According to the current U.S. Department of State Travel Advisory at the date of this report’s publication, Belarus has been assessed as Level 1: Exercise Normal Precautions.

Overall Crime and Safety Situation

U.S. Embassy Minsk does not assume responsibility for the professional ability or integrity of the persons or firms appearing in this report. The American Citizens’ Services unit (ACS) cannot recommend a particular individual or location, and assumes no responsibility for the quality of service provided.

The U.S. Department of State has assessed Minsk as being a LOW-threat location for crime directed at or affecting official U.S. government interests.

Please review OSAC’s Belarus-specific page for original OSAC reporting, consular messages, and contact information, some of which may be available only to private-sector representatives with an OSAC password.

Crime Threats

The criminal threat in Minsk is comparable to other large capital cities in the region; pickpockets, car thefts, and burglaries remain a constant, although official statistics from the government show a decrease across the board. Petty criminal incidents can occur on public transport in Minsk, especially the metro system and in areas frequented by large groups of people or tourists. Short-term visitors and tourists, who may not be familiar with local customs or fluent in Belarusian or Russian, remain more susceptible to street crime and confidence scams and may be specifically targeted by criminals. In 2017, there were no reported crimes against visiting U.S. officials or U.S. diplomatic personnel.

According to the Ministry of Interior (MOI), 86,326 crimes were recorded in 2017, 6,617 less than 2016, a 7.12% decrease. Some 16,697 crimes were registered in Minsk in 2017, a 12.18% decrease from 2016. Official MOI statistics indicated a change in some categories of violent and non-violent property crime in 2017: theft: 32,718 (-11.9%), robbery 1,545 (-18.3%), drug-related crimes: 5,481 (-15.11%), and robbery with extreme violence: 174 (-22.6%). It is not clear if these numbers reflect all crimes due to host government definitions of criminal categories.

Violent crime directed against foreigners is relatively uncommon and not reported separately. During 2017, most violent crime categories saw a decrease from 2016, except for rape/attempted rape. The MOI gave the following numbers and percentages: murder/attempted murder: 348 (-20.3%), intended infliction of grievous bodily harm: 696 (-5.5%), rape/attempted rape: 184 (+34.3%).

The economy is highly dependent on Russian subsidies and is extremely vulnerable to outside shocks. The official unemployment rate of less than 1% is not considered accurate, with the actual rate many times higher and labor migration to Russia common. However, many migrants are returning home, given the ongoing economic downturn in Russia.

Some 1,885 corruption crimes were registered in 2017, including: embezzlement by abuse of power of authority (565); laundering of material valuables (1); abuse of authority (315); administrative dereliction (21); exceeding the person’s authority (86); unlawful affiliation with an entrepreneurial business (2); acceptance of a bribe (736); offering a bribe (148); and exceeding authority by a military official (14). Harassment, extortion, protection rackets, and intimidation by groups believed to have links to organized crime have been reported against American investors or business interests. In some cases, it appears that local commercial interests believed linked to organized crime groups were behind these incidents. However, no reports have been received in the past five years. In 2017, there were no incidents reported to the Embassy regarding American businesses being targeted by organized crime in Belarus.

Identity theft involving debit/credit card and internet fraud can happen.

Cybersecurity Issues

American firms should pay close attention to computer security when establishing operations, as the threat of cybercrime -- as is the case throughout the former Soviet Union -- is real.

Marriage and dating scams via the internet are routinely reported. Five internet “love” scams involving fake fiancées and travel to Gomel followed by robbery/theft/assault were reported to the Consular Section in 2012. There have been instances of U.S. citizens being extorted by their Belarusian “fiancées” and accomplices, losing thousands of dollars in elaborate scams.

Transportation-Safety Situation

For more information, please review OSAC’s Report, “Security in Transit: Airplanes, Public Transport, and Overnights.”

Road Safety and Road Conditions

Most of the major roads are well-maintained, and traffic moves at normal highway speeds. Vehicles are left-side drive and drive on the right side of the road (like in the U.S.). However, driving in Minsk can be a challenge to foreigners not familiar with street signage or traffic rules, as they may not correspond to U.S./Western norms. Parking areas are normally clearly marked. Pedestrians, especially those walking with small children, should exercise caution. Drivers may stop in busy traffic lanes to pick-up/drop-off passengers; pedestrians sometimes cross busy streets outside the crosswalks without hesitation. Drivers should always be prepared to stop on short notice. Defensive driving is fundamental.

