Exploring The Reasons Behind Belarus' Inaccessibility

There are several reasons why you may not be able to go to Belarus. Firstly, the country is volatile due to the war in neighbouring Ukraine, with the potential for direct conflict to spread to Belarus. There is also a risk of arbitrary detention, with a significant risk of arrest for those who have engaged in any activity now considered illegal by the Belarusian regime. In addition, the country imposes strong penalties for very broadly defined and arbitrarily enforced offences, such as 'terrorism propaganda' and 'discrediting' the government. The security environment is unpredictable, and there is a risk of potential harassment targeted specifically at foreigners.

The volatile security environment caused by Russia's war in neighbouring Ukraine

The ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine has had a significant impact on the security environment in neighbouring Belarus, leading to advisories against travel to the country. The volatility of the situation is evident through the heightened tensions and unpredictable nature of the region.

Russia's invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, with Belarus as a crucial ally, has resulted in a volatile security environment in the region. The presence of Russian military forces in Belarus and their joint tactical nuclear drills further escalate tensions. The anti-Western rhetoric from the Lukashenka regime and the increasing military activity on the Belarusian-Ukrainian border raise concerns about Belarus's direct involvement in the Ukraine crisis.

Belarus's support for Russia's invasion has led to international sanctions and responses. Several countries, including EU member states, the UK, and Ukraine, have banned Belarusian airlines from their airspace. Additionally, countries like Australia have imposed trade measures and targeted sanctions on Belarus due to its role in the conflict. These responses have disrupted travel and affected the availability of commercial options for those seeking to leave the country.

The security environment in Belarus is unpredictable and could deteriorate rapidly. The potential for direct conflict linked to the war in Ukraine exists, and the Australian government, for instance, has stated its inability to evacuate its citizens from Belarus. The situation is further exacerbated by the arbitrary enforcement of laws by Belarusian authorities, with broadly defined offences carrying severe penalties, including the death penalty.

The volatile security environment in Belarus, influenced by Russia's war in Ukraine, has resulted in travel advisories against visiting the country. The potential for conflict, heightened tensions, arbitrary enforcement of laws, and limited consular support contribute to the overall risk and uncertainty of the region.

The risk of arrest for engaging in activities now considered illegal by the Belarusian regime

The FCDO advises against all travel to Belarus, warning of a significant risk of arrest for those who have engaged in any activity now considered illegal by the Belarusian regime. The security environment in Belarus is volatile and could deteriorate at short notice, with the country imposing strong penalties for very broadly defined and arbitrarily enforced offences. These include 'terrorism propaganda' and 'discrediting' the government, security forces, and military organisations.

The Belarusian regime has been accused of weaponising organised crime, letting criminal groups work with little to no oversight and even with the complicity of the state. There is a lack of current information on mafia-style groups in Belarus, as several former members have moved their activities into the legal realm and become public officials and business owners. However, active mafia-style groups are still known to be involved in various illegal activities, including extortion and racketeering, drug and arms trafficking, sex work, and human trafficking.

The government has been accused of using forced labour in "labour therapy centres", where individuals with drug and alcohol addictions, political prisoners, and those leading an "asocial lifestyle" are sent to perform a wide range of labour. There are also reports of political prisoners being subjected to forced labour at penal colonies.

Belarus has also been accused of facilitating the transfer of Ukrainian children into the country, with authorities targeting children from vulnerable communities and subjecting them to "re-education", military training, and medical procedures.

The country has a history of targeting and harassing foreigners, with the potential for harassment specifically targeting foreigners increasing due to heightened tensions in the region.

The possibility of conflict spreading to Belarus from the war in Ukraine

Belarus has been a close ally of Russia in the war in Ukraine, and there is a possibility that the conflict could spread to the country. Before the start of the war, Belarus allowed the Russian Armed Forces to perform military drills on its territory, and Russian troops did not exit the country as scheduled. Belarus also allowed Russia to launch part of its invasion from Belarusian territory, giving Russian forces the shortest possible land route to Ukraine's capital, Kyiv.

