Eastern Europe has been in a state of heightened tension since the Russian invasion of Ukraine in 2022. This conflict has led to a significant increase in the level of travel advisories across the region.
In response to these escalating tensions, the U.S. Department of State has issued a Level 4 travel advisory to Belarus in 2022. republished on December 18, 2024.
What is a level 4 travel advice?
The US Department of State is issuing travel advisories levels 1-4 for all countries to help U.S. citizens understand and reduce their travel risks. The levels are based on crime, current events, terrorism, natural disasters and health. The levels are re-evaluated every 12 months for levels 1 and 2 and every 6 months for levels 3 and 4.
Level four is the highest advisory level of the U.S. Department of State. These countries are considered to pose life-threatening risks, and you are advised to provide a will and a DNA sample before traveling to these countries.
Why is Belarus under a level 4 travel advisory?
The U.S. Department of State strongly advises all U.S. citizens to leave Belarus immediately due to the country’s involvement in Russia’s war against Ukraine, unlawful detention and the potential for civil unrest. The U.S. Department of State suspended operations of the U.S. Embassy in Minsk on February 28, 2022, suspending all routine and emergency consular services.
Arbitrary and unstable law enforcement in Belarus has caused the increased risk of detention. Their government also monitors electronic devices, so US citizens are urged not to bring them with them.
Currently, 1,300 people are in prison for political crimes that may not be considered crimes in the United States. Dual citizens are not exempt from the travel advice. Belarus does not recognize dual citizenship, which will delay or deny U.S. consular assistance for detained dual nationals.
Precautions in Belarus
If you are already in Belarus or plan to visit despite the travel advisory, you are encouraged to follow the following precautions:
- Consider leaving electronic devices behind.
- Do not participate in demonstrations.
- Avoid crowds.
- Log out or log in to social media accounts.
- Make sure travel documents are accessible and valid.
- Register STEP to receive alerts and locate you more easily in an emergency.
- Have a plan that does not involve U.S. government assistance.
