Belarus

If you're in Belarus, leave immediately using limited commercial options available or private means. The security environment is volatile and could deteriorate quickly due to the Russian military presence along Belarus' border with Ukraine and the military conflict. Russian forces are conducting military operations from Belarus, which has heightened regional tensions. Do not attempt to travel to the Belarus-Ukraine border or cross into Ukraine from Belarus. 

If you decide to stay in Belarus, review your personal security plans. Avoid public demonstrations. Expect restrictions on financial transactions and be aware you may be affected by shortages of essential products and services. You're responsible for your own safety and that of your family. 

More information:

• Threat of conflict

Border areas

Do not travel to the Belarus-Ukraine border due to the risk of armed conflict. We advise you do not travel to Ukraine due to the volatile security environment and military conflict. Read the Ukraine travel advice for more information.

Due to restrictions on movement and the potential for civil unrest, do not travel near borders with Latvia, Lithuania and Poland. Armed violence is possible at any time.

Leaving Belarus

Where it's safe to do so, you should leave Belarus. Use your judgement to decide the best time and safest means of exit. Any travel options you take are at your own risk.

Transport routes may be disrupted. Plan for delays at land border crossings. Expect disruption to travel and changes at short notice. Ensure you have adequate food, water, medication and fuel supply.

You should read your destination's travel advice to ensure you meet the entry requirements. Minsk International Airport operates with international flights to limited destinations. Minsk airport and Belarusian land border operations could close without notice. Check before planning any border crossings. Be prepared for travel delays and disruptions. Several countries have banned Belarusian airlines from flying over their airspace, including all EU member states, the UK and Ukraine.

If, despite our advice, you decide to stay in Belarus:

• follow the instructions of authorities
• ensure your travel documents are up-to-date, and keep your passport and other travel documentation safe
• contact your family and friends in Australia so they're aware of your location and situation
• keep up to date with developments on the security situation and monitor reputable media, and regularly check our travel advice and social media
• review your personal security plans and make contingency plans to leave as soon as you judge it safe to do so
• always be alert and aware of your surroundings
• avoid large gatherings and areas with groups of fighters and military equipment.

Demonstrations and protests

Large and local street demonstrations occur in Minsk and other cities in Belarus.

There have been casualties and protesters detained. Further demonstrations could occur without notice and turn violent. Harassment of foreigners is possible.

Avoid protests and follow the instructions of authorities.

Local authorities won't tolerate opposition. They often make many arrests. 

Belarus has introduced the death penalty for 'attempted terrorism'.

To protect yourself during periods of unrest:

• avoid areas of unrest
• obey the local authorities

More information:

• Demonstrations and civil unrest

Crimes against travellers include pick-pocketing and muggings and robberies. Take care on sleeper trains and in or near bars and hotels visited by foreigners.

Watch out for drink or food spiking. You're at higher risk of theft if you've been drugged.

People have reported harassment, mistreatment and extortion by police and other local officials.

Cyber security

You may be at risk of cyber-based threats during overseas travel to any country. Digital identity theft is a growing concern. Your devices and personal data can be compromised, especially if you’re connecting to Wi-Fi, using or connecting to shared or public computers, or to Bluetooth. 

Social media can also be risky in destinations where there are social or political tensions, or laws that may seem unreasonable by Australian standards. Travellers have been arrested for things they have said on social media. Don't comment on local or political events on your social media. 

More information:  

• Cyber security when travelling overseas 

While there have been no recent terrorist attacks in Belarus, they can still happen.

Terrorists have staged attacks in other European cities in recent years. Targets include:

• airports
• public transport, including train stations
• government buildings, including schools
• places of worship
• public areas that attract large groups of people, such as tourist attractions, sporting venues and shopping centres

If there's an attack, leave the area as soon as it's safe. Avoid the affected area in case of secondary attacks.

Terrorism is a threat worldwide.

More information:

• Terrorism

People are injured or killed in snow-related accidents every winter from December to February.

Accidents include exposure to extreme cold, falls, traffic accidents, avalanches and snow falling from roofs.

Use common sense and take care in severe weather.

If there's a natural disaster, follow the advice of local authorities.

