Travel To Belarus: What Americans Need To Know

The US Department of State has issued a Level 4 travel advisory for Belarus, indicating that Americans should not travel to the country due to the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, the arbitrary enforcement of local laws, the potential for civil unrest, and the risk of detention. The US Embassy in Minsk has also been closed, and all consular services have been suspended. However, some Americans have reported travelling to Belarus without issue, while others have been denied entry or detained. Those who choose to travel to Belarus are advised to exercise caution, avoid political activities, and follow the recommendations provided by the US Department of State.

Visa requirements

The US Department of State has issued a Level 4 travel advisory for Belarus, recommending US citizens not to travel to the country due to the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, the arbitrary enforcement of local laws, the potential for civil unrest, and the risk of detention. The US Embassy in Minsk has also suspended all consular services until further notice. As such, US citizens in Belarus are advised to depart immediately and seek consular services in another country.

US citizens wishing to enter Belarus must have a valid passport and may be required to obtain a visa, depending on the purpose and duration of their visit. For short-term stays of up to 30 days for tourism or business purposes, US citizens can enter Belarus visa-free through Minsk International Airport, provided they meet certain requirements. These include having a valid passport, arriving from and departing to a country other than Russia, showing evidence of sufficient funds and medical insurance, and registering with the local authorities if staying for more than five working days.

For stays longer than 30 days, or for purposes other than tourism or business, US citizens will need to obtain a visa before travelling to Belarus. Instructions for obtaining a visa can be found on the website of the Embassy of Belarus. It is important to note that the Government of Belarus has the authority to deny entry to any foreign visitor, regardless of whether they have a visa.

When travelling to Belarus, it is essential to comply with all local laws and regulations, avoid political activities and demonstrations, and monitor local news and travel advisories for updates and potential changes to visa requirements.

Border closures

The US Department of State has issued a Level 4: Do Not Travel advisory for Belarus due to several factors, including the country's facilitation of Russia's war against Ukraine, the arbitrary enforcement of local laws, the potential for civil unrest, and the risk of detention. US citizens are advised not to travel to Belarus and those currently in the country are recommended to depart immediately. This advisory was reissued in July 2023 and remains in effect as of August 2023.

In light of the situation, US citizens should be aware that border crossings with neighbouring countries may be closed with little notice. Additional closures of crossing points along Belarus' borders with Lithuania, Poland, Latvia, and Ukraine are possible. US citizens should regularly reevaluate their departure plans in case of an emergency.

For US citizens who require consular services, the US Embassy in Minsk has suspended all operations until further notice. Those seeking consular services should try to leave the country as soon as possible and contact a US embassy or consulate in another country.

As of August 21, 2023, the Lithuanian government closed two border crossings with Belarus at Tverecius/Vidzy and Sumskas/Losha. The border crossings at Lavoriskes/Kotlova, Medininkai/Kamenny, Raigardas/Privalka, and Salcininkai/Beniakoni remain open. The Polish, Lithuanian, and Latvian governments have stated that further closures of border crossings with Belarus are possible.

It is important to note that US citizens are not permitted to enter Poland overland from Belarus. Therefore, if planning to depart Belarus, US citizens should consider leaving via the remaining border crossings with Lithuania and Latvia or by plane. Additionally, travel to Russia or Ukraine is strongly advised against.

For those who decide to travel to Belarus despite the advisory, it is crucial to have a contingency plan that does not rely on US government assistance. This includes having valid travel documents easily accessible, enrolling in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) for alerts, and monitoring local and international media to stay informed about any developments that may impact travel plans.

Safety concerns

The US Department of State has issued a Level 4 travel advisory for Belarus, indicating that US citizens should not travel to the country. This is due to several factors, including the Belarusian authorities' facilitation of Russia's war against Ukraine, the buildup of Russian military forces in Belarus, the arbitrary enforcement of local laws, the potential for civil unrest, the risk of detention, and the limited ability of the US Embassy to provide assistance to US citizens. The US government has ordered the departure of its employees and suspended operations at the US Embassy in Minsk, meaning that all consular services are currently suspended.

There is a heightened risk of volatility and unpredictability in the region due to the ongoing conflict. Potential harassment specifically targeted at foreigners is also possible. US citizens are advised to exercise increased awareness and vigilance regarding political and military tensions in the region and to avoid public demonstrations. Authorities have used force to disperse demonstrators, and bystanders, including foreign nationals, may face the risk of arrest or detention.

