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Belarus
Country Specific Information
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February 12, 2010
COUNTRY DESCRIPTION:
Belarus became an independent republic in 1991, after the breakup of the Soviet Union. In 1996, a constitutional referendum,
not recognized by the international community, centralized power in the executive branch (president), headed by Alyaksandr
Lukashenka. Economic and political reform in Belarus has stalled or is being reversed under his authoritarian government.
The Belarusian Government’s human rights record remains very poor. President Lukashenka gained a third five-year term as
president in March 2006, in an election that international observers judged to be seriously flawed. Democratic nations, including
the United States and the members of the European Union, condemned the subsequent governmental crackdown on peaceful protests
in Minsk, and imposed visa restrictions and other sanctions on senior Belarusian officials. As a result of the release of
political prisoners in August 2008, the EU lifted its visa restrictions, but those of the United States remain in effect.
Both Belarusian and Russian are official languages, and Russian is widely spoken throughout the country, particularly in the
cities. Tourist facilities are not highly developed, but food and lodging in the capital and some regional centers are adequate.
Read the Department of State Background Notes on Belarus for additional information.
REGISTRATION/EMBASSY LOCATION: U.S. citizens living or traveling in Belarus are encouraged to register with the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate at the
Department of State’s travel registration page in order to obtain updated information on local travel and security. U.S. citizens without Internet access may register directly
with the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate. Registration is important; it allows the State Department to assist U.S. citizens
in an emergency.
Local embassy information is available below and at the Department of State’s list of embassies and consulates.
U.S. Embassy Minsk
46 Starovilenskaya Ulitsa (Street)
Telephone: (375 17) 210-1283 or after hours (375 29) 676-0134
Fax (375 17) 334-7853 or (375 17) 17-217-7160 (consular section).
The Consular Section may also be reached by email
Registration performed by a hotel is free of charge. Visa validity dates are strictly enforced; travelers should request
visas of sufficient length to allow for changes in arrival and departure plans, and should carefully review the beginning
and ending dates of their visas before traveling.
The U.S. Department of State is unaware of any HIV/AIDS entry restrictions for visitors to Belarus on a 30 day visit. Long-term
residents or students must obtain an HIV/AIDS test in Belarus and submit the results to the Department of Citizenship and
Migration when applying for an extension of stay or residency in Belarus.
A valid exit visa is necessary to depart Belarus. Generally, the visa issued by a Belarusian embassy or consulate is valid
for both entry and exit. Photocopies of visas may be helpful in the event of loss, but note that a copy of a visa will not
be sufficient for entry or departure, as Belarusian border officials always require original travel documents. Travelers
who overstay their visa’s validity -- even for one day -- will be prevented from leaving until they have been granted an extension
by the Department of Citizenship and Migration. U.S. citizens without valid visas face delays in leaving Belarus and may
have trouble finding adequate accommodation. By Belarusian law, travelers with an expired visa may not check in at any hotel
or other lodging establishment.
U.S. citizens traveling through Belarus to other countries are strongly advised that there is a transit visa requirement for
entering and leaving Belarus. Transit visas are required even for travelers transiting on direct overnight trains with no
stops or transfers on Belarusian territory. Transit visas should be obtained prior to any journey that requires travel through
Belarus. Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) and Russian visas are no substitute for this transit visa. Most travel
agencies, including those in Russia and CIS countries, as well as train ticket sales personnel, are often not aware of this
visa requirement and may not seek a transit visa for a traveler unless instructed by the traveler to do so.
U.S. citizens attempting to transit Belarus without a valid Belarusian transit visa have been denied entry into the country
and forcibly removed from trains. In some instances, local border and railway authorities have threatened passengers who
did not possess a valid transit visa with jail or extorted “fines.” U.S. citizens are advised not to pay any border or railway
officials for transit visas or “transit visa fines,” as these officials are not authorized to issue such visas. U.S. citizens
finding themselves in Belarus without transit visas, if confronted by border or train personnel, should request to be put
in contact with consular officials at the U.S. Embassy in Minsk.