Register with the Global Disaster Alert and Coordination System to receive alerts on major disasters.

Most Australian travel insurance policies won't cover you for travel to Belarus. Do not travel to Belarus. See 'Safety'

If you're not insured, you may have to pay thousands of dollars up-front for medical care.

Do not travel to Belarus. If, despite our advice, you travel to Belarus, consider your physical and mental health before you travel, especially if you have an existing medical condition. 

See your doctor or travel clinic to:

• have a basic health check-up
• ask if your travel plans may affect your health
• plan any vaccinations you need

Do this at least eight weeks before you leave.

If you have immediate concerns for your welfare or the welfare of another Australian, call the 24-hour Consular Emergency Centre on +61 2 6261 3305 or contact your nearest Australian Embassy, High Commission or Consulate to discuss counselling hotlines and services available in your location.

More information:

• General health advice
• Healthy holiday tips (Healthdirect Australia)
• COVID-19 (Department of Health and Aged Care)

Not all medication available over the counter or by prescription in Australia is available in other countries. Some may even be considered illegal or a controlled substance, even if prescribed by an Australian doctor.

If you plan to bring medication, check if it's legal in Belarus. Take enough legal medication for your trip.

Carry a letter from your doctor stating:

• what the medication is
• your required dosage 
• that it's for personal use

More information:

• Medication

Tick-borne diseases

Tick-borne encephalitis (World Health Organisation) and other tick-borne diseases are a risk, especially if you travel through forests.

Ticks are common in rural areas from spring to autumn - April to October.

Radiation

Belarus has opened the exclusion zone immediately around the Chornobyl site, which includes the area close to the border with Ukraine in the southeast of Belarus.

Access to this part of the country may be limited and remains radioactive.

Tourists can visit the area with organised tour groups.

Tour groups are subject to regular security, passport and radiation checks.

If you visit Chornobyl:

• go with a reputable tour operator
• follow all safety instructions

More information:

• State Agency Of Ukraine on Exclusion Zone Management
• State Environmental Research Institution Polesye State Radiation-Ecological Reserve

Other health risks

Foodborne, waterborne and other diseases are common, including these listed by the World Health Organization:

• HIV/AIDS
• tuberculosis
• measles
• diphtheria
• hepatitis
• rabies
• COVID-19

To protect yourself from illness:

• drink boiled water or bottled water with sealed lids
• avoid ice cubes
• avoid uncooked and undercooked food, such as salads
• avoid unpasteurised dairy products

Get medical advice if you suspect food poisoning or have a fever or diarrhoea

Medical facilities

You may need to present a negative COVID-19 (PCR) test to access medical services, including medical screenings, medical rehabilitation, physiotherapy and routine dental care.

The standard of health care in Belarus is lower than in Australia. Doctors and hospitals will ask for insurance details or an up-front payment before treating you.

If you become seriously ill or injured, you'll need to be evacuated to get proper care. Medical evacuation can be very expensive.

You're subject to all local laws and penalties, including those that may appear harsh by Australian standards. Research local laws before travelling.

If you're arrested or jailed, the Australian Government will do what it can to help you under our Consular Services Charter. But we can't get you out of trouble or out of jail.

Drugs

Penalties for drug offences are severe. They include long prison sentences.

More information:

• Carrying or using drugs

Other laws

Always carry your passport, original visa and migration card.

Authorities can ask for ID at any time. They can detain you if you don't have identification. Copies of ID aren't accepted.

Belarus has the death penalty for crimes including murder and 'attempted terrorism'.

In March, Belarus introduced laws incurring jail sentences for 'terrorism propaganda', 'discrediting' the Belarusian armed forces and military organisations, and the death penalty for high treason.

In Belarus, it's illegal to:

• drive with a blood alcohol level above zero
• conduct some religious activities, such as preaching, handing out literature and meeting with unregistered religious groups
• take photos of military sites, government buildings, monuments and uniformed officials

Other rules or fees can apply for taking photographs in public areas.

Same-sex relationships are legal, but aren't widely accepted.

More information:

• Advice for LGBTI travellers

Some Australian criminal laws still apply when you're overseas. If you break these laws, you may face prosecution in Australia.

