Do not Travel to Belarus due to thearbitrary enforcement of laws, the risk of detention,andunusual and concerning Russian military buildup along Belarus’ border with Ukraine, COVID-19,andrelated entry restrictions. U.S. citizens inBelarus should depart immediately via commercial or private means.
On January 31, 2022, the Department of State ordered the departure of family members of U.S. government employees from Embassy Minsk.
Due to an increase in unusual and concerning Russian military activity near the border with Ukraine, U.S. citizens located in or considering travel to Belarus should be aware that the situation is unpredictable and there is heightened tension in the region.On February 12, 2022, the Department of State ordered the departure of most U.S. direct hire employees from Embassy Kyiv due to the continued threat of Russian military action.Potential harassment targeted specifically at foreigners is also possible. Given the heightened volatilityof the situation, U.S. citizens are strongly advised against traveling to Belarus.
The U.S. government’s ability to provide routine or emergency services to U.S. citizens in Belarus is already severely limited due to Belarusian government limitations on U.S. Embassy staffing.
The U.S. Embassy reminds U.S. citizens to exercise increased awareness and vigilance regarding political and military tensions in the region.U.S. citizens are advised to avoid public demonstrations and to regularly reevaluate possible departureplans in the event of an emergency.
Country Summary:Belarusian authorities have detained tens of thousands of individuals, including U.S. citizens, for alleged affiliations with opposition parties and alleged participation in political demonstrations.U.S. citizens in the vicinity of the demonstrations have been arrested.Some have been victims of harassment and/or mistreatment by Belarusian officials.The Belarusian authorities have targeted individuals associated with independent and foreign media.On May 23, 2021, the Belarusian authorities forced the landing of a commercial aircraft transiting Belarusian airspace in order to arrest an opposition journalist who was a passenger.
Belarus enforces special restrictions on dual U.S.-Belarusian nationals and may refuse to acknowledge dual U.S.-Belarusian nationals’ U.S. citizenship, including denying or delaying U.S. consular assistance to detained dual nationals.
The Centers for Disease Controland Prevention (CDC) has issued aLevel 4 Travel Health NoticeforBelarusdue to COVID-19, indicating averyhigh level of COVID-19 in the country.There are restrictions in place affecting U.S. citizen entry into Belarus.Your risk of contracting COVID-19 and developing severe symptoms may be lower if you are fully vaccinated with anFDA authorized vaccine.Before planning any international travel, please review the CDC’s specific recommendations forfully vaccinatedandunvaccinated travelers.
Visit theEmbassy’s COVID-19 pagefor more information on COVID-19 related restrictions and conditions in Belarus.
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has issued an Advisory Notice to Airman (NOTAM) to exercise extreme caution when flying into, out of, or over the Minsk Flight Information Region (FIR) (UMMV).For more information, U.S. citizens should consult theFederal Aviation Administration’s Prohibitions, Restrictions and Notices.
Read thecountry information page.
If you decide to travel to Belarus:
- See theU.S. Embassy’s web pageregarding COVID-19.
- Visit the CDC’s webpage onTravel and COVID-19.
- Enroll in theSmart Traveler Enrollment Program(STEP) to receive Alerts and make it easier to locate you in an emergency.
- Follow the Department of State onFacebookandTwitter.
- Review theCountry Security Reportfor Belarus.
- U.S. citizens who travel abroad should always have a contingency plan for emergency situations.Review theTraveler’s Checklist.
Last Update: Reissued with updates to information regarding the security along the border with Ukraine.
By U.S. Mission Belarus | 14 February, 2022 | Topics: Alert