U.S. citizens traveling to Belarus via Russia are reminded that they must possess a Russian transit visa in addition to their
Belarusian visa. Russian Embassies outside of the United States, including the Russian Embassy in Belarus, generally do not
issue transit or tourist visas to U.S. citizens. Russian transit visas are not normally obtainable at Russian airports.
The Law on the Legal Status of Foreign Citizens and Stateless Persons in the Republic of Belarus states that all foreign citizens
may be granted permission for a temporary stay (up to 90 days within a chronological year), temporary residence (up to one
year), or permanent residence. Belarusian Embassies and Consulates will issue visas for temporary stays. A temporary stay
visa will allow the bearer to be present physically in Belarus for a maximum of 90 days within the 365-day period for which
the visa is issued. Once an individual has spent 90 days in Belarus, at one time or through a combination of visits, he or
she will not be eligible to receive another visa until the original 365-day period has passed.
Individuals who receive visas for a temporary stay, but wish to remain in Belarus for longer than 90 days, must apply for
temporary or permanent residence with the Ministry of Interior. Individuals must make the application in Belarus within the
90 days allotted for a temporary stay. Permission for temporary residence can be granted to students, spouses, or close relatives
of Belarusian citizens, or for “work, business, or other activities.” Travelers may contact the Consular Section at the U.S.
Embassy in Minsk for information about application procedures for temporary or permanent residence. Every foreigner entering
Belarus is required to fill out a migration card. This card should be retained for the whole period of stay and should be
presented to the border authorities when exiting Belarus.
Foreign citizens without a valid Belarusian visa, migration card, or proper registration with the Department of Citizenship
and Migration as a temporary visitor or resident can be subject to sanctions up to and including deportation under the provisions
of the Code of Administrative Violations. Depending on the circumstances, deportees also can be banned from returning to
Belarus for a period from one to ten years.
Foreign citizens visiting and transiting Belarus also should be prepared to demonstrate sufficient financial means to support
their stay. For individuals staying in Belarus for less than one month, this amount is equal to approximately $15/day/person.
For those staying for longer than one month, the requirements call for $375/month/person. Belarusian officials may request
this proof of funds at the time of visa application, at the border, or during registration. According to the Ministry of
Interior, cash, credit cards, paid hotel reservations, or a letter from an inviting party pledging full financial support
are sufficient means to demonstrate financial wherewithal.
Belarus requires all foreign nationals (other than accredited diplomats) entering the country to purchase medical insurance
at the port-of-entry, regardless of any other insurance they might have. Costs for this insurance will vary according to
the length of stay. (Subject to change, current information puts costs at €2 for a one to three day stay, €5 for a stay of
4-10 days, €15 for a stay of up to 31 days, and €85 for a stay of one year.)
Travelers entering Belarus with more than 35 kilograms of luggage (77 pounds) may be charged 2 Euros per kilogram in excess
of that limit. The fee must be paid in dollars or Euros. In accordance with current customs regulations, foreigners may
enter Belarus with up to $10,000 and exit the country with up to $3,000 in cash without submitting a written declaration.
For additional information on customs rules for Belarus please see the Belarusian State Customs Committee official website.
The Belarusian Government enforces a requirement for special permits to travel in “protected border zones.” The Government
of Belarus has not provided information defining the parameters of those zones. Travelers should be alert for warning signs,
road barriers, and/or border guard posts, and are advised not to cross into such areas without permission.
Foreign missionaries may not engage in religious activities outside the institutions that invited them unless they have a
religious worker visa. One-year validity, multiple-entry, "spiritual activities" visas, which are required of foreign missionaries,
can be difficult to get, even for faiths that are registered with the government and have a long history in the country.
Approval often involves a difficult bureaucratic process.
A law enacted in 2002 required all religious groups and organizations, including recognized “traditional” religions such as
Russian Orthodoxy, Roman Catholicism, Orthodox Judaism, Sunni Islam, and Lutheranism, to re-register; most organizations have
done so. Unregistered religious groups may not legally gather for religious purposes. Many unregistered groups continue
to meet, however, leaving them vulnerable to selective implementation of the law by authorities. The law also stipulates
that only Belarusian citizens can head religious organizations in Belarus. In recent years, authorities have harassed, warned,
fined, and briefly detained members of some unregistered and so-called "non-traditional" faiths for engaging in unsanctioned
worship or proselytism. The U.S. Embassy strongly recommends that any U.S. citizen who chooses to attend a religious service
of an unregistered religious group do so only after consulting with members of the group about the risk of harassment or possible
arrest by local law enforcement authorities. U.S. citizens are also urged to contact the U.S. Embassy should they encounter
any problems with authorities due to their participation in such services or events.