More information:

• Staying within the law and respecting customs

Belarus doesn't recognise dual nationality.

Any child born to a Belarusian parent is a Belarusian citizen. This is regardless of their place of birth.

By law, dual nationals must enter and exit the country using their Belarusian passport. This limits the consular services we can give if you're arrested or detained.

If you enter Belarus with a Belarusian passport, local authorities will treat you as a Belarusian national.

More information:

• Dual nationals

Visa-free entry for short stays

If you travel to Belarus despite our advice, you can get a 30-day visa-free entry. This is only valid if you enter and exit through Minsk national airport and Brest, Vitebsk, Gomel and Mogilev airports. More information can be found on the Ministry of Foreign Affairs website.

Visa-free entry does not apply to travellers coming from or travelling to Russia.

Other entry conditions apply, such as compulsory medical insurance.

Travel via Russia

If, despite our advice, you decide to enter Belarus via Russia, you'll need to get a Russian transit visa. Contact the nearest embassy of Russia for details.

Diplomatic or official passport

Different rules apply if you're travelling on a diplomatic or official passport. Contact the State Border Committee of The Republic of Belarus for details.

Border measures

Authorities don't allow foreigners to cross the land border between Belarus and Russia. Instead, you'll need to travel between Belarus and Russia by air. For details, contact either:

• the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Belarus
• the Embassy of Russia

Authorities permit Australians to cross land borders for short visits to the areas of Augustov Canal, Belovezhskaya Pushcha and Brest (bordering Poland), and Grodno (bordering Poland and Lithuania).

Travel with a registered tour operator and enter through assigned border checkpoints. Check details about:

• Grodno and the Augustov Canal visitors
• Brest foreign visitors

When you enter or exit Belarus, show the original visa issued to border authorities. They won't accept copies.

You may be asked to present a document with a notarized translation confirming the purpose of your visit to Belarus at the border.

Entry and exit conditions can change at short notice. For details about visas, currency, customs and quarantine rules, contact:

• Belarus Ministry of Foreign Affairs
• Republic of Belarus
• State Customs Authorities of Belarus

Migration card

We advise do not travel to Russia or Belarus. If you travel to Belarus or Russia, despite our advice, you'll need to complete a migration card when you enter. One card covers both countries.

If you don't get a card on your flight or train, ask the border control authorities for one.

Keep the stamped second half of the card. You'll need it when leaving the last country.

Medical insurance

You must have medical insurance to enter Belarus.

If you arrive without proof of insurance, you'll need to purchase a standard policy on entry.

Contact the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Belarus for details.

Currency and goods declaration

If, despite our advice, you decide to enter Belarus and arrive with more than $US10,000 worth of currency and goods, you'll need to complete a declaration form.

Ensure your completed form is stamped by a customs officer when you arrive.

Carry it during your visit and show it when you leave the country.

Undeclared money may be confiscated when you leave Belarus. You could also be fined.

Local registration

If, despite our advice, you plan to travel to Belarus and stay for more than 10 days, you must register with the local office of the Citizenship and Migration Department of the Ministry of Interior.

Registering is usually part of the check-in procedure if you're staying in a hotel. Confirm this with your hotel.

If you don't register, you could be fined. You could face difficulties when leaving the country.

Exporting goods

Strict rules control the export of antiques, icons and items of historic significance.

More information:

• State Customs Authorities of Belarus

Validity

Some countries won't let you enter unless your passport is valid for 6 months after you plan to leave that country. This can apply even if you're just transiting or stopping over.

Some foreign governments and airlines apply the rule inconsistently. Travellers can receive conflicting advice from different sources.

You can end up stranded if your passport is not valid for more than 6 months.

The Australian Government does not set these rules. Check your passport's expiry date before you travel. If you're not sure it'll be valid long enough, consider getting a new passport.

Lost or stolen passport

Your passport is a valuable document. It's attractive to people who may try to use your identity to commit crimes.

Some people may try to trick you into giving them your passport. Always keep it in a safe place.

