Belarus

Emergency phone numbers

Local authorities are responsible for investigating and prosecuting crimes and providing emergency services.

• Dial 112 for any kind of emergency
• Dial 101 for fire & rescue Squad
• Dial 102 for police
• Dial 103 for ambulance

Terrorism

Terrorists and their supporters may target U.S. citizens abroad.

Terrorists may target:

• Large public events (sporting contests, political rallies, demonstrations, holiday events, celebratory gatherings, etc.)
• Popular hotels, clubs, and restaurants
• Places of worship
• Schools
• Parks
• Shopping malls and markets
• Public transportation (subways, buses, trains)
• Commercial flights

Credible information indicates terrorist groups continue plotting possible attacks in Europe. European governments are taking action to guard against terrorist attacks. All European countries remain potentially vulnerable to attacks from transnational terrorist organizations.

Review our information on Terrorism.

Demonstrations

Demonstrations, both organized and spontaneous, are not common in Belarus.

Localized street disturbances relating to political events are more likely in Minsk or larger cities than in smaller towns and villages. They may take place in response to political or economic issues. They may also occur on significant holidays, and during large events. 

• Avoid all demonstrations and protests.
• Authorities have used force to disperse demonstrators, including those who are peacefully demonstrating.
• Bystanders, including foreign nationals, may face arrest or detention. 
• Foreigners may be placed under surveillance. Hotel rooms, telephones, and fax machines may be monitored. Personal possessions in hotel rooms may be searched. 
• U.S. citizens must avoid protests. Avoid taking photos of security staff at these events. Belarusian and U.S. citizens have been detained for posts on social media.
• Demonstrations can be unpredictable. Avoid areas around protests and other demonstrations.
• Past demonstrations have turned violent. 
• Check local media for updates and traffic advisories.

Photography

Taking photos of anything related to military or security can cause issues with authorities. These sites are not always clearly marked. Application of these restrictions depends on the authorities’ interpretation. 

Crime

• Belarus has a low rate of street crime. Violent crime against foreigners is rare. Criminals have been known to use force if victims resist. 
• Common street crime, such as mugging and pickpocketing, occurs most frequently near public transportation venues. It is also common near hotels where foreigners stay or at night in poorly-lit areas.
• Prostitutes at hotels may try to open hotel room doors looking for customers.
• There is local and transnational organized criminal activity in Belarus. Avoid casinos and adult clubs. They are operated by criminals.
• Theft of vehicle parts and car vandalism is common. Sport-utility and luxury vehicles tend to be the most sought-after models. Park your vehicle in a secure area overnight for safety.
• Stay aware of your surroundings.
• Exercise caution near large crowds.
• Do not leave bags unattended. 
• Never leave your drink unattended in a bar or club. Alcohol is a significant factor in most criminal activity reported by foreign visitors.
• Avoid carrying large sums of cash. 

Scams 

Follow the Department of State guidelines to protect yourself from scams. If you are a victim of a scam, learn how the FBI can help.

Financial and internet romance scams are common in Belarus. Be careful of anyone asking for money, especially those who start a "romantic" relationship online or claim local authorities want money.

Scams often begin through online posts, emails, or letters. Scammers pretend to be U.S. citizens in need of help.

"Internet brides" are advertised on several websites and are not always legitimate. Often, potential suitors in the United States lose thousands of dollars sending money to people they have never met and will never hear from again. In some cases, the foreigner is invited to visit Belarus. The Belarusian “friend” collects money for lodging and transportation expenses and then disappears.

