Belarus Travel Risk

Do not travel to Belarus for any reason due to unrest and other risks.

The U.S. government has extremely limited ability to help detained U.S. citizens. You may not receive consular access. You could also face arbitrary detention with no contact with the outside world.

Ordered departure

On February 28, 2022, the U.S. Department of State ordered the departure of U.S. government employees. It also suspended operations at U.S. Embassy Minsk.

There are no consular services, routine or emergency, until further notice. The U.S. government has severely limited ability to assist U.S. citizens in Belarus. U.S. citizens in Belarus who require consular services should leave the country immediately. Please contact a U.S. embassy or consulate in another country.

Dual citizenship

Belarus does not recognize dual nationality. Belarus will not recognize your U.S. citizenship if you are a dual U.S.-Belarusian citizen or have a claim to Belarusian citizenship.

• Belarus repeatedly has blocked U.S. consular officers from visiting detained dual U.S.-Belarusian citizens.
• The Belarusian government has prevented dual U.S.-Belarusian citizens from departing the country. In some cases, it has forced dual citizens into mandatory military service.

Your travel insurance could be invalidated if you travel against advice from the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO).

FCDO advises against all travel to Belarus

FCDO advises against all travel to Belarus. You face a significant risk of arrest if you have at any time engaged in any activity now considered illegal by the Belarusian regime.

There is also a low risk that direct conflict linked to the war in Ukraine may spread to Belarus. Find out more about why FCDO advises against all travel.

Limited UK government support

In the unlikely event that conflict starts, FCDO’s ability to support British nationals will be severely limited.

Dual nationals

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. Dual British-Belarusian nationality will not reduce your risk of arrest, questioning, or detention if you have engaged in any political activity related to Belarus. This limits the UK government’s ability to help you. See Safety and security.

Terrorism

There is a high threat of terrorist attack globally affecting UK interests and British nationals, including from groups and individuals who view the UK and British nationals as targets. Stay aware of your surroundings at all times.

UK Counter Terrorism Policing has information and advice on staying safe and what to do in the event of a terrorist attack. Find out how to reduce your risk from terrorism while abroad.

Terrorism in Belarus

Although there’s no recent history of terrorism in Belarus, attacks cannot be ruled out.

Attacks could happen anywhere and could affect western interests and places visited by foreign nationals.

Political situation

Demonstrations and protests are possible and could become confrontational, with security forces likely to use force to disperse and detain demonstrators. The authorities launched a violent crackdown against demonstrators across Belarus after the 2020 presidential elections.

Belarus is still a repressive environment. You should:

• stay vigilant
• avoid crowds
• if protests break out, leave the area immediately

There is often a heightened security presence, including on the streets of Minsk and other major cities. Security forces (some may be in plain clothes) might carry out a stop and search or ask for identification documents, and require you to unlock your phone. Make sure you carry your passport or a printed copy of the photo page of your passport, and visa if you have one.

Laws and cultural differences

Illegal drugs

There are severe penalties for drug-related crimes in Belarus. Possession of illegal drugs, including small amounts of Class C substances such as cannabis, can result in prison sentences of up to 5 years. More serious offences, such as smuggling or trafficking, carry penalties of up to 25 years in prison and heavy fines. These laws apply even if you are only transiting through the airport.

Airports in Belarus have excellent technology and security for detecting illegal items. This is also used to scan the baggage of transiting passengers. You should expect strict enforcement and serious consequences if found in possession of illegal substances.

LGBT+ travellers

Same-sex sexual activity is legal in Belarus. However, Belarus is still a conservative society and the LGBT+ scene is very low profile. Very few LGBT+ people are open about their sexuality. Read more advice for LGBT travellers.

Surrogacy

FCDO advises against commissioning surrogacy arrangements in Belarus.

If you are a British national with existing surrogacy arrangements in Belarus, contact FCDO on 01908 516 666 if you have not already done so.

If you already have surrogacy arrangements in place:

1. You may wish to ask your surrogacy agency about the safest location where all parties to the surrogacy arrangement can stay. FCDO cannot facilitate evacuation.
2. In many cases, Belarusian law requires that the surrogate is married. This could affect British nationality for a child born under such a surrogacy arrangement. You should seek specialist UK legal advice about nationality determinations, Parental Orders and what you need for travel documents.
3. Seek in-country legal advice. This is important for issues like legalising UK documents, notarising Belarusian documents, document processing and the maximum period of stay the authorities will allow. Due to the security challenges, FCDO cannot confirm which lawyers are currently offering services. The surrogacy process in Belarus can be lengthy and complicated.

If you are considering changing your surrogacy arrangements, or making a new arrangement in another country, read the guidance for intended parents planning for international surrogacy.

Risk level

BELARUS - AVOID ALL TRAVEL

Avoid all travel to Belarus due to the risk of arbitrary enforcement of local laws and the armed conflict between Russia and Ukraine.

The ability of the Embassy of Canada to Poland to provide consular services in Belarus is extremely limited. If you are in Belarus, you should leave by commercial means.

Impacts of the armed conflict in Ukraine

In February 2022, Russia launched a military invasion of Ukraine. Russian forces conduct military operations from Belarus. Security conditions are unpredictable and could deteriorate without notice.

Projectiles from the armed conflict in Ukraine have landed in the Brest region near the Ukrainian border. Be aware of your surroundings.

The ability of the Embassy of Canada to Poland to provide consular services in Belarus is extremely limited. If you are in Belarus, you should leave by commercial means.

If you decide to remain in Belarus despite this advisory, be aware that:

• you may have to stay in Belarus longer than expected
• you may not be able to access your funds in Canadian or most international financial institutions
• you should not depend on the Government of Canada to help you leave the country

If you plan to leave Belarus:

• ensure that your travel documents and those of your family are up-to-date and secure at all times

• communicate your travel plans to family and friends
• register and update your contact information through the Registration of Canadians Abroad service and encourage other Canadian citizens in Belarus to do so

白俄罗斯风险等级为黄色（中风险）。

外交部提醒在白俄罗斯中国公民，密切关注当地安全形势，提高警惕，加强防范，注意安全。如遇紧急情况，请及时报警并与中国驻当地使领馆取得联系。

外交部和驻外使领馆将继续密切关注海外安全形势变化，动态调整有关风险评估，并实时在中国领事服务网等平台发布、更新相应安全提醒，请持续关注。