Dual Citizenship In Belarus: Is It Allowed?

The political instability and conflict in Belarus have led to a growing number of Belarusian nationals seeking a second citizenship. However, dual citizenship is a complex issue in Belarus. While it is not explicitly illegal, the country does not officially recognize it. Belarusian law requires citizens to use their Belarusian passports when entering or exiting the country. This has caused issues for dual citizens, particularly those with US citizenship, who have been unable to leave Belarus due to issues with their Belarusian passports.

Dual citizenship is not recognised in Belarus

If you are a citizen of Belarus and acquire citizenship in another country, you will have dual citizenship in Belarus's eyes, but only if that other country does not require you to renounce your Belarusian citizenship. However, the Belarusian authorities will still only recognise your Belarusian citizenship.

If you are a dual citizen of Belarus and another country, and you enter Belarus using your Belarusian passport, you must also use your Belarusian passport to exit the country. This has caused issues for some travellers, who have been unable to leave Belarus because their Belarusian passport had expired or been lost during their stay. It can take a long time to obtain a new Belarusian passport, and you will need to carry Apostilled copies of any US-issued birth or marriage certificates that might be required if your passport is lost or stolen.

If you are a Belarusian citizen, you cannot apply for a visa to Belarus. If you have two passports with no visas, you may encounter problems at the border.

Belarusian law requires citizens to use Belarusian passports to enter and exit the country

Dual Citizenship in Belarus

Overview

Belarusian law does not recognise dual citizenship. However, the existence of a second citizenship is not punishable or against the law. While Belarusian authorities will only recognise a person with dual citizenship as a citizen of Belarus, this does not automatically result in the termination of the other citizenship.

Entering and Exiting Belarus

Obtaining a Belarusian Passport

Obtaining a new Belarusian passport can take several weeks or months. All US-issued documents submitted in support of a Belarusian passport application must carry an Apostille issued by the Secretary of State in the US state where the document was issued. As both the US and Belarus are signatories of the Hague Apostille Convention, the Government of Belarus cannot accept US-issued documents without an Apostille.

US-Belarus dual citizens may face issues with travel to and from Belarus

US-Belarus Dual Citizens and Travel

US-Belarus dual citizens need to be aware of certain issues when travelling to and from Belarus. While US immigration 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.

Entering and Exiting Belarus

Belarus does not recognise dual citizenship. This means that dual citizens will be considered and treated as Belarusian citizens when in Belarus. Belarusian citizens, including dual citizens, are required to enter and exit the country using a valid Belarusian passport. Failure to do so may result in difficulties when departing the country.

Conscription and Military Service

Males aged 18-27 who are deemed Belarusian citizens may face challenges when departing Belarus if they have not completed their military service. This applies to US-Belarus dual citizens as well.

Passport Validity and Replacement

Dual citizens should ensure their Belarusian passports remain valid for the duration of their stay in Belarus. Obtaining a new Belarusian passport can take several weeks or months, especially if supporting documents, such as birth or marriage certificates, need to be apostilled.

Travel Advisories

It is important to check the latest travel advisories and restrictions before planning any travel to Belarus. The US Embassy in Belarus provides travel advisories and information specifically for dual citizens.

Belarusian citizenship may be revoked if an individual serves in a foreign state's military

In Belarus, dual citizenship is only allowed for minors under 18 residing temporarily or permanently within the country, who have either parent as a national of another state. Upon turning 18, these individuals must decide on the citizenship they wish to retain. If they decide to keep their Belarusian citizenship, they must renounce the citizenship of any other countries.

According to the Citizenship Act of the Republic of Belarus (2002), Belarusian citizenship can be acquired by birth, admission, registration, and on other grounds provided by international treaties. While the existence of a second citizenship is not punishable and does not contradict Belarusian laws, Belarusian authorities will only recognize such individuals as citizens of the Republic of Belarus.

It is important to note that temporary or permanent residence in a foreign state or holding foreign citizenship does not automatically result in the termination of Belarusian citizenship. However, Belarusian citizenship may be revoked in certain cases, such as military service in a foreign state. This means that serving in the military of another country can result in the loss of Belarusian citizenship.

The recent legislative changes in Belarus, such as the Law of the Republic of Belarus of January 5, 2023, have introduced the possibility of losing citizenship for citizens who engage in extremist activities or cause serious harm to the interests of the country. These activities are broadly defined and include crimes such as creating an organized criminal group, participating in mass riots, or even insulting the President of Belarus.

The consequences of these legislative changes can be seen in the difficulties faced by Belarusian dual citizens when travelling. For example, males of conscript age (18-27) who are deemed Belarusian citizens may have issues departing the country if they have not fulfilled their military service requirement. Additionally, the complex passport and visa requirements for dual citizens can result in lengthy delays or even prevent them from entering or exiting Belarus as planned.

Belarusian citizens with dual citizenship may not be exempt from liability arising from it

Dual citizenship is a complicated issue in Belarus. While the country does not officially recognise dual citizenship, it is not illegal for Belarusian citizens to hold citizenship in another country. This means that, in the eyes of the Belarusian government, a person with dual citizenship is only a citizen of Belarus.

For those with dual citizenship, the laws and procedures of Belarus still apply. This includes the use of a Belarusian passport when entering or exiting the country. This has caused issues for some travellers, who have been unable to leave Belarus because their Belarusian passport had expired or been lost. It is important to note that obtaining a new Belarusian passport can take several weeks or even months.

The concept of dual citizenship in Belarus is further complicated by the fact that minors under 18 are entitled to dual citizenship if they have a parent who is a national of another state. However, upon reaching the age of 18, these individuals must choose which citizenship they wish to keep. If they decide to keep their Belarusian citizenship, they must renounce the citizenship of any other countries.

The issue of dual citizenship in Belarus is further muddled by the fact that Belarusian citizens with dual citizenship may not be exempt from liability arising from it. This means that even though the Belarusian government may not officially recognise an individual's second citizenship, they are still subject to the laws and obligations of being a Belarusian citizen. This includes the requirement to perform military service, which can be used as grounds for refusing renunciation of citizenship, even for minors.

In conclusion, while dual citizenship is not officially recognised in Belarus, it is not illegal. However, Belarusian citizens with dual citizenship are still subject to the laws and obligations of the country, and may not be exempt from liability arising from their Belarusian citizenship. The issue of dual citizenship in Belarus is complex and ever-evolving, and it is important for individuals to stay informed about their rights and responsibilities.

Frequently asked questions