Belarusian authorities have detained tens of thousands of individuals, including US citizens, for alleged affiliations with opposition parties and participation in political demonstrations. Some US citizens have been subjected to harassment and/or mistreatment by Belarusian officials. Additionally, the Belarusian government has targeted individuals associated with independent and foreign media.

There are also concerns about the enforcement of local laws. For example, Belarus enforces special restrictions on dual US-Belarusian nationals and may refuse to acknowledge their US citizenship, potentially denying or delaying consular assistance. US citizens should also be aware of the local laws regarding activities such as photography, as taking pictures of certain sites of military or security interest may result in problems with the authorities.

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has issued an advisory notice prohibiting US air carriers, operators, airmen and airwomen, and registered aircraft from operating in the Minsk Flight Information Region.

In terms of transportation, US citizens should be aware that Belarus and Russia do not have international passport control capabilities at their land border. Therefore, even those with valid visas may not cross the border by car, train, or on foot. Only Russian and Belarusian passport holders may transit the land border. Additionally, the US Embassy in Belarus recommends against the use of informal, unregistered taxis.

US citizens travelling to Belarus are advised to have a contingency plan that does not rely on US government assistance and to enrol in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive alerts and make it easier to be located in an emergency. It is also important to monitor local and international media and be prepared to adjust plans based on new information.

Border Closures

It is important to note that border crossings with neighbouring countries may be closed with little notice. Additional closures of crossing points along Belarus' borders with Lithuania, Poland, Latvia, and Ukraine are possible. US citizens are not permitted to enter Poland overland from Belarus. Therefore, those seeking to depart Belarus should consider doing so via the remaining border crossings with Lithuania and Latvia or by plane.

Travel advisories

The US Department of State has issued a Level 4 ("Do Not Travel") travel advisory for Belarus. This is due to the country's facilitation of Russia's war against Ukraine, the buildup of Russian military forces, the arbitrary enforcement of local laws, the potential for civil unrest, the risk of detention, and the limited ability of the US Embassy in Minsk to provide consular services. The US government has ordered the departure of US government employees and suspended operations at the embassy as of February 28, 2022. All consular services have been suspended until further notice.

US citizens in Belarus are advised to depart immediately via the remaining border crossings with Lithuania and Latvia, or by plane. Overland entry into Poland from Belarus is not permitted for US citizens. Travel to Russia or Ukraine is also advised against.

If US citizens decide to travel to Belarus, they are advised to:

• Have a contingency plan that does not rely on US government assistance.
• Avoid demonstrations and crowds.
• Monitor local and international media for breaking news and be prepared to adjust plans accordingly.
• Ensure travel documents are valid and easily accessible.
• Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive alerts and make it easier to be located in an emergency.
• Follow the Department of State on Facebook and Twitter.
• Review the Country Security Report for Belarus.
• Visit the CDC page for the latest travel health information.

US citizens should also be aware of the following:

• Border crossings with neighbouring states may be closed with little notice.
• Belarus enforces special restrictions on dual US-Belarusian nationals and may refuse to acknowledge dual nationals' US citizenship.
• The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has issued an advisory notice prohibiting US air carriers, airmen/airwomen, and registered aircraft from operating in the Minsk Flight Information Region.
• US citizens staying in Belarus for more than five business days must register with the local office of the Citizenship and Migration Department of the Ministry of Interior.
• Belarus has a low rate of street crime, but criminals have been known to use force if met with resistance. Common street crimes occur near public transportation venues, hotels frequented by foreigners, and at night in poorly lit areas.
• Medical care in Belarus is neither modern nor easily accessible. Hospitals and medical facilities are below US standards and lack basic supplies.
• Belarus requires all visitors to show evidence of valid health insurance that covers the country.
• Some common medications in the US, such as opioid pain relievers, are illegal in Belarus.
• Belarus has a toll system for certain roads that requires payment.
• Driving under the influence is common despite a strict zero-tolerance law.
• Public transportation is generally safe, but travellers should be wary of pickpocketing and other petty crimes.
• Radio-dispatched taxi services are generally reliable and offer the lowest fare.
• Minsk has a safe and efficient subway system.

Entry Requirements

US citizens wishing to enter Belarus must have:

• A valid passport.
• Evidence of finances in the form of cash, credit cards, or traveller's cheques equivalent to 25 Euros for each day of stay.
• Evidence of a medical insurance policy with at least 10,000 Euros of coverage valid throughout Belarus. This can be purchased at the airport.
• Registration with the local office of the Citizenship and Migration Department of the Ministry of Interior if staying for more than five business days.