Common scams include:

• People claiming to be U.S. military personnel
• People claiming to be detained or hospitalized abroad
• Romance and online dating
• Money transfers
• Grandparent and relative targeting
• Free trip or luggage
• Lotteries
• Inheritance notices
• Work permits and job offers

If using dating apps or websites in Belarus:

• Criminals may use dating apps to target potential victims for robbery or assault.
• Let your friends and family know where you are and consider sharing your location on your phone.
• Meet in a popular public place.
• Tell your family or friends all the details about the person you are meeting and how you met them (which app).
• Set up and talk using a video call before agreeing to meet in person.
• Avoid locations where you can be isolated, like hotel rooms, private apartments or houses.
• Never leave food or drinks unattended at a bar or restaurant.
• Observe the preparation of your food or drink order when possible.
• Refuse offers of food or drinks from strangers.
• Have a communication plan with friends or family. Send updates to them on an agreed schedule.

Victims of crime

Local authorities are responsible for investigating and prosecuting crime. 

• Dial 102 to report crimes to the local police.
• Criminal investigations can be inconclusive. This often happens due to lack of resources or political will.
• We have received reports of harassment of U.S. citizens at border crossings. We recommend that you report any crimes immediately to the local police and to the U.S. Embassy in Minsk.
• Review our information for Victims of Crime. U.S. citizen victims of crime, including sexual assault, should first contact local police. 

Victims of crime in Belarus may email consularminsk@state.gov after contacting local authorities for U.S. Embassy help.

Due to the suspension of operations at U.S. Embassy Minsk, all consular services, routine and emergency, are suspended until further notice. The U.S. government has severely limited ability to help U.S. citizens in Belarus.

Cyber-crime is well developed in Belarus. Merchandise orders with fraudulent credit cards, ID theft, hacking, blackmail schemes, and advance-fee fraud are increasing. Be careful when doing business electronically with people or firms in Belarus.

• Use only ATMs located inside major banks.
• Use of credit and debit cards is not recommended. There have been reports of U.S. citizens having their ATM or credit cards skimmed. This results in fraudulent charges or money stolen from their accounts.
• Due to a lack of tourism infrastructure in Belarus, transferring funds from abroad, replacing stolen traveler's checks or airline tickets, or canceling credit cards can be difficult.

Sexual assault and domestic violence

U.S. citizen victims of sexual assault are encouraged to contact the U.S. embassy and local law enforcement for assistance.

Technology use abroad

Mobile devices are vulnerable to compromise, theft, and damage anywhere in the world. Follow these safe practices:

• Reconsider bringing electronic devices into Belarus. 
• Assume all electronic communications and devices in Belarus are monitored by Belarusian security services.
• Log out of all social media accounts, and do not access personal social media accounts while in Belarus.
• Update all software (operating system and apps) before leaving the United States.
• Use reputable, U.S.-based VPN or VoIP applications.
• Don’t connect to public Wi-Fi networks.
• Research the safety of routes recommended by GPS. The fastest route is not always the safest.
• Be cautious using dating apps abroad, as scammers often target U.S. citizens.
• Research if drones, satellite phones, or other technology are illegal or restricted.

GPS

Prior to using GPS abroad:

• Research the route recommended by the GPS to make sure it’s safe.
• The fastest path may not be the safest.

Tourism safety

The tourism industry is not well regulated:

• Safety inspections for equipment and facilities are rare.
• Dangerous areas and activities are not always marked with signs.
• Staff may not be trained or certified.
• If you get injured, you will likely need to travel to a major city for appropriate medical care.
• First responders cannot reach remote areas in case of emergencies.
• U.S. citizens are encouraged to have medical evacuation insurance.
• Review our information on Travel Insurance.

Adventure travel

• Review the CDC information tips for Adventure Travel.

Criminal penalties

U.S. citizens must follow local laws. If you break local laws, even by mistake, you could be deported, arrested, or imprisoned. Some laws are also prosecutable in the United States, regardless of local law.

• Review our information on Local Laws Abroad.
• Review the Department of Justice website. 

Arrest notification

If you are arrested or detained, ask officials to notify the U.S. embassy or consulate immediately. 

