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Belarus - Consular Information Sheet
Belarus, Belarus | Official InfoJanuary 14, 2002
COUNTRY DESCRIPTION: Economic and political reform in Belarus has stalled
or reversed under the current authoritarian government. Human rights are
regularly abused by the Belarusian authorities. Tourist facilities are not
highly developed, and many of the goods and services taken for granted in
other countries are not readily available. Localized street disturbances
relating to political events may occur without warning, most frequently in
Minsk, the capital. Bystanders, including foreign nationals, face the
possibility of arrest, beating, and detention. Since April 1999, three
prominent members of the opposition and a journalist have disappeared
without a trace, and are believed to be dead.
ENTRY REQUIREMENTS: A passport and visa are required. A visa must be
obtained before entering Belarus. Travelers who do not have a visa cannot
register at hotels. U.S. citizens residing in Belarus are required to
register with the local Office of Visas and Registration (OVIR). Failure to
do so can result in fines and visits from local law enforcement authorities.
U.S. citizens staying in hotels are automatically registered at check-in.
Visa validity dates are strictly enforced; travelers should request
sufficient time to allow for delays in arrival and departure.
Foreign missionaries may not engage in religious activities outside the
institutions that invited them. One-year validity, multiple-entry,
"spiritual activities" visas, which are required officially of foreign
missionaries, can be difficult to get, even for faiths that registered with
the government and have a long history in the country. Foreign clergy or
religious workers who do not register with the authorities or who have tried
to preach without government approval or without an invitation from, and the
permission of, a registered religious organization, have been expelled from
the country. Approval often involves a difficult bureaucratic process.
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 one might have. Costs for this insurance
vary according to the length of stay. (Subject to change, current
information puts costs at $1.00 for a one-day stay; $15.00 for a stay of 60
days, up to a maximum of $85.00 for a stay of a year.)
U.S. citizens traveling through Belarus to other countries are strongly
reminded that there is a transit visa requirement for entering and leaving
Belarus. 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. 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. 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.
For more information concerning entry requirements, travelers should contact
the Belarus Embassy located at 1619 New Hampshire Ave, N.W. Washington, D.C.
20009, tel. (202) 986-1606; Internet: http://www.belarusembassy.org or the
Belarus Consulate in New York at 708 Third Avenue, 21st floor, New York, NY,
10017, tel. (212) 682-5392.
In an effort to prevent international child abduction, many governments have
initiated procedures at entry/exit points. These often include requiring
documentary evidence of relationship and permission for the child's travel
from the parent(s) or legal guardian not present. Having such documentation
on hand, even if not required, may facilitate entry/departure.
SAFETY AND SECURITY: 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.
There have been numerous situations involving American citizens traveling
through Belarus by train in which Americans have been required to disembark
while in transit. In some instances, local border and train authorities
have threatened passengers with jail or extorted "fines" when it was learned
that they did not possess a valid transit visa. In some cases, American
citizens have been subjected to rude and threatening treatment, including
body and baggage searches. American citizens are advised not to pay any
border or train officials for transit visas. These officials are not
authorized to issue such visas. Nor should Americans pay "transit visa
fines." Americans finding themselves in Belarus without transit visas
should, if confronted by border or train personnel, demand to be put in
contact with consular officials at the American Embassy in Minsk.
CRIME INFORMATION: Belarus has a moderate rate of crime, and common street
crime continues to increase, especially at night and in or near hotels
frequented by foreigners. Foreigners, and particularly foreign cars, tend
to be targets of crime. Travelers should keep a copy of their passport in a
separate location from their original passport.
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. U.S.
citizens can refer to the Department of State's pamphlet, "A Safe Trip
Abroad," for ways to promote a more trouble-free journey. The pamphlet is
available by mail from the Superintendent of Documents, U.S. Government
Printing Office, Washington, D.C. 20402, via the Internet at
http://www.access.gpo.gov/su_docs, or via the Bureau of Consular Affairs
home page at http://travel.state.gov.
MEDICAL FACILITIES: 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.
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 if it will cover emergency
expenses such as a medical evacuation. U.S. medical insurance plans seldom
cover health costs incurred outside the United States unless supplemental
coverage is purchased. Further, U.S. Medicare and Medicaid programs do not
provide payment for medical services outside the United States. However,
many travel agents and private companies offer insurance plans that will
cover health care expenses incurred overseas, including emergency services
such as medical evacuations. Please note that Belarus requires all foreign
nationals (other than accredited diplomats) entering the country to purchase
medical insurance at the port-of-entry (Please see "Entry Requirements"
section.)
When making a decision regarding health insurance, Americans should consider
that many foreign doctors and hospitals require payment in cash prior to
providing service and that a medical evacuation to the U.S. may cost well in
excess of $50,000. Uninsured travelers who require medical care overseas
often face extreme difficulties. When consulting with your insurer prior to
your trip, please ascertain whether payment will be made to the overseas
healthcare provider or if you will be reimbursed later for expenses that you
incur. Some insurance policies also include coverage for psychiatric
treatment and for disposition of remains in the event of death.
