A Us Citizen's Burial In Belarus: What You Need To Know

The U.S. Embassy in Belarus has suspended all operations and consular services due to security issues stemming from the attack on Ukraine by Russian military forces based in Belarus. This includes emergency and routine services such as processing applications for refugee or asylum status in the U.S. U.S. citizens in Belarus are advised to depart immediately and seek consular services in another country. Given the unpredictable nature of the regional security environment, potential harassment of foreigners, and the arbitrary enforcement of local laws, U.S. citizens are strongly advised against traveling to Belarus.

Visa requirements for US citizens to enter Belarus

US citizens located in or considering travel to Belarus are strongly advised against travelling to the country due to the current security situation. The US Embassy in Minsk has suspended operations and visa services are not available there. However, if you still wish to travel to Belarus, you will need to obtain a visa from a Belarusian Embassy or Consulate overseas.

To obtain a Belarusian entry visa, the following documents should be submitted in person or sent by post to the Embassy:

• A completed visa application form, which should be filled out in legible handwriting or typing, in English, Russian, or Belarusian. The form should include complete and logically consistent answers, and specify the purpose of the visit in detail.
• One colour photograph, taken within the last 6 months, with a plain, light background, and no sunglasses, hat, or other head covering (unless for ethnic or religious reasons).
• A valid original passport, with at least two blank pages for visas, and valid for at least 90 days after the expected departure date from Belarus.
• Visa support documents for the required type of visa (tourist, business, student, etc.).
• Proof of health insurance that covers the entire period of stay in Belarus and has a minimum coverage of 10,000 Euros.
• A pre-paid envelope for the return of documents (when applying by post).

The regular visa processing time is 5 business days, and the fee for tourist, business, and student visas is $160. It is important to note that even with a visa, entry into Belarus over a land border is unlikely, and air travel between Belarus and Russia requires a visa as well.

All US citizens staying in Belarus for more than 5 days (excluding Sundays and national holidays) are required to register with the local office of the Citizenship and Migration Department of the Ministry of Interior. This can now be done online through a single portal of electronic services. Failure to register or remaining in the country for more than 30 days can result in administrative action, including fines, deportation, and future entry prohibition.

Additionally, dual citizens of the US and Belarus should be aware of Belarusian laws and procedures. While US law requires Americans to use US passports when entering or leaving the US, Belarusian law requires Belarusian citizens to use Belarusian passports to enter and depart Belarus. Dual citizens should ensure their Belarusian passports are valid for their entire stay and carry necessary documents.

Registration requirements for US citizens in Belarus

US citizens who are visiting or residing in Belarus are required to register with the local office of the Citizenship and Migration Department of the Ministry of Interior (formerly OVIR) within five business days of arrival. This requirement does not apply to those staying in Belarus for five business days or fewer (plus a weekend). The registration fee is approximately $6, regardless of the duration of the stay. Failure to register can result in fines and difficulties when departing the country.

US citizens staying in hotels are automatically registered at check-in, and registration performed by a hotel is free of charge. If you are staying in a short-term rental apartment or house, the rental agent may be able to assist you with the registration process. If you are staying in a private home, you must complete the registration yourself.

Since January 2, 2019, foreign citizens and stateless persons temporarily in Belarus can register online through a single portal of electronic services at portal.gov.by. This procedure is free and can be used by foreigners who entered Belarus at any checkpoint.

To extend the registration period, foreigners must visit the Citizenship and Migration Unit of the Ministry of Internal Affairs responsible for the place of their stay in Belarus. Foreigners who arrived in Belarus through the border with the Russian Federation should apply for registration in person at the Citizenship and Migration Unit of the Ministry of Internal Affairs responsible for their place of stay.

US citizens located in or considering travel to Belarus should be aware of the unpredictable situation and heightened tension in the region due to Russia's attack on Ukraine from Belarus. Potential harassment targeted specifically at foreigners is also possible. Given the volatility of the situation, US citizens are strongly advised against travelling to Belarus.

American passport holders need a visa issued by a Belarusian Embassy or Consulate overseas to enter Belarus. Even with a visa, entry into Belarus over a land border is unlikely.

Dual citizenship and travel to Belarus

According to the U.S. Embassy in Belarus, dual citizens of the U.S. and Belarus must use their Belarusian passports to enter and depart Belarus. There have been instances where U.S. citizens with dual citizenship entered Belarus with their Belarusian passports but could not leave as planned because their Belarusian passports had expired, or they lost them. This also applies to children entering with a "Certificate of Return" issued by a Belarusian embassy or consulate. As such, dual citizens should ensure their Belarusian passports are valid for their entire stay and carry Apostilled copies of U.S. birth or marriage certificates in case of loss or theft.

Males aged 18-27 deemed Belarusian citizens may face difficulties leaving Belarus if they haven't completed military service. Obtaining a new Belarusian passport can take weeks or months, especially if an Apostille from the U.S. state where the document was issued is required.

It's important to note that while Belarus does not recognize dual citizenship, it is not illegal. A Belarusian citizen acquiring the citizenship of another state will still be recognized solely as a Belarusian citizen by the Belarusian authorities. Temporary or permanent residence in a foreign state or holding foreign citizenship does not automatically result in the termination of Belarusian citizenship, although it may be revoked in certain cases, such as military service in another country.

U.S. citizens located in or considering travel to Belarus should be aware of the unpredictable situation due to Russia's attack on Ukraine from Belarus, with potential harassment targeted at foreigners. American passport holders need a visa to enter Belarus and are unlikely to be allowed entry or exit over land borders. All U.S. citizens staying in Belarus for more than five days must register with the local Citizenship and Migration Department, which can now be done online.