Naturalized U.S. citizens originally from Belarus do not automatically lose Belarusian citizenship upon naturalization. Such
individuals retain Belarusian citizenship unless they take specific steps to renounce it. The Belarusian authorities will
allow naturalized U.S. citizens from Belarus to enter the country without a valid Belarusian passport on a “certificate of
return” issued by Belarusian Embassies and Consulates, but please note that a valid Belarusian passport will be required to
leave the country. It can take two to four weeks to receive a new Belarusian passport. For additional information please
consult with the Embassy of Belarus.
Belarusian citizens, including dual nationals, are subject to Belarusian laws requiring service in Belarus’ armed forces,
as well as other laws pertaining to passports and nationality. U.S.-Belarusian dual nationals of military age who do not
wish to serve in the Belarusian armed forces should contact the Embassy of Belarus in Washington, D.C. to learn more about
an exemption or deferment from Belarusian military service before going to Belarus. Without this exemption or deferment document,
they may not be able to leave Belarus without completing military service, or may be subject to criminal penalties for failure
to serve.
Children born to Belarusian parent(s) or to one Belarusian parent and one foreign parent, even if born in the United States
and in possession of a U.S. passport, may not be issued a Belarusian visa for travel to Belarus. The Belarusian government
considers these children to be Belarusian citizens until age 16, when they may choose to accept or reject that claim to citizenship.
Instead of a visa, a "certificate of return" is issued that will allow the child to enter Belarus. It is imperative that
parents of such children understand that, in order to leave the country, the child will be required to have a Belarusian passport
if he/she does not already have one. It can take anywhere from two to four weeks to complete the application procedures and
receive a new Belarusian passport.
Visit the Embassy of Belarus website for the most current visa information, or contact the Embassy of Belarus at 1619 New Hampshire Avenue, NW, Washington, DC 20009, tel: 202-986-1606, fax: 202-986-1805.
Information about dual nationality or the prevention of international child abduction can be found on our web site. For further information about customs regulations, please read our Customs Information sheet.
THREATS TO SAFETY AND SECURITY: Both organized and spontaneous demonstrations occur in Belarus. Localized street disturbances relating to political events
occur most frequently in Minsk or larger cities. In some instances, authorities may use force to disperse protesters; bystanders,
including foreign nationals, may face the possibility of arrest, beating, or detention. Even demonstrations intended to be
peaceful can sometimes become confrontational and escalate into violence. For this reason, it is recommended that U.S. citizens
avoid all demonstrations and protest gatherings.
Security personnel may at times place foreign visitors under surveillance. Hotel rooms, telephones, and fax machines may
be monitored, and personal possessions in hotel rooms may be searched. Taking photographs of anything that could be perceived
as being of military or security interest may result in problems with authorities. These sites are not always clearly marked
and application of these restrictions is subject to interpretation.
For the latest security information, U.S. citizens traveling abroad should regularly monitor the Department of State's Bureau of Consular Affairs website, which contains current the Travel Warnings and Travel Alerts as well as the Worldwide Caution.
Up-to-date information on safety and security can also be obtained by calling 1-888-407-4747 toll-free within the U.S. and
Canada, or by calling a regular toll line, 1-202-501-4444, from other countries. These numbers are available from 8:00 a.m.
to 8:00 p.m. Eastern Time, Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal holidays).
The Department of State urges U.S. citizens to take responsibility for their own personal security while traveling overseas. For general information about appropriate measures travelers can take to protect themselves in an overseas environment, see the Department of State’s extensive tips and advice on traveling safely abroad.
CRIME: Belarus has a moderate incidence of street crime. Though violent crime against foreigners is rare, criminals have been known
to use force if met with resistance from victims. Common street crime, such as mugging and pocket picking, occurs most frequently
near public transportation venues, near hotels frequented by foreigners, and/or at night in poorly lit areas. Visitors to
Minsk should be especially alert in the metro and bus stations.
