Exploring Belarus: Travel Destinations For Americans

As of July 2023, the US Department of State advises US citizens not to travel to Belarus, giving the country a Level 4: Do Not Travel advisory. This is due to the country's involvement in 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 US Embassy's limited ability to assist US citizens in the country. US citizens in Belarus have been urged to depart immediately.

US citizens located in or considering travel to Belarus should be aware that the situation is unpredictable and that there is heightened tension in the region. Potential harassment targeted specifically at foreigners is also possible. Given the heightened volatility of the situation, US citizens are strongly advised against travelling to Belarus.

However, if you do decide to travel to Belarus, you will need to obtain a Belarusian entry visa. This requires submitting several documents to the Embassy of the Republic of Belarus in the United States of America, including a completed visa application form, a colour photograph, a valid original passport, visa support documents, and proof of health insurance.

Visa requirements

US citizens travelling to Belarus are required to have a visa. This can be obtained by submitting the following documents to the Embassy of the Republic of Belarus in the United States of America:

A completed visa application form, which meets the following requirements:

• The form should be filled out in legible handwriting (in block letters) or typed, in English or Russian/Belarusian.
• Answers to the questions should be complete and logically consistent, indicating the real purpose of the visit.
• The purpose of the visit should be specified in detail.
• If a question does not apply, write "N/A". Incomplete forms will be returned unprocessed.
• It is the applicant's responsibility to ensure the information on the form is correct.
• The form should be signed by the applicant personally; failure to do so may result in refusal.
• For minors, the form should be signed by their legal representative.

One colour photograph, which meets the following requirements:

• Taken within the last 6 months.
• Size 35 x 45 mm.
• Full face (70-80% of the picture) without sunglasses, hats, or other head coverings unless for ethnic or religious reasons.
• Plain, evenly lit, and light background.
• High resolution.
• No corrugation or ink.

A valid original passport, which meets the following requirements:

• Contains a photograph of the owner.
• Has at least two blank pages for visas.
• Valid for at least 90 days after the expected departure date from Belarus.
• No torn pages, marks, entries, erasures, or corrections that are not certified by the issuing authorities.
• If the applicant is under 18, a copy of their full Birth Certificate and copies of their parents' passports are required.
• If the applicant previously had USSR or Belarusian citizenship, a document certifying the loss of this citizenship must be submitted.

• Visa support documents for the required type of visa. This includes tourist visas, business visas, student visas, and more.
• Health insurance, which should contain the following information:

• Name, address, and phone number of the foreign insurance company.
• Full name of the foreign citizen covered by the insurance.
• Validity area, including Belarus.
• Insurance period covering the whole stay in Belarus.
• Insurance coverage of at least 10,000 Euros.

A pre-paid envelope (when applying by post).

The regular visa processing time is 5 business days, and the consular officer may request additional documents for visa issuance. It is recommended to apply for the visa no earlier than six months before your visit to Belarus and to avoid making any irrevocable travel plans before obtaining the visa.

It is important to note that US citizens should be aware of the unpredictable situation in Belarus due to Russia's attack on Ukraine. There is heightened tension and potential harassment targeted at foreigners. US citizens are strongly advised against travelling to Belarus and those in the country should depart immediately.

Border crossings

U.S. citizens should be aware that border crossings with neighbouring states are sometimes closed with little notice. Additional closures of crossing points along Belarus' borders with Lithuania, Poland, Latvia, and Ukraine are possible.

To cross the Belarusian border, you will need one of the following documents:

• A valid travel document (passport) with a visa (for citizens of visa-regime countries).
• A certificate for return to the country of citizenship or permanent residence (in case of loss of passport on Belarusian territory).

Upon 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.

Upon exiting 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.
• A document confirming the payment of a local fee for crossing the border by drivers of vehicles registered both in Belarus and abroad.

Please note that even with a visa, you are unlikely to be allowed entry to Belarus over a land border. You are also unlikely to be allowed to exit Belarus over a land border.

At the border crossing points, it is forbidden to:

• Leave money in the documents which are presented for checking.
• Offer and/or hand over valuables to officials.
• Take photos or videos, including with mobile phones.
• Perform other actions preventing the implementation of border and other types of control.

Travel advisories

The US Department of State has issued a Level 4 ("Do Not Travel") travel advisory for Belarus due to the following reasons:

• The Belarusian authorities' continued 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 and the risk of detention.
• The limited ability of the US Embassy to assist US citizens residing in or travelling to Belarus.
• The unpredictable nature of the regional security environment and heightened tensions in the region.
• Potential harassment targeted specifically at foreigners.

US citizens in Belarus are advised to depart immediately and avoid travelling to Belarus until further notice. The US Embassy in Minsk has suspended all consular services, and US citizens in need of consular services are advised to leave Belarus and contact a US embassy or consulate in another country.

It is important to note that the situation in Belarus is unpredictable, and US citizens should be aware of the heightened tension in the region. There is also a risk of potential harassment specifically targeted at foreigners.

If you are a US citizen currently in Belarus or considering travel to the country, it is strongly advised to:

• Have a contingency plan that does not rely on US government assistance.
• Avoid demonstrations and crowds.
• Monitor local and international media for updates and be prepared to adjust your plans accordingly.
• Keep your travel documents 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 for updates.
• Review the Country Security Report for Belarus before travelling.
• Visit the CDC page for the latest travel health information related to your trip.

In addition to the travel advisory from the US Department of State, the Embassy of Canada to Poland has also advised its citizens to avoid all travel to Belarus due to the risk of arbitrary enforcement of local laws and the armed conflict between Russia and Ukraine. The ability of the Embassy of Canada to provide consular services in Belarus is extremely limited, and Canadians in Belarus are advised to leave the country by commercial means.