• Under local law, any agency that detains a foreigner should inform the local Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) within 24 hours from the time of detention. 
• The MFA must notify the respective embassy as soon as possible. The time of such notifications have varied from several hours to several weeks, or not at all for U.S. citizens who also hold Belarusian nationality.
• Notify your friends or relatives to contact the U.S. embassy on your behalf as soon as possible.

Detention conditions

• Belarusian detention facilities often fail to meet international standards. They have low-quality food, poor medical care, and few hygiene items.
• High rates of violence between inmates are common. This includes fights and disciplinary actions like solitary confinement.
• Detainees may experience severe emotional distress due to isolation and unfamiliar cultural environments.
• Systems for sending detainees money, medications, and hygiene items are difficult to navigate.
• Consular officers may face restrictions or lack cooperation from local authorities. They may face limits on routine prison visits.
• U.S. citizens must rely on local attorneys for legal advice. Consular officers provide country-specific information but cannot offer legal counsel.

Special circumstances

Currency

• Belarusian banks provide limited cash withdrawals in Belarusian rubles from major credit cards. 
• Authorized currency exchange centers are widely available throughout major cities.
• Only a few large firms are legally licensed to accept U.S. dollars. Exchanging U.S. dollars elsewhere can be a criminal offense. Only use widely available licensed exchange locations.
• ATMs are available for use. Credit and debit cards are widely accepted in major cities and towns, although some vendors cannot accept Western credit cards.  

Identification

• Carry your passport at all times.
• Police have the authority to stop you and request identification. If you fail to show your ID, police can detain you 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 not affected, but other areas of Belarus were badly contaminated. 
• Several years of monitoring have shown that radiation levels in Minsk are within internationally acceptable standards. Food tests from different places in Belarus have not shown harmful radiation levels.

Marriages in Belarus

• Consult the Department of State’s general information on getting married abroad.
• Marriages must be performed at a registrar’s office, ZAGS- Office of Matrimonial Acts Registration, to be legally valid in Belarus.

Counterfeit and pirated goods

Counterfeit and pirated goods are common in many destinations.

• They may be illegal according to local laws.
• Counterfeit and pirated goods may pose significant risks to consumer health and safety.
• You may be subject to fines or have to surrender counterfeit and pirated goods to authorities if you bring them back to the United States.

Learn more about U.S. restrictions on counterfeit and pirated goods: 

• U.S. Customs and Border Protection 
• U.S. Department of Justice

Faith-based travelers

Faith based travel includes pilgrimages, service projects, and mission work. Prepare for your travel using these resources: 

• Faith-Based Travel 
• Volunteering Abroad 
• International Religious Freedom Reports

Gay and lesbian travelers

Same-sex relations are not illegal in Belarus, but discrimination against members of the gay and lesbian community is common. Harassment of gay and lesbian people happens frequently.

• Review our information for Gay and Lesbian Travelers.

Travelers with accessibility needs

In Belarus, many buildings and most public transportation systems are not well adapted for people with disabilities. Before visiting Belarus, check ahead with your hotel and destination to learn more about options to accommodate disabled travelers. 

• Review our information on Accessibility Needs.

Students

• Review our information on Studying Abroad.

Women travelers

• Review our information for Women Travelers.
• Review our information on Marriage. 
• Review our information for Victims of Crime.

Human rights

There have been credible reports of significant human rights abuses in Belarus.  This includes: 

• Torture 
• Cruel, inhuman, or degrading treatment or punishment
• Involuntary or coercive medical or psychological practices
• Arbitrary arrest or detention
• Transnational repression against people in another country
• Cooperation with another country to carry out acts of transnational repression
• Serious abuses in a conflict related to Belarus’ complicity in Russia’s war against Ukraine
• Serious restrictions on freedom of expression and media freedom
• Government detention operations that include use of forced labor
• No credible steps or actions to identify and punish officials who commit human rights abuses

Journalists may be at greater risk. Review our webpage on working abroad as a journalist.

