Traveling To Minsk, Belarus: Safe Or Not?

Belarus is generally considered a safe place to travel, with a low crime rate and rare instances of crimes against foreigners. However, due to the war in Ukraine, the country has issued a Level 4 Do Not Travel advisory, warning of the arbitrary enforcement of local laws, the potential for civil unrest, and the risk of detention. Additionally, there is a low risk of direct conflict spreading to Belarus, and the UK government advises against all travel to the country. Nevertheless, if you choose to travel to Belarus, it is important to take sensible precautions, such as registering with your embassy and purchasing appropriate travel insurance.

Crime rate and safety in Minsk

Overview

The crime rate in Belarus is relatively low, and crimes against foreigners are rare. The most common crimes against tourists are petty theft and robbery. Violent crime is rare, but criminals have been known to use force if their victims resist.

Crime types

Mugging, pickpocketing, and robbery are common near public transportation venues, hotels frequented by foreigners, and at night in poorly-lit areas. Be cautious when visiting nightclubs, and never accept drinks from strangers. Drink spiking is not uncommon. Sexual assault is as much of a problem in Minsk as in most large cities in the United States, and women are advised to exercise the same caution they would in an American city.

Car theft and vandalism are also common, with thieves targeting European, Japanese, and American-made SUVs and luxury cars.

Cybercrime is well-developed in Belarus, with internet dating schemes, ID theft, hacking, and blackmail on the rise.

Safety advice

• Keep your wallet, bag, or backpack zipped shut and in front of you.
• Men should keep their wallets in their front pockets.
• Don't carry large sums of money, and avoid wearing flashy jewellery or expensive clothing.
• Park in secure overnight parking areas.
• Don't leave valuables visible in your car.
• Be cautious, alert, and aware of your surroundings at all times.
• Keep a copy of your passport in a separate location from your original.
• Avoid using credit or debit cards, except at ATMs located inside major banks.
• Register with your embassy when you arrive in Belarus.
• Avoid political demonstrations and rallies.

Political situation

Belarus is an authoritarian state with a heavily criticised government. The country is heavily militarised, and the KGB is still a powerful presence. There is a significant risk of arrest for anyone who has engaged in any activity now considered illegal by the regime.

Conflict risk

There is a low risk of direct conflict linked to the war in Ukraine spreading to Belarus.

Women travelling alone in Belarus

While the crime rate in Belarus is relatively low, and crimes against foreigners are rare, it is important to take certain precautions when travelling alone as a woman in Belarus. The capital city of Minsk is generally considered safe for solo female travellers. The city is renowned for its cleanliness, organisation, and efficient local law enforcement. Street crime and street harassment are relatively low, but it is still important to stay alert and cautious, especially during the evenings and in isolated or poorly-lit areas. It is recommended to avoid walking alone at night and to always keep your belongings close to you.

Public transportation in Minsk is generally safe and reliable, with a well-developed network of buses, trams, and a clean metro system. Most stations and vehicles are monitored by surveillance cameras, which can enhance the feeling of safety. However, it is always advisable to be aware of your surroundings, especially during peak hours, and to keep an eye on your belongings to prevent incidents such as pickpocketing.

When travelling alone as a woman in Belarus, it is recommended to take similar safety precautions as you would at home. Avoid being out late at night alone, and be cautious about accepting lifts or drinks from strangers. It is also a good idea to let someone know where you are and when you plan to return. While Belarusian men are generally very courteous, it is common for women travelling alone on overnight trains to share their cabin with a man.

In addition to general safety precautions, there are a few other things to keep in mind when travelling to Belarus. Firstly, it is recommended to register with your embassy upon arrival in the country. Secondly, note that Belarus has a compulsory state medical insurance requirement for visitors, which can be purchased for €2-€85 depending on the length of your stay. Finally, every foreign guest must be registered with the local police department if planning to stay longer than 5 days, which can be done through the police website or the Department of Citizenship and Migration in Minsk.

Border crossings and travel restrictions

As of July 2023, the U.S. Department of State advises against all travel to Belarus, warning U.S. citizens to depart immediately. 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 U.S. Embassy to assist U.S. citizens. The U.S. Embassy in Minsk has suspended all consular services until further notice.

The UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) also advises against all travel to Belarus. British nationals face a significant risk of arrest if they have ever engaged in activity now considered illegal by the Belarusian regime. There is also a low risk of direct conflict spreading to Belarus from the war in Ukraine. The ability of the UK government to support British nationals in the event of conflict will be severely limited. Belarus does not recognise dual nationality, so British-Belarusian dual citizens will be treated as Belarusian by the authorities, further limiting the UK's ability to help.

Border crossings with neighbouring countries are subject to sudden closures with little notice. Additional closures of crossing points with Lithuania, Poland, Latvia, and Ukraine are possible.

Despite the warnings, Belarus remains open to international travellers. However, the process of obtaining a visa has been described as tedious and complicated. As of 2019, Belarus started to liberalise its visa regime, making it easier for travellers to discover the country.

There are three types of tourist visas:

• Belarus Visa on Arrival (VOA): Available for up to 80 nationalities, valid for 30 days, but only if entering and exiting through Minsk International Airport.
• Tourist visa from the embassy: Required if your nationality isn't on the VOA list or if you want to travel overland. Requirements include a correctly filled-in form and a hotel booking. The visa costs around €60 and takes 5 working days on average.
• VOA in Brest and Grodno: These border cities with Poland can be visited without a visa for up to 10 days, as long as you enter overland through Poland and don't leave the respective region.

It's important to note that you need to register at the police every 5 days when in Belarus. This can be done online for free the first time, but subsequent registrations must be done in person at the Department of Citizenship and Migration in Minsk or your hotel, at a cost of around €15.

Regarding travel insurance, due to current sanctions, IATI Insurance is one of the few companies that cover travel in Belarus.

As of 2024, European citizens can enter Belarus visa-free via land borders. However, it's always recommended to check the latest travel advice and restrictions before planning a trip to Belarus.

Political and military tensions

In the aftermath of the election, Lukashenko's regime sought to retaliate with counter-revolutionary measures, purging the public space of any manifestations of protest and cracking down on civil society. This led to unusually severe sanctions from Western countries. Despite these sanctions, the security apparatus, known as the "siloviki", successfully managed to suppress dissent and restore a level of stability to the country.

One of the key tactics employed by the Lukashenko regime was the intensification of relations with Russia. Belarus has provided its territory, airspace, and military infrastructure to Russian troops to invade Ukraine. This has resulted in increased tensions with NATO allies, particularly Poland, and has led to concerns about a potential direct military clash with the alliance.

The presence of Russian troops in Belarus and the country's support for the invasion of Ukraine have had significant implications for its international standing. Western countries, including the European Union, the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, and Japan, have imposed sanctions on Belarus. Additionally, Belarus's involvement in the war has led to its isolation from Western markets and a shift in trade routes towards Russia, China, and other countries in Asia, Africa, and the Middle East.

The political and military situation in Belarus remains volatile, with tensions continuing to escalate between pro-democracy activists and the Lukashenko regime. The country's future will largely depend on the outcome of the Russia-Ukraine war and the extent of its involvement in the conflict.

Civil unrest and public demonstrations

Belarus is an authoritarian state with a history of civil unrest and public demonstrations. The country has been labelled as the 'last dictatorship in Europe' and has been criticised for its lack of press freedom, fraudulent elections, and lack of separation of powers. It is also the only European country that still has capital punishment.

In August 2020, a wave of anti-government protests broke out after the authoritarian president, Alexander Lukashenko, claimed an 80% victory in the elections. The election outcome was widely contested, and media outlets reported protestors being detained and injured. The opposition leader, Svetlana Tikhanouskaya, fled the country for her safety shortly after the election.

U.S. citizens have been advised to avoid public demonstrations and marches in Belarus, as authorities have used force to disperse demonstrators, including those participating peacefully. There is a potential risk of arrest or detention for bystanders, including foreign nationals. Belarusian authorities have detained tens of thousands of individuals, including U.S. citizens, for alleged affiliations with opposition parties and participation in political demonstrations.

Due to the political situation and the facilitation of Russia's war against Ukraine, the U.S. Department of State has advised its citizens against all travel to Belarus. The U.K. Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) has also advised against all travel to the country.

If you are in Belarus, it is recommended to stay away from any political demonstrations, marches, or large public gatherings. Additionally, it is advised to exercise increased vigilance and awareness regarding the political and military tensions in the region.

Frequently asked questions