Travel To Belarus: What You Need To Know

Travel to Belarus is highly restricted. The country has been deemed unsafe for tourists due to the war in neighbouring Ukraine, the military presence along the Belarus-Ukraine border, and the arbitrary enforcement of local laws by Belarusian authorities. There is also a heightened risk of civil unrest, detention, and potential harassment targeted at foreigners. In addition, the ability of foreign embassies to provide consular services in Belarus is extremely limited. For these reasons, governments around the world, including those of the US, Canada, and Australia, advise their citizens to avoid all travel to Belarus.

The US, Canada, and Australia advise against all travel to Belarus

The US, Canadian, and Australian governments all advise their citizens to avoid all travel to Belarus. The US State Department has issued a Level 4: Do Not Travel advisory for Belarus, citing 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, and the limited ability of the US Embassy to provide assistance to US citizens. The Canadian government also advises avoiding all travel to Belarus due to the risk of arbitrary enforcement of local laws and the armed conflict between Russia and Ukraine. Similarly, the Australian government advises against all travel to Belarus due to the volatile security environment, the arbitrary enforcement of laws, and the risk of armed conflict near the Belarus-Ukraine border. All three countries warn of the potential for arbitrary detention, harassment, and mistreatment by local authorities, as well as restrictions on consular services in the event of arrest or detention.

The US State Department specifically highlights the risk of potential civil unrest and the possibility of border closures with neighboring countries. It also notes that Belarusian authorities have targeted individuals associated with independent and foreign media, and that the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has issued a Notice prohibiting US air carriers and operators from operating in Belarusian airspace. The Canadian government also advises its citizens to avoid all travel to Belarus, citing similar concerns about the arbitrary enforcement of local laws and the impact of the armed conflict in Ukraine. In addition, the Canadian government notes the limited ability of its embassy to provide consular services in Belarus and warns of potential disruptions to essential services.

The Australian government's advisory against travel to Belarus emphasizes the volatile security environment, the presence of Russian military forces, and the arbitrary enforcement of laws. It also highlights the risk of armed conflict near the Belarus-Ukraine border and advises against all travel to this area. The Australian government further warns that it will not be able to evacuate its citizens from Belarus and that consular services may be limited due to the security situation.

All three countries advise their citizens to avoid demonstrations and large gatherings, follow the instructions of local authorities, and monitor local media for updates on the evolving situation. They also recommend that citizens review their personal security plans, ensure their travel documents are secure and up to date, and consider the safest means and route to depart Belarus if they decide to remain in the country.

Belarus does not recognise dual nationality

Belarusian law does not recognise dual nationality. This means that if you are a citizen of Belarus and acquire citizenship of another country, the Belarusian authorities will still only recognise you as a Belarusian citizen. However, this does not mean that having dual nationality is illegal in Belarus. It is simply a case of the Belarusian government only acknowledging one citizenship.

If you are a citizen of Belarus and acquire citizenship of another country, you do not automatically lose your Belarusian citizenship. However, there are certain circumstances in which Belarusian citizenship may be revoked, such as if you enter military service in another country.

If you are a dual citizen of Belarus and another country, you should be aware of the following:

• When entering or exiting Belarus, you must use a Belarusian passport.
• If you are a male of conscript age (18-27 years old) who is deemed to be a Belarusian citizen, you may experience difficulties departing Belarus if you have not completed your military service.
• The Belarusian authorities may refuse to acknowledge your other citizenship and may deny or delay consular assistance if you are detained.

It is important to carefully research the laws and requirements of both countries involved when dealing with dual citizenship, as the rules and enforcement can vary significantly.

Belarus enforces special restrictions on dual US-Belarusian nationals

Belarus Travel Advisory: Level 4 – Do Not Travel

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 several safety and security concerns. One of the key concerns is the Belarusian authorities' facilitation of Russia's war against Ukraine, with Russian military forces operating from Belarus. There is also a risk of arbitrary enforcement of local laws, potential civil unrest, and the possibility of detention. The US Embassy in Minsk has suspended its operations, and the ability to provide consular services to US citizens in Belarus is extremely limited.