Foreigners visiting night clubs should pay particular attention to their surroundings and their drinks because the drugging
of drinks is not uncommon. Prostitutes at hotels may attempt to open hotel room doors in search of customers. Local and
transnational organized criminal activity also exists in Belarus. Most casinos and adult clubs are operated by criminal elements,
but street-level organized criminal violence is rare and does not generally affect expatriates. Carjacking is also rare,
but theft of vehicles parts and car vandalism is not. European, Japanese, and American-made sport utility and luxury vehicles
tend to be the most sought-after. Parking in a secure area overnight is highly recommended.
Sexual assaults on women are as commonplace in Minsk as they are in most large urban areas in the United States. Women are
advised to exercise the same caution as they would in any large city in the U.S. Criminal activity in Minsk is comparable
to the level found in other large cities in Belarus, while in the rural areas it is very limited.
Travelers should keep a copy of their passport in a separate location from their original passport.
"Internet brides" are advertised on several websites and are not always legitimate. Often times, potential suitors in the
U.S. are taken for thousands of dollars when they send money to people they have never met and never hear from them again.
A growing variant on this theme is the suitor invited to Belarus to visit a “friend”, who arranges lodging and transportation
for him (at hugely inflated prices) and disappears when the money has changed hands.
Cyber-crime of all kinds is well-developed in Belarus. Merchandise orders with fraudulent credit cards, ID theft, hacking/blackmail
schemes, and Nigerian advanced fee fraud are gaining in popularity. Any company doing business with persons or firms in Belarus
electronically should proceed with extreme caution. Travelers should avoid using credit and debit cards, except at ATMs located
inside major banks. Not only is electronic fraud common at ATMs and grocery stores, serious injuries have been inflicted
during assaults at street-side ATMs. Please note that transferring funds from abroad, replacing stolen traveler's checks or
airline tickets, or canceling credit cards can be difficult and time consuming, especially due to the lack of English-speaking
tourist agencies and an undeveloped tourism industry in Belarus.
In many countries around the world, counterfeit and pirated goods are widely available. Transactions involving such products may be illegal under local law. In addition, bringing them back to the United States may result in forfeitures and/or fines.
VICTIMS OF CRIME: If you are the victim of a crime abroad, you should contact the local police and the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate
(see the Department of State’s list of embassies and consulates). This includes the loss or theft of a U.S. passport. The embassy/consulate staff can, for example, help you find appropriate
medical care, contact family members or friends and explain how funds may be transferred. Although the investigation and prosecution
of the crime are solely the responsibility of local authorities, consular officers can help you to understand the local criminal
justice process and to find an attorney if needed.
Please see our information on victims of crime, including possible victim compensation programs in the United States.
The local equivalents to the “911” emergency lines in Belarus are: 101 Fire and Rescue Squad, 102 Police, 103 Ambulance (Medical
Emergency).
Belarus police organizations are well trained and professional, but severely restricted by an un-reformed Soviet-era legal
system, corruption, and politicization of the police force and other government authorities. Due to low salaries, it is not
uncommon for officers to collect bribes during traffic stops. Sophisticated criminal investigations are often inconclusive
because of a lack of resources and/or political will.
Some U.S. citizens have reported harassment at border crossings. Despite these problems, the Regional Security Officer recommends that U.S. citizens report any crimes immediately to the local police and the U.S. Embassy.
CRIMINAL PENALTIES: While in a foreign country, a U.S. citizen is subject to that country's laws and regulations, which sometimes differ significantly
from those in the United States and may not afford the protections available to the individual under U.S. law. Penalties for
breaking the law can be more severe than in the United States for similar offenses. Engaging in sexual conduct with children
or using or disseminating child pornography in a foreign country is a crime prosecutable in the United States.
Persons violating Belarusian laws, even unknowingly, may be expelled, arrested, or imprisoned. Penalties for possessing,
using, or trafficking in illegal drugs in Belarus are severe, and convicted offenders can expect long jail sentences and heavy
fines.