Review the Department of State’s Human Rights Report for your destination prior to traveling.

Health resources

• CDC Belarus Traveler Information provides destination specific information on prevalent diseases and vaccination recommendations. 
• CDC Medical Tourism information 
• World Health Organization 
• Medicine and Health 
• Travel Insurance

Ambulance services

Ambulances are poorly equipped and unreliable. It is common to wait 30 minutes for an ambulance. There are no air ambulance services in Belarus

Medical payments and insurance

Make sure you know if your health insurance plan covers any medical expenses coverage abroad. Most U.S. plans do not. 

• The U.S. government does not pay medical bills.
• U.S. Medicare and Medicaid do not cover expenses or bills abroad.
• Most hospitals and doctors abroad do not accept U.S. health insurance but will provide detailed invoices.
• The government requires all visitors show evidence of valid purchase health insurance. You may purchase local health insurance at your point of entry.
• Medical care is not free in Belarus. If you require medical attention, you will incur expenses, even if you are treated in a public healthcare facility.
• Lack of payment may bar future travel to Belarus.
• Hospitals often need payment up front before providing treatment or admitting a patient.
• Most care providers overseas only accept cash payments.
• Make sure you know if your health insurance plan provides coverage abroad or reimbursement of payments. The CDC provides more information on types of insurance. 
• We strongly recommend supplemental insurance to cover medical evacuation.

Diseases

• Tuberculosis (TB) is an increasingly serious health concern in Belarus. For further information, please consult the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) information on TB. 
• Lyme disease is endemic in almost all of Belarus from April until November. The CDC classifies tick-borne encephalitis as endemic throughout most of Belarus and neighboring regions. For further information, please consult the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) information on the diseases.

Vaccinations

Stay up to date with the vaccines recommended by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. 

• CDC Travelers’ Health 
• World Health Organization Travel Advice

Healthcare facilities

• Basic medical care in Belarus is available, but shortages in supplies and medication regularly occur. Hospitals and medical facilities are below U.S. standards. Trauma care is well below U.S. standards. Healthcare personnel generally do not speak English.
• The U.S. embassy & consulates in Russia does not endorse or recommend any specific medical provider or clinic.
• Patients must cover all costs for transfer to or between hospitals.
• CDC Medical Tourism: Travel to Another Country for Medical Care
• Interantional Travel Guide: Travel Insurance
• Embassy of the Republic of Belarus in the United States of America

Prescription medications

• Always carry your prescription medication in original packaging, along with your doctor’s prescription.
• Check with the Ministry of Health of the Republic of Belarus to ensure the medication is legal in Belarus.
• Exercise caution when purchasing medication abroad. Pharmaceuticals are usually easy to buy with few controls.
• Some common medications in the United States, such as opioid pain relievers, are illegal in Belarus.
• Belarusian officials have confiscated these drugs from travelers.
• Carry a copy of valid U.S. prescriptions, including a notarized translation into Russian or Belarusian of each prescription, when entering Belarus with prescription medications. 
• Counterfeit medication is common and may not work, have the wrong strength, or have dangerous ingredients. You should buy medication with the help of a medical professional and from trusted places.
• Local physicians may not prescribe the quantities or dosages of medication that a U.S. doctor would. Strict Belarusian customs regulations prohibit the shipment of drugs to Belarus. 
• U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) have rules for bringing medication back into the United States. If you buy medications abroad, the medications must meet CBP’s and the FDA’s requirements to bring them back legally.
• The medications must also be for personal use and approved for use in the United States. 

For more information: 

• U.S. Customs and Border Protection 
• Food and Drug Administration

Assisted Reproductive Technology and Surrogacy (ART)

If you are considering traveling to Belarus to have a child through use of assisted reproductive technology (ART) or surrogacy, please review our information on ART and Surrogacy Abroad.

Surrogacy is illegal for foreigners in Belarus. For additional information, visit the Ministry of Health of the Republic of Belarus website.

