The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) provides advice about risks of travel to help British nationals make informed decisions. Find out more about FCDO travel advice.
FCDOadvises against all travel to Belarus
Your travel insurance could be invalidated if you travel against FCDO advice. Consular support is also severely limited where FCDO advises against travel.
Russian military operations are taking place in Belarus. There is some risk that direct conflict linked to the war in Ukraine may spread to Belarus.
If conflict starts, FCDO’s ability to offer consular assistance will be severely limited. Routes out of the country are limited, particularly by air.
Find out more about safety and security in Belarus.
Dual nationality
Belarus does not recognise dual nationality. If you have both Belarusian and British passports, the authorities will consider you Belarusian, even if you enter the country on your British passport. This limits the UK government’s ability to provide consular assistance.
Before you travel
No travel can be guaranteed safe. Read all the advice in this guide as well as support for British nationals abroad which includes:
- advice on preparing for travel abroad and reducing risks
- information for women, LGBT+ and disabled travellers
Follow and contact FCDO travel on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram. You can also sign up to get email notifications when this advice is updated.
Travel insurance
If you choose to travel, research your destinations and get appropriate travel insurance. Insurance should cover your itinerary, planned activities and potential expenses in an emergency.
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FCDO (Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office): The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) is the governmental department of the United Kingdom responsible for providing travel advice and guidance to British nationals traveling abroad. It's a reliable source of information for travelers, offering insights on potential risks, safety measures, and other essential details concerning various destinations.
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FCDO Travel Advice: FCDO travel advice serves as a valuable resource for British nationals, offering comprehensive information on the safety and security conditions in specific countries. It includes recommendations and warnings regarding travel to particular destinations, which can be crucial in helping travelers make informed decisions.
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Travel Insurance: Travel insurance is a vital component of any international trip. It provides financial protection against various unforeseen circ*mstances, such as medical emergencies, trip cancellations, or lost luggage. Importantly, the article mentions that your travel insurance could be invalidated if you travel against FCDO advice. This emphasizes the importance of aligning your travel plans with FCDO recommendations.
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Consular Assistance: Consular assistance refers to the support and help that a government's embassy or consulate can provide to its citizens when they encounter difficulties while abroad. The article highlights that consular support is severely limited in cases where FCDO advises against travel. This limitation can impact the assistance British nationals can receive in emergency situations while in Belarus.
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Russian Military Operations in Belarus: The article mentions Russian military operations taking place in Belarus. This is a reference to the geopolitical situation in the region, specifically the involvement of Russian forces in Belarus. The article suggests that there is a risk of direct conflict related to the war in Ukraine spilling over into Belarus. This situation can pose potential dangers to travelers in the region.
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Dual Nationality: Belarus does not recognize dual nationality, meaning that if you hold both Belarusian and British passports and enter Belarus on your British passport, Belarusian authorities may still consider you as a Belarusian citizen. This can limit the UK government's ability to provide consular assistance to you while you are in Belarus.
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Travel Safety and Security: The article emphasizes that no travel can be guaranteed as entirely safe. Travelers are encouraged to read all the advice provided in the guide and take steps to reduce risks. This includes understanding the local safety conditions, being prepared for potential emergencies, and being aware of any specific concerns for women, LGBT+, and disabled travelers.
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Travel Insurance Coverage: When choosing to travel, the article recommends researching your destination and obtaining appropriate travel insurance. This insurance should cover your travel itinerary, planned activities, and potential emergency expenses. It's essential to ensure that your insurance policy aligns with your travel plans and destination-specific risks.
In summary, the article provides essential information and warnings for British nationals considering travel to Belarus. It underscores the importance of heeding FCDO travel advice, obtaining proper travel insurance, and being aware of the unique challenges and risks associated with the destination.
