were minimal, but formal checkpoints are now in place for all traffic, though the level of scrutiny can vary.
A History Shaped by Chornobyl
The history of this region is one of a shared Slavic heartland, part of the ancient territory of Kievan Rus'. The modern border is a Soviet-era administrative line. The defining event for this entire region was the Chornobyl disaster. The Gomel and Bryansk oblasts were among the most heavily contaminated areas outside of the immediate exclusion zone. The city of Novozybkov in Russia became known as a major center for studying the health effects of the radiation. Large swaths of the surrounding countryside were evacuated and remain areas of strict radiological control. This has had a profound and lasting impact on the region's demography, economy, and psychology. The highway and the border crossing run through this affected landscape.
Nearby Border Crossings
The Ambiguous Border Procedure
The border crossing procedure here is subject to the unique rules of the Union State. For citizens of Russia and Belarus, the process may be a relatively quick document check. For third-country nationals, however, this crossing is extremely problematic. Russia has often not officially designated this land border as an international checkpoint for people, only for goods. This means that even if you have valid visas for both countries, you can be denied entry into Russia and told to re-route via an official international crossing point like Yezerishche-Nevel or an airport. The rules can be enforced arbitrarily, making it a very high-risk route for non-Union State passport holders.
The Surrounding Region
The surrounding area is a landscape of forests, fields, and rivers. On the Belarusian side, the crossing is south-west of the major city of Gomel, the second-largest city in Belarus, with its beautiful palace and park ensemble. On the Russian side, the crossing leads to the city of Novozybkov, and further on to the major industrial and administrative center of Bryansk. The entire region is dotted with villages and towns that are still dealing with the long-term consequences of the Chornobyl disaster. It is a region of quiet resilience in the face of a profound environmental challenge.
Practical Travel Information
Practical planning for this route requires careful research, especially for non-Union State citizens who are strongly advised against using it. The highway is a major route and is well-maintained. The official currencies are the Belarusian Ruble (BYN) and the Russian Ruble (RUB). You will find all necessary services like petrol stations and currency exchange in the major cities of Gomel and Bryansk. Ensure your vehicle insurance (Green Card) is valid for both countries. Be aware that you are traveling through areas with some level of radioactive contamination; while the main highway is considered safe for transit, it is advisable to follow local guidance regarding consumption of local produce.
Final Considerations
The Selishche–Novozybkov border crossing is a major economic corridor that runs through a region with a tragic and complex history. It is a place where the routine of daily commerce and travel unfolds against a backdrop of long-term environmental recovery. For international travelers, it is a legal gray zone and a risky choice. For the people of the Union State, it is a vital link. It is a crossing that is defined by this duality: a functional, busy highway on the one hand, and a passage through a somber, invisible landscape on the other.
View all border crossings between Belarus and RussiaPractical information
Fuel
Belarus: <1 km - Russia: <1 km
Currency
Exchange nearby; BYN, RUB
Safety information
Active route; low crime
Connectivity
4G coverage
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