Dual citizens of the US and Belarus should be aware of the following restrictions and considerations:

• Passport requirements: While US immigration law requires US citizens to use US passports when entering or leaving the US, Belarusian law requires Belarusian citizens to use Belarusian passports to enter and depart from Belarus. It is important for dual citizens to ensure they have valid passports for their entire stay in Belarus and to follow the respective passport requirements of each country.
• Military service requirement: Male dual citizens aged 18-27 who are deemed Belarusian citizens may face difficulties departing from Belarus if they have not satisfied their military service requirement.
• Acknowledgement of US citizenship: Belarus may refuse to acknowledge the US citizenship of dual nationals, which could result in denying or delaying consular assistance in the event of detention.
• Obtaining a new Belarusian passport: If a dual citizen's Belarusian passport expires during their stay in Belarus or is lost, it may take weeks or months to obtain a new one. This is due to the requirement for all US-issued documents submitted in support of a Belarusian passport application to carry an Apostille from the respective US state.
• Registration requirement: All US citizens staying in Belarus for more than five 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. Failure to register or staying beyond 30 days can result in administrative action, including fines, deportation, and future entry prohibition.

Given the unpredictable security situation, potential harassment of foreigners, and the limited ability to provide consular assistance, dual US-Belarusian nationals are strongly advised against travelling to Belarus at this time.

There are limited commercial flights in and out of Belarus

Limited commercial flights in and out of Belarus

Flights continue to operate in and out of Minsk National Airport as normal. However, there are reports of foreigners being denied entry into Belarus. Even if you meet entry requirements, local authorities may deny you entry if they consider your travel non-essential.

If you are a dual citizen of Belarus and another country, you should be aware that Belarus does not recognize dual nationality. If you enter Belarus with a Belarusian passport, local authorities will treat you as a Belarusian national, limiting the consular services available to you if you are arrested or detained.

Entry requirements

To enter Belarus, you must have:

• A valid passport or equivalent travel document
• Proof of sufficient funds (at least $40 per day of your stay)
• Medical travel insurance valid across Belarus with a minimum coverage of €10,000

All foreign arrivals above the age of six must also provide a negative PCR test, issued no later than 72 hours before entry. This requirement does not apply to permanent or temporary residents of Belarus.

Safety and security

The security environment in Belarus is volatile and could deteriorate at short notice due to Russia's war in neighbouring Ukraine and its military presence along the Belarus-Ukraine border. The Belarusian authorities have also been accused of facilitating Russia's war efforts.

The political situation in Belarus is unpredictable, and authorities could enforce security restrictions without notice. Local authorities have also been known to arbitrarily enforce local laws, and there is a risk of civil unrest and potential detention.

Recommendations

The US, Canada, and Australia advise their citizens to avoid all travel to Belarus. If you are in Belarus, you should leave immediately using the limited commercial options available or private means.

If you decide to remain in Belarus, you should:

• Regularly monitor news sources and be prepared to adjust your plans
• Ensure your travel documents are valid and easily accessible
• Avoid demonstrations and crowds
• Be vigilant at all times and avoid expressions of dissent or criticism of the government

There are no land border exits for non-citizens

As of April 2022, there is a temporary suspension of entry to Belarus for foreign citizens through land borders. This means that non-citizens cannot enter or exit Belarus by land. The only exceptions are for those with a permanent or temporary residence permit.

If you are a non-citizen and you plan to enter or exit Belarus by land, you should be aware that checks at the border may take longer than usual. You should also check the travel advice of neighbouring countries, as coronavirus-related border restrictions may be put in place at short notice.

Other ways to enter and exit Belarus

It is still possible for non-citizens to enter and exit Belarus by air. Flights continue to operate in and out of Minsk National Airport as normal. However, several countries, including Canada, have imposed sanctions on Belarus, and some airlines have banned the overflight of their airspace by Belarusian airlines. This means that travel to and from Belarus may only be possible through an indirect air route.

Current travel advisories for Belarus

The US, UK, Canadian, and Australian governments are currently advising their citizens to avoid all travel to Belarus. This is due to the volatile security environment, the arbitrary enforcement of local laws, and the armed conflict between Russia and Ukraine. The ability of embassies to provide consular services in Belarus is extremely limited.

Frequently asked questions