Access for U.S. consular officers to U.S. citizens in detention is often limited and/or delayed. Although U.S. citizens are able to obtain legal representation, there has been at least one case of delayed notification, hindered consular access, limited medical treatment, and trial behind closed doors.
SPECIAL CIRCUMSTANCES: Traveler's checks are normally not accepted in Belarus as a means of payment, but can be freely exchanged for cash at any
bank. Most hotels, restaurants, and stores accept major credit cards. All Belarusian banks provide cash from major credit
cards. All payments in Belarus are made in Belarusian rubles. Authorized currency exchange centers are widely available
throughout major cities. Black market currency exchange or payment in U.S. dollars to firms or individuals without a special
license is a criminal offense in Belarus. Only a few large firms (such as state-owned gas stations) are licensed to accept
U.S. dollars. Travelers may be offered "unofficial" exchange rates at what seems a good rate, but the U.S. Embassy advises
to use widely available licensed exchange locations.
ATMs are also available for use, and it has become easier to use credit cards and debit cards in Belarus, especially in Minsk; however, this does not mean that it is safer to do so. There have been reports of instances in which U.S. citizens have had their card numbers “skimmed” and the money in their debit accounts stolen or their credit cards fraudulently charged. (“Skimming” is the theft of credit card information by an employee of a legitimate merchant or bank, manually copying down numbers or using a magnetic stripe reader.) In addition to skimming, the risk of physical theft of credit or debit cards also exists. To prevent such theft, the Embassy recommends that travelers keep close track of their personal belongings and only carry what is needed when out. If travelers choose to use credit cards, they should regularly check their account status to ensure its integrity. Travelers should avoid using credit and debit cards, except at ATMs located inside major banks.
Foreigners are expected to carry their passports on them at all times. Failure to prove your identity with an internationally recognizable ID, if stopped by the police for a registration (visa) spot check, may result in detention by the police until your identity is established.
Radiation: The 1986 release of nuclear material from the Chernobyl nuclear station in Ukraine affected Belarus. The city of Minsk
was mostly spared, but other areas of Belarus were badly contaminated. Several years of monitoring have shown that radiation
levels in Minsk have not exceeded internationally acceptable standards, and periodic testing of foodstuffs from various locations
in Belarus has not revealed a level of radiation that would be considered harmful.
A Soviet-era nuclear power plant identical in design to the Chernobyl reactor is located across the Lithuanian border, approximately
250km from Minsk. In the event of a significant nuclear incident Belarus would be directly affected.
Persons seeking to marry in Belarus should consult the information located on the Embassy website.
MEDICAL FACILITIES AND HEALTH INFORMATION: Medical care in Belarus is neither modern nor easily accessible, especially for those who do not speak Russian. There are
no hospitals in Belarus that provide a level of medical care equal to that of Western hospitals, and none accept U.S. health
insurance plans for payment. Despite the recent emergence of facilities which offer private "advanced" medical services,
modern diagnostic equipment and even basic supplies are still lacking. Traumatic injuries are especially serious as the
level of care and competence to deal with them are well below U.S. standards.
Ambulances are poorly equipped and unreliable; a wait time of 30 minutes or more is not unusual. The fastest way to secure
Western-level care is medical evacuation to Western Europe. Travelers should consider purchasing medical evacuation insurance
prior to travel, or have access to substantial credit to cover evacuation costs. There are no air ambulance services in Belarus.
"Local" health insurance for non-residents is required for all visitors by the government and may be purchased at points of
entry.
The medical emergency number for Belarus is 103 from any telephone. Tuberculosis is an increasingly serious health concern
in Belarus. For further information, please consult the CDC's information on TB.
Information on vaccinations and other health precautions, such as safe food and water precautions and insect bite protection,
may be obtained from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) hotline for international travelers at 1-877-FYI-TRIP
(1-877-394-8747) or via the CDC website. For information about outbreaks of infectious diseases abroad, consult the infectious diseases section of the World Health Organization (WHO) website. The WHO website also contains additional health information for travelers, including detailed country-specific health information.
MEDICAL INSURANCE: The Department of State strongly urges U.S. citizens to consult their medical insurance company prior to traveling abroad to determine whether the policy applies overseas and whether it covers emergency expenses such as a medical evacuation. For more information, please see our medical insurance overseas page.