Useful information on medical emergencies abroad, including overseas
insurance programs, is provided in the Department of State's Bureau of
Consular Affairs brochure, "Medical Information for Americans Traveling
Abroad," available via the Bureau of Consular affairs home page or autofax:
(202) 647-3000.
OTHER HEALTH INFORMATION: The U.S. Embassy recommends against drinking the
local water even in larger cities. It is recommended that visitors instead
drink only bottled or filtered water. While the effects of radiation from
the Chernobyl disaster have diminished, it is inadvisable to eat any food
grown in the contaminated areas near Chernobyl, and the Embassy cautions
against eating any mushrooms or berries. Consumption of Belarusian milk is
best avoided as well.
Information on vaccinations and other health precautions may be obtained
from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's hotline for
international travelers at 1-877-FYI-TRIP (1-877-394-8747); fax
1-888-CDC-FAXX (1-888-232-3299), or via CDC'S Internet site at
http://www.cdc.gov.
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 it may not be totally accurate in a
particular location or circumstance.
Safety of Public Transportation: Fair
Urban Road Conditions/Maintenance: Fair
Rural Road Conditions/Maintenance: Fair
Availability of Roadside Assistance: Poor
U.S. citizens may drive in Belarus with their home country driver's license
for up to six months from arrival. Foreign drivers should, therefore,
always carry their passports to prove date of entry into the country in the
event they are stopped by the police. After residing in Belarus for six
months, one may apply for a local driver's license. A medical exam at the
driver's clinic, which will include a chest x-ray, is the only exam required
to receive a local driver's license.
Radar traps, often unlit at night, are widespread. Except for a stretch of
the main east-west superhighway, 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 inside city limits
vary widely from 40 km/h to 70 km/h, with frequent radar traps. Visible and
hidden dangers exist, including potholes, the absence of road signs, and
lack of service areas. Other hazards include unlit or poorly lit streets,
inattentive and dark-clothed pedestrians walking on unlit roads, drivers
under the influence of alcohol, and a common disregard for traffic rules.
Driving in winter is especially dangerous because many roads are not
properly cleared of ice and snow. Driving with caution is urged at all
times.
Taxi service is prompt, although fares vary greatly and the automobiles
themselves are often in poor condition. Buses and trolleys are poorly
maintained, lack heating or cooling capabilities, and are usually crowded.
For additional information about road safety, please see the Department of
State, Bureau of Consular Affairs home page's road safety overseas feature
at http://travel.state.gov/road_safety.html.
AVIATION SAFETY OVERSIGHT: As there is no direct commercial air service at
present, nor economic authority to operate such service between the United
States and Belarus, the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has not
assessed Belarus' Civil Aviation Authority for compliance with international
aviation safety standards. For further information, travelers may contact
the Department of Transportation within the United States at tel.
1-800-322-7873, or visit the FAA's Internet web site at
http://www.faa.gov/avr/iasa/.
The U.S. Department of Defense (DOD) separately assesses some foreign air
carriers for suitability as official providers of air services. For
information regarding the DOD policy on specific carriers, travelers may
contact the DOD at tel. (618) 229-4801.
CUSTOMS REGULATIONS: Belarus's customs authorities may enforce strict
regulations concerning temporary importation into or export from Belarus of
items such as icons, art, rugs, antiquities, etc. It is advisable to
contact the Embassy of Belarus in Washington, D.C. or one of Belarus'
consulates in the United States for specific information regarding customs
requirements.
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 Belarus' laws, even unknowingly, may be expelled, arrested or
imprisoned. Penalties for possession, use, or trafficking in illegal drugs
in Belarus are strict, and convicted offenders can expect jail sentences and
heavy fines.
special circumstances: Traveler's checks are not widely accepted in
Belarus. Most Intourist hotels accept either American Express or Visa
credit cards. In addition, one hotel in Minsk, The Planeta, provides cash
from VISA credit cards during business hours. Travelers face arrest if they
attempt to buy items with currency other than Belarusian rubles.
CHILDREN'S ISSUES: For information on international adoption of children
and international parental child abduction, please refer to our Internet
site at http://travel.state.gov/children's_issues.html or telephone (202)
736-7000.
REGISTRATION/EMBASSY AND CONSULATE LOCATION: Americans living in or visiting
Belarus are encouraged to register at the Consular Section of the U.S.
Embassy in Belarus and to obtain updated information on travel and security
within Belarus. The U.S. Embassy is located in Minsk at 46 Starovilenskaya
Ulitsa; telephone (375) 172-10-12-83 or 234-77-61, fax (375) 172-76-88-62.
* * *
This replaces the Consular Information Sheet dated October 11, 2000, to
amend the country background information and update the sections pertaining
to "Entry Requirements", "Other Health Information, and "Traffic Safety and
Road Conditions." Language and paragraphs relating to the section on
"Health Insurance" were also revised and reformatted.
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State Department Travel Warnings
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