Why is Belarus not safe?
Last Update: Reissued with updates to health information. Do Not Travel to Belarus due to the arbitrary enforcement of laws, the risk of detention, the Russian military attack on neighboring Ukraine, and the buildup of Russian military in Belarus along the border with Ukraine.
Belarus is overall a safe country, but as a traveler, you're still advised to take all the normal precautions, like avoid pickpockets, crowded areas and shady people that are trying to distract you.
We continue to advise you do not travel to Belarus and to the Belarus-Ukraine border due to the volatile security environment and military conflict. We continue to advise you do not travel to areas near borders with Latvia, Lithuania and Poland due to ongoing civil unrest.
Belarus crime rate & statistics for 2019 was 2.38, a 0.44% decline from 2018. Belarus crime rate & statistics for 2018 was 2.39, a 5.86% decline from 2017. Belarus crime rate & statistics for 2017 was 2.54, a 21.86% decline from 2016. Belarus crime rate & statistics for 2016 was 3.25, a 5.89% decline from 2015.
Belarus ranks 116th among 125 countries in the Top 10 with low crime levels and high safety standards.
Crime against foreigners is a serious problem. Harassment and assaults are prevalent, particularly against foreigners of Asian and African descent. Some victims have died as a result of assaults. Foreigners in the areas to which we advise against all travel are particularly vulnerable.
In terms of crime, China is recognised as being one of the safest countries in the world. Tough law enforcement, a 99% conviction rate, and draconian criminal penalties act as harsh and effective deterrents to serious crime.
Being one of the poorest countries in the geographical limits of Europe, the inability to properly take care of its citizens hampered Belarus. Showing its signs of instability, the Belarusian system creaked heavily during a brief two-year recession during 2015-2016.
Belarus has not joined NATO because it is a member of the Collective Security Treaty Organization under the auspices of Russia, and the Security Treaties with NATO regulate the exchange of classified information affecting the interests of sovereign states.
1. Iceland. According to the Global Peace Index, Iceland is the safest country globally for the 13th year in a row. Iceland is a Nordic nation with a relatively small population of 340,000.
Is Belarus still radioactive?
The soil of Belarus alone absorbed two-thirds of the fall-out and some of the nuclides, such as caesium-137, stay radioactive for more than 30 years. Food accounts for 80 per cent of the long-term contamination of the population.
Belarus is a charming destination that offers expats a high quality of life at low cost. Although the country is seeing more foreign influence, the government is still largely in control and citizens don't have the freedom that they do in other countries.
Belarus is a charming destination that offers expats a high quality of life at low cost. Although the country is seeing more foreign influence, the government is still largely in control and citizens don't have the freedom that they do in other countries.
Some 70% of the radiation fallout from the disaster landed on Belarus, affecting farmland, some river and lake systems and food sourced from forests. However, these days most food in Belarus is considered to have safe levels of radiation, due to regular testing.
Belarus is governed by a strong Presidential system with the police and security services loyal to it. The authorities show little tolerance for their opposition counterparts. You should maintain a high level of security awareness, particularly in public places and avoid demonstrations.
Belarus has not joined NATO because it is a member of the Collective Security Treaty Organization under the auspices of Russia, and the Security Treaties with NATO regulate the exchange of classified information affecting the interests of sovereign states.