TRAFFIC SAFETY AND ROAD CONDITIONS: While in a foreign country, U.S. citizens may encounter road conditions that differ significantly from those in the United States.
U.S. citizens on short-term visits to Belarus (up to 90 days) are permitted to drive with a valid U.S. state driver’s license.
U.S. citizens should, therefore, always carry their passports with them to prove date of entry into the country in the event
that police stop them. If residing in Belarus for more than 90 days, one should apply for a Belarusian driver’s license.
Drivers will be required to successfully complete a two-part test in Russian; the first part is a computer-based multiple-choice
test on local driving rules, and the second part is a driving test. To receive a local driver’s license, drivers will also
need to complete a medical exam at a special medical clinic, which will include a general physical, a neuropathologist, a
surgeon, an EENT specialist, an ECD, a chest x-ray, and an eye exam.
Roads in Belarus are in generally good condition, but modern cars share the highways with tractors, horse drawn carts, and
pedestrians. Drunk driving is also common, even with a zero-tolerance law. Ice and snow in the winter months pose an added
hazard. Travelers involved in an automobile accident should report it immediately to the road police, and remain at the scene
until after the police arrive and complete the investigation. U.S. citizens should leave the scene of an accident only if
they believe their personal safety is in danger.
Except for a stretch of the main east-west highway, where the speed limit is 120 km/h (75 mph), the maximum speed limit on
divided highways or main roads outside village, town, or city limits is 90 km/h (55 mph). Speed limits in cities are 60 km/h
unless marked and will usually range between 40 km/h and 80 km/h, with frequent radar traps. Fines for speeding depend on
the speed over the speed limit, and can vary from 2 to 10 minimum tariff units (from $26 to $130).
Visible and hidden dangers exist, including potholes, unlit or poorly lit streets, inattentive and dark-clothed pedestrians
walking on unlit roads, drivers and pedestrians under the influence of alcohol, and disregard for traffic rules. Driving
in winter is especially dangerous because of ice and snow. Driving with caution is urged at all times.
DUI fines vary from 15 to 35 minimum tariff units (from $200 to $500) for the first detected offence. Repeated offence within
365 days is subject to criminal persecution (up to 6 months in prison or up to two years of corrective labor).
Drivers are expected to yield for pedestrians crossing at pedestrian crossings marked by respective road signs or road marking
and intersections not controlled by a traffic light or a road policeman.
Radio-dispatched taxi services are generally reliable, arrive promptly once called and usually offer the lowest fare. Most
radio-dispatched taxis are metered. Current fare is about $0.75 per mile. With the majority of taxi services the rates are
the same during the day and in the overnight hours. The use of informal taxis or "gypsy cabs" is not recommended.
Minsk has a clean, safe, and efficient subway system that easily reaches most of the city center. Service is stopped from
1.00 AM to 5.30 AM, but otherwise runs regularly throughout the day. Ticket prices are extremely low by western standards.
Though their routes are extensive, buses and trolleys lack cooling capabilities in the summer and are usually crowded.
Travelers on all public transportation should be wary of pickpockets and other petty crime. For travelers interested in car
rental, there are several western rental agencies currently operating in Minsk. In general, rental car networks in Belarus
are not well developed.
Travelers may experience significant delays (of several hours) in crossing the border by road into neighboring countries.
Please refer to our Road Safety page for more information. Also visit the website of Belarus’ national tourist office and national authority responsible for road safety.
AVIATION SAFETY OVERSIGHT: As there is no direct commercial air service to the United States by carriers registered in Belarus, the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has not assessed the government of Belarus’ Civil Aviation Authority for compliance with International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) aviation safety standards. Further information may be found on the FAA’s safety assessment page.
CHILDREN'S ISSUES: Please see our Office of Children’s Issues web pages on intercountry adoption and international parental child abduction.
* * *
This replaces the Country Specific Information for Belarus dated November 24, 2008, and updates the sections on Exit/Entry Requirements, Safety and Security, Information for Victims of Crime, Medical Facilities and Health Information, and Criminal Penalties.
