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Belarus
Country Specific Information
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November 24, 2008
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.
ENTRY/EXIT REQUIREMENTS: A passport and visa are required. Travelers must obtain a visa in advance to visit or transit through Belarus. Travelers
who do not have a visa cannot register at hotels. U.S. citizens visiting or residing in Belarus are required to register
with the local office of the Citizenship and Migration Department of the Ministry of Interior (formerly OVIR) within three
business days after arrival. The registration fee is one National Minimum Tariff Unit (currently about $17). Failure to
register can result in fines and difficulties when departing. U.S. citizens staying in hotels are automatically registered
at check-in. 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.
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. United States 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.” American 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. Americans
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 Americans. 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 approximately $1 for a one or two day stay, $15
for a stay of up to 31 days, and $85 for a stay of one year.)
Travelers entering Belarus by air with more than 35 kilograms of luggage (77 pounds) will 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 without submitting a written declaration. For
additional information on customs rules for Belarus please see the Belarusian State Customs Committee official web site.
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 at http://www.belarusembassy.org.
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. American-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) before August 15, 2002, 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. (Note: if the parent left Belarus on a series PP passport, given to Belarusians who reside abroad and have cancelled
their local registration, then Belarus would not require the child to reject his/her claim to citizenship). For children
born to one Belarusian parent and one foreign parent after 2002, the parents must by mutual consent agree to Belarusian citizenship
for the child, regardless of the place of birth. If the parents cannot reach consensus, Belarus would only force Belarusian
citizenship on a child in cases where the child would be left stateless.
Visit the Embassy of Belarus web site at http://www.belarusembassy.org/ 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, consul@belarusembassy.org.
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.
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 American
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, Americans living or traveling abroad should regularly monitor the Department of State’s
Bureau of Consular Affairs’ web site at http://travel.state.gov, where the current Travel Warnings and Travel Alerts, as well as the Worldwide Caution, can be found.
Up-to-date information on safety and security can also be obtained by calling 1-888-407-4747 toll-free in the U.S. and Canada,
or for callers outside the U.S. and Canada, a regular toll line at 1-202-501-4444. 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 American 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 A Safe Trip 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.
American citizens and other foreigners in Belarus have also been the victims of car theft, car vandalism, and hotel and residential
break-ins. Foreigners visiting nightclubs should pay particular attention to their surroundings, as criminal elements may
rob unsuspecting patrons after surreptitiously drugging their drinks. Travelers should keep a copy of their passport in a
separate location from their original passport.
As in many countries around the world, counterfeit and pirated goods are widely available in Belarus. 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. More information on this serious problem is available at http://www.cybercrime.gov/18usc2320.htm.
INFORMATION FOR VICTIMS OF CRIME: The loss or theft abroad of a U.S. passport should be reported immediately to the local police and the nearest U.S. Embassy
or Consulate. If you are the victim of a crime while overseas, in addition to reporting to local police, please contact the
nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate for assistance. The Embassy/Consulate staff can, for example, assist you in finding appropriate
medical care, contacting family members or friends and explaining how funds could be transferred. Although the investigation
and prosecution of the crime is 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. To see if you can be compensated in the U.S. as a victim
of violent crime overseas, see our information on Victims of Crime.
The local equivalents to the “911” emergency line in Belarus are: 111 Fire and Rescue Squad, 102 Police, 103 Ambulance (Medical
Emergency)
MEDICAL FACILITIES AND HEALTH INFORMATION: Medical care in Belarus is limited. There is a severe shortage of basic medical supplies, including anesthetics, vaccines
and antibiotics. Elderly travelers and those with existing health problems may be at risk due to inadequate medical facilities.
Travelers are encouraged to ensure that they bring an adequate supply of prescription medications in the event that there
are delays in departing Belarus. Tuberculosis is an increasingly serious health concern in Belarus. For further information,
please consult the CDC's Travel Notice on TB at http://wwwn.cdc.gov/travel/yellowBookCh4-TB.aspx.
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.
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 (CDC) and Prevention’s hotline for international travelers at 1-877-FYI-TRIP
(1-877-394-8747) or via the CDC’s web site at http://wwwn.cdc.gov/travel/default.aspx. For information about outbreaks of infectious diseases abroad consult the World Health Organization’s (WHO) website at
http://www.who.int/en. Further health information for travelers is available at http://www.who.int/ith/en.
MEDICAL INSURANCE: The Department of State strongly urges Americans to consult with their medical insurance company prior to traveling abroad
to confirm whether their policy applies overseas and whether it will cover emergency expenses such as a medical evacuation.
Please see our information on medical insurance overseas.
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. The information below concerning Belarus is provided for general reference only, and may not be totally accurate
in a particular location or circumstance.
American 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 chest
x-ray, and an eye exam.
Radar traps and road construction sites, often unlit at night, are widespread. Except for a stretch of the main east-west
highway, where the speed limit is 100 km/h (60 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 70 km/h, with frequent radar traps. 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.
Radio-dispatched taxi services are generally reliable, arrive promptly once called and usually offer the lowest fare. Most
radio-dispatched taxis are metered, although fares can vary greatly and are considerably higher in the late evening and 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 briefly
during the early morning hours, but otherwise runs regularly throughout the day. Ticket prices are extremely low by western
standards. Though their routes are extensive, buses and trolleys lack heating or cooling capabilities and are usually crowded.
Travelers on all public transportation should be wary of pickpockets and other petty crime. For travelers interested in car
rental, only one major western rental agency currently operates 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 the country’s national tourist office and national authority responsible
for road safety at: http://siteks.com/sites/touragency/.
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 Belarus’s Civil Aviation Authority for compliance with International Civil Aviation
Organization (ICAO) aviation safety standards. For more information, travelers may visit the FAA’s web site at http://www.faa.gov/safety/programs_initiatives/oversight/iasa.
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.
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.
Persons seeking to marry in Belarus should consult the information located on the Embassy web site at http://minsk.usembassy.gov/marriage.html.
Please see our Customs Information.
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. Persons violating Belarusian laws,
even unknowingly, may be expelled, arrested or imprisoned. Penalties for possession, use, or trafficking in illegal drugs
in Belarus are severe, and convicted offenders can expect long jail sentences and heavy fines. Engaging in sexual conduct
with children or using or disseminating child pornography in a foreign country is a crime, prosecutable in the United States.
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. Please see our information on Criminal Penalties.
CHILDREN'S ISSUES: For information see our Office of Children’s Issues web pages on intercountry adoption and international parental child abduction.
REGISTRATION / EMBASSY LOCATION: Americans living or traveling in Belarus are encouraged to register with the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate through
the State Department’s travel registration web site so that they can obtain updated information on travel and security within Belarus. Americans without Internet access may
register directly with the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate. By registering, American citizens make it easier for the Embassy
or Consulate to contact them in case of emergency. The U.S. Embassy is located in Minsk at 46 Starovilenskaya Ulitsa; 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 at ConsularMinsk@state.gov.
* * *
This replaces the Country Specific Information for Belarus dated December 7, 2007, and updates the sections on Exit/Entry
Requirements, Safety and Security, Information for Victims of Crime, Medical Facilities and Health Information, and Criminal Penalties.