Traffic in Minsk is heavy on weekdays during commuting hours and is limited on the weekend. Main thoroughfares are not well-illuminated but are well-maintained. Side streets and less commonly used avenues are not as well-maintained and can be impassable during the winter. Snow clearing is a well-established routine, even in small villages, although it may take some time if snowfall occurs over several days.

Due to heavy traffic at rush hour and local driving habits, vehicle accidents are common. The perceived seriousness of the accident, and presumed status of the vehicle occupants, have a direct correlation to the response time for police. Recent changes to local law allow for insurance exchange in minor accidents with no injuries and damages under 200 Euro. Minor fender bender accidents still see all vehicles involved immobile on the road until police arrive and a report is taken. This causes sudden traffic jams, especially in parking lots and at street corners where minor accidents are more frequent.

For more information on self-driving, please review OSAC’s Report “Driving Overseas: Best Practices.”

Terrorism Threat

The U.S. Department of State has assessed Minsk as being a LOW-threat location for terrorist activity directed at or affecting official U.S. government interests.

Local, Regional, and International Terrorism Threats/Concerns

Regional or indigenous terrorism is not considered a major threat.

There was one incident in December 2014 that allegedly involved approximately 20 members of Hizb ut-Tahrir. Authorities claim the group was meeting in a small town outside of Minsk and that eight foreigners were expelled from Belarus as a result of an investigation by the Belarusian KGB (BKGB). Although the group’s presence was well-known in the village and it is not alleged that they were planning any attacks in Belarus, the authorities claimed that they recovered “radical” literature when they raided the group’s compound. The 12 Belarusians members of the group were not charged with any criminal activity. (This information was reported in a televised briefing by the press spokesman of the BKGB, and subsequent requests to the government by Embassy personnel for further details have been met with silence.)

Transnational terrorism is not considered a major threat. This assessment takes into account historical data relevant to terrorist activities in Belarus and current and projected Belarusian law enforcement and security service anti-terrorist activities. Belarus did not have any transnational terrorism incidents in 2017. Furthermore, there have been no recorded acts of transnational terrorism committed on Belarusian territory. Belarus's borders with Russia and Ukraine are porous; transnational terrorist groups could exploit them.

In June 2017, the KGB reported that it had “apprehended eight terrorists this year” compared to 17 terrorists in 2016 and 21 in 2015. “These are persons involved in terrorist and extremist activities, who were on international wanted lists, who stayed in Syria. One of them, who came from Germany, was arrested this year in cooperation with the police”.

Anti-American/Anti-Western Sentiment

No anti-American protests occurred in 2017. There have been no anti-American protests at the Embassy in the last several years.

Travelers should be aware of the State Department's periodic Worldwide Caution announcement reemphasizing the threat of terrorist actions and violence against Americans and interests overseas.

Political, Economic, Religious, and Ethnic Violence

The U.S. Department of State has assessed Minsk as being a LOW-threat location for political violence directed at or affecting official U.S. government interests.

Civil Unrest

Prior approval is needed from authorities to conduct a legal protest march or gathering. If a demonstration does not support official government policy goals, approval is rarely given. Some groups choose to stage protests without permits. Authorities closely monitor protests and often arrest and charge participants for violating the law on mass events. Although large, unauthorized protests are rare, a series of significant street protests against government policies occurred in February and March 2017, in several cities including Minsk. The demonstrations occurred with several hundred to several thousand gathering. There were few such protests from April 2017 through the rest of the year.

The government severely limits the right of free expression and assembly and has cracked down violently on demonstrations by the democratic opposition.

Post-specific Concerns

Critical Infrastructure

Belarus is constructing a commercial nuclear reactor with financing and technical support from Moscow some 30 kilometers from the Lithuanian border. Belarus does have limited nuclear research capabilities, but no environmental or regulatory agencies consider those to be an ecological threat.

Some areas of Belarus are still closed off from the 1986 Chernobyl disaster. It is generally thought that the government has an effective program of monitoring fresh foods and meats sold in local markets. Street purchase of produce should be avoided. Wild berries, mushrooms, and wild fowl/game should be avoided, as these have been found to retain higher than average levels of radiation.

Personal Identity Concerns

There have been an increasing number of unofficial reports of certain minority groups, such as meetings of gay, lesbian, and transgender groups, being targeted and harassed by authorities.

A gay man, who was beaten up when leaving a gay bar in Minsk in May 2014, died of injuries sustained in the attack in October 2015.