Since the war began, Belarus has continued to support Russia in its aggression against Ukraine. For example, Belarus has allowed Russian missile launchers to be stationed on its territory to shoot at Ukrainian targets, and there have been reports of Belarusian troops fighting alongside Russians in Ukraine. Additionally, Belarus has become a crucial supplier of military hardware, munitions, and military components to Russia.

The involvement of Belarus in the war has been condemned by Western countries, and sanctions have been imposed by the European Union, the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, and Japan. Despite Belarus's support for Russia, the prospects for a renewal of missile or drone attacks or a repeat offensive launched from Belarusian territory are fairly low. Turning Belarus into a war zone would undermine Russia's ability to obtain necessary components and petroleum products from the country.

Moreover, Ukraine is now better prepared for possible escalation and has Belarusian volunteer units fighting alongside its army. The presence of Ukrainian diplomats in Belarus also signals that official Kyiv will not resort to military force against Belarus. However, the situation along the Belarus-Ukraine border remains tense, and the security environment in the region continues to be volatile. There is a low risk that direct conflict linked to the war in Ukraine may spread to Belarus.

The Belarusian government's failure to recognise dual nationality, which limits consular support

The Belarusian government's failure to recognise dual nationality can cause significant issues for those with dual citizenship. If an individual with dual citizenship enters Belarus with their Belarusian passport, they will be treated as a Belarusian national, even if they are a citizen of another country. This is true even if they enter the country on a non-Belarusian passport. This policy limits the consular support that can be provided by the government of the individual's other country of citizenship.

For example, if a dual citizen with Belarusian and British citizenship is arrested or detained in Belarus, the UK government's ability to help them is limited. The same is true for Australian citizens. The US State Department has also issued a Level 4 travel advisory for Belarus, strongly advising against travel to the country. This advisory notes that US citizens located in or considering travel to Belarus are at risk of potential harassment targeted at foreigners.

The Belarusian government's policy on dual citizenship can also cause issues for those with dual citizenship when it comes to renewing travel documents. Dual citizens are at risk when renewing travel documents in Belarus and should obtain independent legal advice before travelling to or entering the country. For instance, there have been instances where US-Belarus dual citizens have been unable to leave Belarus as planned because their Belarusian passports expired during their stay or because they lost their passports. In such cases, since these travellers entered Belarus using their Belarusian passports, they must also use Belarusian passports when they depart.

Furthermore, males of conscript age (18-27) who are deemed Belarusian citizens may experience difficulties departing Belarus if they have not satisfied their military service requirements. Obtaining a new Belarusian passport can take a long time, especially if the individual needs to submit US-issued documents in support of their application, as these must be apostilled.

The unpredictable nature of the region, including the potential for harassment of foreigners

The region is highly volatile due to the war in neighbouring Ukraine, Russia's military presence along the Belarus-Ukraine border, and the arbitrary enforcement of laws by Belarusian authorities. The situation is unpredictable, and there is heightened tension in the region. The security environment could deteriorate at short notice. Border crossings with neighbouring states are sometimes closed with little notice, and additional closures of crossing points along Belarus' borders with Lithuania, Poland, Latvia, and Ukraine are possible.

Foreigners may be placed under surveillance. Hotel rooms, telephones, fax machines, and email messages may be monitored, and personal possessions in hotel rooms may be searched. Foreigners have been expelled from the country for working with Belarusian civil society groups. Security authorities could enforce security restrictions without notice.

There have been reports of harassment, mistreatment, and extortion by police and other local officials. Local authorities have targeted individuals associated with independent and foreign media. There are also reports of intimidation, harassment, and violence against local and foreign journalists, and some have been detained or had their equipment confiscated.

U.S. citizens 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, U.S. citizens are strongly advised against traveling to Belarus.

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