Water quality and food safety

• In many areas, tap water is generally not safe to drink or use in cooking.
• Bottled water and beverages are generally safe. Use major brands and ensure the seal is intact.
• You may want to request no ice in your drinks since it may be made using tap water.
• Eating uncooked vegetables and fruits can make you sick. 
• Make water safe by filtering, boiling, disinfecting, or distilling.
• Impure water can cause diseases like typhoid, cholera, hepatitis, and dysentery.

Air quality

Air pollution can be a significant problem in many destinations abroad. 

• Check NASA’s Air Quality Forecast. It uses Artificial Intelligence (AI), historical data, and global pollution modeling to generate a 3-day forecast of expected air quality. 
• For information about common air pollutants, check the CDC’s Air Quality page.
• For information about the U.S. Air Quality Index and health guidance, check out the EPA’s AirNow. 
• For general health information, visit the Medicine and Health page.

Aviation safety oversight

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. The FAA's website includes more information on its assessment program.

On February 24, 2022, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) issued an ongoing Advisory Notice to Airmen (NOTAM) banning U.S. air carriers and commercial operators, U.S. pilots, and U.S. registered aircraft from operating in the Minsk Flight Information Region (UMMV) due to safety-of-flight risks associated with ongoing hostilities. 

Weather conditions

Belarus has a temperate continental climate. It has cold winters, warm summers, and moderate rainfall all year. Certain weather events and localized natural risks can occur. 

Heavy snowfall and ice conditions

Belarus experiences cold winters with heavy snowfall and icy conditions from November to March. This can disrupt transportation, cause power outages, and increase the risk of accidents. 

• Snow accumulation is common, particularly in rural areas. The peak intensity is from December to February.
• The Belarusian Hydrometeorological Center provides weather forecasts and warnings. 
• Local municipalities manage snow removal and road maintenance. 
• Use caution when driving or walking in icy conditions. Make sure vehicles are ready for winter travel.

Flooding

Flooding can occur in Belarus during spring due to snowmelt and rising water levels in rivers. This happens in the Dnieper, Pripyat, and Neman rivers. Heavy rainfall during summer from June to August can also lead to localized flash floods.

•  The Belarusian Hydrometeorological Center monitors river levels and issues flood warnings. 
• Local emergency services provide evacuation plans and help. 
• Avoid flood-prone areas. Stay informed about local advisories.

Severe thunderstorms

Belarus experiences occasional severe thunderstorms from June to August. This can bring heavy rain, strong winds, hail, and lightning.

• Storms can cause localized flooding, damage to infrastructure, and power outages.
• The Belarusian Hydrometeorological Center issues storm warnings. 
• Local authorities provide guidance on safety measures. 
• Avoid outdoor activities during severe storms. Monitor weather updates.

Heatwaves

Occasional heatwaves can occur, particularly from June to August due to changing climate patterns.

• Prolonged high temperatures can pose health risks, especially for vulnerable populations.
• The Belarusian Hydrometeorological Center issues heat advisories. 
• Local health authorities provide guidance on staying cool and hydrated. 
• Take precautions during hot weather. Wear light clothing and stay hydrated.

Forest fires

Forest fires are a localized risk in Belarus. They occur from July to August, particularly during dry periods in summer. 

• Fires can damage ecosystems and pose risks to nearby communities.
• Local emergency services and the Ministry of Forestry monitor fire risks. They can provide safety guidelines. 
• Avoid open flames. Follow fire safety regulations during high-risk periods.

Safety tips

• Dial 112 for any kind of emergency.
• Dial 101 for fire emergencies 
• Dial 102 for police.
• Dial 103 for medical emergencies.
• Stay informed about weather conditions through the Belarusian Hydrometeorological Center’s website. It provides detailed forecasts and alerts. 
• Local municipalities often have resources for disaster preparedness and response