Please note that travel advisories and recommendations may change frequently. It is important to stay informed by regularly checking for updates from official government sources before and during your trip.

Safety concerns

The U.S. Department of State currently advises U.S. citizens not to travel to Belarus, giving it a Level 4 Travel Advisory. This is primarily due to the country's involvement in Russia's war in neighbouring Ukraine, the buildup of Russian military forces, and the arbitrary enforcement of local laws. The security environment is highly volatile and unpredictable, with potential for civil unrest and the risk of detention. The U.S. Embassy in Minsk has suspended all consular services, and U.S. citizens in Belarus are advised to depart immediately.

The situation in Belarus is unpredictable, with heightened tension and potential harassment targeted specifically at foreigners. U.S. citizens should be aware of the possibility of arbitrary enforcement of local laws and potential civil unrest. Belarusian authorities have detained individuals, including U.S. citizens, for alleged affiliations with opposition parties and participation in political demonstrations. It is advised to avoid public demonstrations as authorities have used force to disperse protestors, and bystanders may face arrest or detention.

U.S. citizens should also be aware of the potential for border closures with neighbouring countries such as Lithuania, Poland, Latvia, and Ukraine. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has issued a notice prohibiting U.S. air carriers and aircraft from operating in the Minsk Flight Information Region.

If you are considering travel to Belarus, it is important to have a contingency plan that does not rely on U.S. government assistance. Stay informed about the latest developments and be prepared to adjust your plans accordingly. Keep your travel documents valid and easily accessible, and enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to stay alert and be located in an emergency.

In addition to the political and military tensions, there are other safety concerns in Belarus. Healthcare standards are reportedly below those of some developed countries, and medical evacuation may be required in the event of a serious illness or injury. Foodborne, waterborne, and other diseases are common, so it is important to drink boiled or bottled water and avoid raw or undercooked food.

Belarus imposes strong penalties for broadly defined and arbitrarily enforced offences, such as "terrorism propaganda" and "discrediting" the government, security forces, and military organisations. Penalties may include severe sentences, including the death penalty for "high treason" under Belarusian law. It is illegal to take photos of certain sites, buildings, monuments, and officials, and religious freedoms are restricted.

Crime, including pickpocketing, mugging, and robbery, can occur, especially in areas frequented by foreigners. Harassment, mistreatment, and extortion by police and local officials have been reported, and travellers may not be able to trust the authorities. There is also a risk of cyber-based threats and digital identity theft, especially when connecting to Wi-Fi or using shared computers.

Registration process

All U.S. citizens staying in Belarus for more than five days (not including Sundays or national holidays) are required to register with the local office of the Citizenship and Migration Department of the Ministry of Interior (formerly OVIR). This requirement applies to visa holders and those who enter Belarus under the 30-day visa-free regime.

Registration must be completed within five days of arrival (excluding Sundays and national holidays). If you fail to register or if you remain in Belarus longer than 30 days, you will face administrative action which may include a fine of up to €550, deportation, and prohibition from entering Belarus in the future.

If you are staying in a hotel, the hotel will complete the registration for you. If you have a short-term rental of an apartment or house, be sure to check with the rental agent; they may be able to assist you. If you plan to move to another location after you have registered, you must register anew with the Citizenship and Migration Department office in your new locale before you move. If you are staying in a private home, you must complete the registration process yourself.

Starting January 2, 2019, foreign citizens and stateless persons temporarily staying in the Republic of Belarus can register online through a single portal of electronic services at portal.gov.by, without visiting the internal affairs agency in person. This administrative procedure is free and can be used by foreigners who entered Belarus at any checkpoint.

Visa Requirements

To obtain a Belarusian entry visa, the following documents should be submitted (in person or by post) to the Embassy of the Republic of Belarus in the United States of America:

Completed visa application form, which meets the following requirements:

• Filled out in legible handwriting (in block letters) or typed, in English or Russian/Belarusian.
• Answers to the questions should be complete and logically consistent, indicating the real purpose of the visit.
• The purpose of the visit should be specified in detail.
• If a question does not apply, write "N/A". Incomplete forms will be returned unprocessed.
• It is the applicant's responsibility to ensure the information on the form is correct.
• The form should be signed by the applicant personally; otherwise, the application may be refused.
• For minors, the form should be signed by their legal representative.

One colour photograph, which meets the following requirements:

• Not older than 6 months.
• Size 35 x 45 mm.
• Full face (70-80% of the picture) without sunglasses, hats, or other head coverings unless for ethnic or religious reasons.
• Plain, evenly lit, and light background.
• High resolution.
• No corrugation or ink.

Valid original passport, which meets the following requirements:

• Contains a photograph of the owner.
• Has at least two blank pages intended for visas.
• Valid for at least 90 days after the expected departure date from Belarus.
• No torn pages, marks, entries, erasures, or corrections that are not certified by the issuing authorities.
• If the applicant is under 18, a copy of the full Birth Certificate and copies of the passports of the applicant's parents (legal representatives) are required.
• If the applicant previously had USSR or Belarusian citizenship, a document certifying the loss of citizenship must be submitted.

• Visa support documents for the required type of visa (Type C short-term or Type D long-term).
• Health insurance, which should contain the following information:

• Name, address, and phone number of the foreign insurance company.
• Full name of the foreign citizen covered by the insurance.
• Validity area, including the Republic of Belarus.
• Insurance period covering the whole stay in Belarus.
• Insurance coverage of at least €10,000.

• Visa processing fees and acceptable payment documents.
• Envelope (when applying by post).

Frequently asked questions