Visa-Free Entry

Citizens of 76 countries, including Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, the Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Monaco, the Netherlands, Norway, North Macedonia, Poland, Portugal, Romania, San Marino, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, the UK, and Vatican City, can enter Belarus visa-free for up to 30 days. This is only applicable if entering and exiting via Minsk International Airport.

COVID-19 Requirements

As of April 3, 2022, Belarus has lifted all pandemic-related travel restrictions. There are currently no entry or exit restrictions at international checkpoints, and COVID testing and vaccination certificate requirements for foreign visitors were lifted on May 28, 2022.

Local Laws and Special Circumstances

US citizens are subject to local laws and penalties, including arrest and detention, for violations. Belarusian authorities have detained individuals, including US citizens, for alleged affiliations with opposition parties and participation in political demonstrations. US citizens have also been harassed and mistreated by officials.

Taking photographs of anything perceived as being of military or security interest may result in problems with authorities.

Same-sex relations are not illegal in Belarus, but discrimination and harassment against the LGBTIQ+ community are widespread.

Additional Information

The US Department of State is unaware of any HIV/AIDS entry restrictions for visitors to Belarus on a 30-day visit. However, long-term residents or students must obtain an HIV/AIDS test and submit the results when applying for an extension of stay or residency.

Terrorist groups continue plotting possible attacks in Europe, and all European countries remain potentially vulnerable to attacks.

Demonstrations intended to be peaceful can become confrontational, and authorities have used force to disperse demonstrators. Bystanders, including foreign nationals, may face the possibility of arrest or detention.

Foreigners may be placed under surveillance, and hotel rooms, telephones, fax machines, and personal possessions may be monitored or searched.

Belarus was affected by the release of nuclear material from the Chernobyl nuclear station in Ukraine. Radiation levels in Minsk are within internationally acceptable standards, and food testing has not revealed harmful levels of radiation.

US Embassy Location and Contact Information

The US Embassy in Belarus is located at:

46 Starovilenskaya St.

Minsk 220002, Belarus

Telephone: +(375) (17) 210-1283

Emergency After-Hours Telephone: +(375) (29) 676-0134

Fax: +(375) (17) 334-7853

Email: [email protected]

Travel insurance

U.S. citizens are advised against travelling to Belarus due to the ongoing conflict in neighbouring Ukraine, the volatile political situation, and the potential for harassment of foreigners. However, if you do choose to travel to Belarus, it is important to have adequate travel insurance in place to protect yourself in case of unforeseen events or emergencies.

Firstly, it is important to note that Belarus requires all visitors to have travel insurance that covers the length of their stay. This is also a visa requirement for Belarus. The minimum level of coverage required is €10,000 for medical insurance. This insurance can be purchased from Belarusian insurance companies or accredited foreign insurers and should be valid for the entire duration of your stay.

When choosing a travel insurance plan, consider the following:

• Comprehensive coverage: Look for a policy that covers medical expenses, trip cancellations, baggage loss, travel delays, and emergency assistance.
• Policy limits: Ensure the policy limits are sufficient to cover potential expenses, such as medical treatment or emergency evacuation.
• Exclusions: Carefully review the policy for any exclusions or limitations, especially regarding pre-existing conditions and high-risk activities.
• Cost: Compare prices and coverage options from different insurance providers to find the best value for your needs.
• Customer reviews: Research the insurance provider's reputation and customer satisfaction to ensure reliability.

The cost of travel insurance for U.S. citizens travelling to Belarus can vary depending on factors such as age, trip duration, coverage amount, and any additional add-ons. On average, travel insurance for a week-long trip can range from $50 to $200, which is typically around 5% to 8% of the total trip cost.

It is also important to note that standard U.S. health insurance plans, including Medicare, are not accepted in Belarus. Therefore, it is highly recommended to purchase supplemental insurance to cover potential medical expenses and emergency evacuation.

In addition to travel insurance, U.S. citizens should be aware of other requirements and restrictions when travelling to Belarus. For example, U.S. passport holders entering Belarus through the Minsk International Airport can stay for up to 30 days without a visa. However, those staying longer than 30 days or violating visa-free registration rules may face administrative penalties, including fines, deportation, and future entry prohibition.

Furthermore, Belarus enforces special restrictions on dual U.S.-Belarusian nationals and may refuse to acknowledge their U.S. citizenship, impacting their access to consular assistance. U.S. citizens should also be aware of the potential risks of detention, arbitrary enforcement of local laws, and limited assistance from the U.S. Embassy in Minsk due to the suspension of operations.

Frequently asked questions