Border crossings between Belarus and neighbouring states

To cross the border into Belarus, foreign citizens and stateless persons must pass border and customs control, and, if necessary, automobile, veterinary, sanitary, and phytosanitary types of control.

When entering Belarus, you must present the following documents to the border guard:

• A valid passport intended for crossing the border
• Insurance for a car registered outside Belarus
• An electronic control stamp confirming payment for disinfection services

When leaving Belarus, you must present the following documents:

• A valid passport intended for crossing the border
• Insurance for a car registered outside Belarus
• A document confirming the payment of a local fee for crossing the border by drivers of vehicles registered both in Belarus and abroad

Foreign citizens and stateless persons can cross the border with the following documents:

• A valid document for travelling abroad (passport) with a visa for citizens of countries with which Belarus has a visa regime
• A document for returning to the state of citizenship or residence (if the passport is lost on Belarusian territory)

When crossing the border, foreign citizens must:

• Produce a document for travelling abroad with a valid Belarusian visa (if needed)
• Upon entry, receive and fill in a migration card. This is produced with the passport to the border service officer at the border checkpoint. The border officer will put a mark on the migration card and passport to confirm the entry of the foreign citizen into Belarus. The foreign citizen will receive part "B" of the migration card.
• Upon departure from Belarus, a foreign citizen, except those temporarily or permanently residing in the country, must hand over part "B" of the migration card to the official of the border service body when passing border control at state border checkpoints, unless stipulated by legislative acts and international treaties.
• The migration card is not filled in when entering or leaving the territory of Belarus and is not produced by foreign citizens who cross the border for temporary stays in the country.
• When departing from Belarus to Russia, foreign citizens receive a migration card from the competent Belarusian authorities. The migration card is filled in before entering Russia and is produced to the competent Russian authorities during their stay in the country.

There are several rules and restrictions regarding border crossings:

• Foreign citizens must have sufficient funds for their stay in Belarus. For stays of less than one month, foreign citizens should have funds equivalent to at least 2 base values per day. For stays of more than a month, they should have funds equivalent to at least 50 base values.
• It is forbidden to leave money in documents presented for checking, offer valuables or benefits to officials, take photos or film, or perform any other actions that prevent the implementation of border control.
• On the territory between the state border and a checkpoint, it is prohibited to park vehicles, board or disembark passengers, load or unload vehicles, or stay for purposes unrelated to border crossing.
• Violations of the above requirements can lead to administrative liability, including a warning with or without deportation, or a fine of up to 50 base values.

Belarus shares land borders with the following countries:

• Russia: There is no international passport control at the Belarus-Russia land border. Therefore, foreigners, even those holding valid visas, may not cross this border by car, train, or on foot. Only Russian and Belarusian passport holders may transit this land border.
• Latvia: Belarus has an agreement with Latvia that allows citizens of Latvia to stay in Belarus for up to 30 days without registration.
• Lithuania: Belarus has an agreement with Lithuania that allows citizens of Lithuania to stay in Belarus for up to 30 days without registration.
• Ukraine: Belarus has an agreement with Ukraine that allows citizens of Ukraine to stay in Belarus for up to 90 days without registration.
• Poland: There are several border crossings between Belarus and Poland, including the Brest, motorway checkpoint.

The US Embassy in Belarus

U.S. citizens in Belarus who require consular services are advised to leave the country as soon as possible and contact a U.S. embassy or consulate in another country for assistance. They can also call the Department of State at 1-606-260-4379 (from outside the United States) or send an email to [email protected]. For inquiries from within the United States, a phone call to 1-833-741-2777 is recommended.

U.S. citizens located in or considering travel to Belarus are advised to avoid doing so due to the unpredictable situation, heightened regional tension, and potential harassment targeted at foreigners.

Visas and Registration

American passport holders travelling to Belarus are required to obtain a visa from a Belarusian Embassy or Consulate overseas. It is important to note that entry into Belarus via a land border is highly unlikely, even with a valid visa. Similarly, exiting the country over a land border is typically not permitted.

When travelling between Russia and Belarus, U.S. citizens must adhere to specific regulations. They cannot cross the Belarusian-Russian land border by car, train, or on foot, regardless of visa status. Air travel between the two countries requires a visa, and regulations may change unexpectedly. It is recommended to check the websites of the Embassies of Belarus and the Russian Federation for the latest information.

All U.S. citizens staying in Belarus for more than five days (excluding Sundays and national holidays) must register with the local office of the Citizenship and Migration Department of the Ministry of Interior (formerly OVIR). This requirement applies to both visa holders and those entering under the 30-day visa-free regime. Registration must be completed within five days of arrival, and failure to do so can result in administrative action, including fines, deportation, and future entry prohibition.

Dual Citizenship

For individuals with dual citizenship of the United States and Belarus, it is important to carry the appropriate passport when entering or exiting either country. U.S. immigration law requires American citizens to use U.S. passports when entering or leaving the United States, while Belarusian law mandates the use of Belarusian passports for Belarusian citizens when entering or departing Belarus.

Males of conscript age (18-27 years old) who are deemed Belarusian citizens may encounter difficulties departing Belarus if they have not fulfilled their military service requirement. Additionally, those with dual citizenship should ensure their Belarusian passports remain valid throughout their stay in Belarus and carry Apostilled copies of U.S. birth or marriage certificates in case of passport loss or theft.

Frequently asked questions