If your passport is lost or stolen, tell the Australian Government as soon as possible:

• In Australia, contact the Australian Passport Information Service.
• If you're overseas, contact the nearest Australian embassy or consulate.

If your passport is stolen, you'll also need the following:

• an official police report
• a new Australian passport from the Australian Embassy in Moscow
• a new exit visa from Belarusian authorities

You won't be able to leave Belarus without an original visa unless you're granted authorisation. This comes from the Citizenship and Migration Department of the Belarusian Ministry of Interior.

Passport with ‘X’ gender identifier

Although Australian passports comply with international standards for sex and gender, we can’t guarantee that a passport showing 'X' in the sex field will be accepted for entry or transit by another country. Contact the nearest embassy, high commission or consulate of your destination before you arrive at the border to confirm if authorities will accept passports with 'X' gender markers. 

More information:  

• LGBTI travellers 

The local currency is the Belarus Ruble (BYN).

In July 2016, new BYN notes were introduced. The face value of old banknotes in circulating currency changed at a ratio of 1:10,000.

Crime and ATM fraud is a risk. Only use ATMs inside bank premises during business hours.

If you're a victim of an ATM scam, report it to the local police.

Border areas

Do not travel to the Belarus-Ukraine border due to military conflict. Do not travel to areas near borders with Latvia, Lithuania and Poland due to restrictions on movement and potential civil unrest. Armed violence is possible at any time. More information on crossing borders can be found on the State Border Committee website (in Russian).

Carry your passport, original visa and migration card with you at all times. Local authorities won't accept copies.

Some border areas in Belarus have limited entry border zones. You need a special permit issued in advance by the State Border Committee to enter.

Limited entry zones are generally sign-posted and restricted by road barriers and border guard posts.

Don't enter limited entry zones without a valid permit.

Driving permit

To drive in Belarus, you'll need an International Driving Permit (IDP).

You must get your IDP before you leave Australia.

Road travel

Due to ice and snow, some roads outside large cities may be impassable in winter.

Drivers must have either:

• an original ownership certificate for their vehicle
• a rental contract, or
• a power of attorney from the owner of the vehicle

If you drive a foreign vehicle in Belarus, you must pay a fee to use toll roads. You can be fined if you don't. Check payment, toll roads and maps on BelToll.

You must also have a 'green card' (proof of vehicle insurance) valid for Belarus. If not, you must buy compulsory car insurance at the border.

More information:

• Driving or riding

Air travel

On 11 April 2022, the EU announced that 21 Russian-owned airlines were banned from flying in EU airspace due to safety concerns.

Flights in and out of Belarus are extremely limited. Several countries (including all EU member states, the UK and Ukraine) have banned the overflight of their airspace by Belarusian airlines. Travel to and from Belarus is only possible through an indirect air route via a country that has not imposed a ban.

DFAT doesn't provide information on the safety of individual commercial airlines or flight paths. If you're flying domestically or internationally, research your aviation provider.

Check Belarus' air safety profile with the Aviation Safety Network.

More information:

• Air travel

Depending on what you need, contact your:

• family and friends
• travel agent
• insurance provider
• employer
• airline

Fire and rescue services

Call 101.

Medical emergencies

Call 103.

Police

Call 102.

For non-urgent criminal issues, contact the local police at the nearest police station. 

Always get a police report when you report a crime.

Your insurer should have a 24-hour emergency number.

Read the Consular Services Charter for what the Australian Government can and can't do to help you overseas.

Australia doesn't have an embassy in Belarus. Contact the Australian Embassy in Russia for consular help. Our ability to provide consular assistance is severely limited. The Australian Government will not be able to evacuate you from Belarus.

Australian Embassy, Moscow

13 Kropotkinsky Pereulok
Moscow 119034
Russia
Phone: (+7 495) 956-6070
Fax: (+7 495) 956-6170
Website: russia.embassy.gov.au
Twitter: @PosolAustralia

Check the Embassy website for details about opening hours and any temporary closures.

24-hour Consular Emergency Centre

Australians in need of consular assistance should contact the Australian Government's 24-hour Consular Emergency Centre:

• +61 2 6261 3305 from overseas
• 1300 555 135 in Australia