Harassment has included police invasion of parties and meetings as well as recording the personal information of all attendees. Recent official statements have demonstrated low tolerance by some elements in the government for LGBT groups and individuals.

Drug-related Crimes

Belarus is not a major drug producing country and does not appear to be a major nexus for drug smuggling. Belarus’ internal and external controls do not allow for a high volume of drug trafficking, and only small drug seizures have occurred. Whether the small size of these seizures is due to a lack of the country’s ability to detect and interdict this activity or is indicative of a low volume of drug trafficking activity is unknown.

There are no known links to transnational terrorist and narcotics organizations; in 2017, there were no charges or allegations of corruption of senior public officials relating to drugs or drug trafficking. Drug-related crime statistics for 2017 are 5,481 cases (-15.11% from 2016).

Police Response

Criminal activity remains a concern due to the lack of adequate police enforcement and response. In general, law enforcement agencies do not meet U.S./EU standards. Inadequate training, poor working conditions, and shortages of basic equipment contribute greatly to deficits in effectiveness.

Law enforcement has been used for political reasons. Corruption is a problem. Law enforcement agencies can be part of the problem rather than a part of the solution.

Police units rarely have English-language capability, even among officials working in units designated to combat crimes against foreign nationals. As a result, reporting a crime to the police is often a difficult, lengthy process. Subsequent follow-up to determine the status of a case often requires lengthy visits to police stations.

Under the law, individuals are required to carry personal identification documents, and it is common for law enforcement to conduct identification checks. Therefore, the Embassy recommends that you carry your passport at all times.

How to Handle Incidents of Police Detention or Harassment

Authorities have the right to take you to the police station and hold you for up to three hours while establishing your identity. No "probable cause" is required.

Harassment or detention by police should be reported to the U.S. Embassy at (375) (17) 210-1283 as soon as possible. When a U.S. citizen is detained, authorities are required to notify the U.S. Embassy as soon as possible. If detained by police, it is strongly recommended that you ask (and continue to ask) for access to the U.S. Embassy immediately.

Crime Victim Assistance

The Embassy recommends that Americans report crimes to the police and the Embassy. In the event that police will not accept a crime report, the Consular Section’s American Citizen Services staff can forward the complaint to the police. Reporting a crime is also advisable even if time has elapsed, as criminals often repeat the same crime within the same general locale. Finally, a police report is also strongly recommended when an American passport has been lost or stolen. If you are a victim of a crime, you may contact the U.S. Embassy at (017) 210-1283 for assistance 24 hours/7 days per week.

The following numbers can be used throughout Belarus.

Fire: 101

Police: 102

Ambulance/emergency medical services: 103

When using a cell phone, you can call 112, which is a general emergency number.

Medical Emergencies

Travelers who have chronic medical conditions that require specific medication should bring enough medicine to Belarus since medicine may not be readily available in-country. For more information, please refer to OSAC’s Report, “Traveling with Medications.”

Contact Information for Available Medical Services

There are no hospitals that provide a level of medical care equal to that found in U.S. hospitals. For medical assistance, please refer to the Embassy’s Medical Assistance page.

Available Air Ambulance Services

The fastest way to secure Western medical care remains medical evacuation to Western Europe. This is a very expensive option, and assistance may not arrive until several hours after the need for care arises.

SOS: 8-10-7-495-937-6477 (24/7 phone)

EURO FLITE: 8-10-358-20-510-1911 or 358-20-510-1900 (24/7 phone)

MEDEX Assistance Corporation: 8-10-1-410-453-6330 (24/7 phone)

TRICARE/SOS (for U.S. military): 8-10-44-20-8762-8133

There are several European firms that also provide private jet evacuations. It is unknown to what extent these companies can operate within Belarus. Prior coordination with these companies is recommended.

Insurance Guidance

There are no hospitals that accept U.S. health insurance plans for payment. Travelers are recommended to purchase insurance that covers air ambulance evacuation services prior to travel or have access to substantial lines of credit to cover the cost of medical evacuation.

Country-specific Vaccination and Health Guidance

The CDC offers additional information on vaccines and health guidance for Belarus.

OSAC Country Council Information

There is no OSAC Country Council in Minsk. Interested private-sector security managers should contact OSAC’s Europe Team with any questions.

U.S. Embassy Location and Contact Information

Embassy Address and Hours of Operation

46 Starovilenskaya St.

Minsk 220002, Belarus

Embassy is open Mon-Fri from 0830-1730 and is closed on American and Belarusian holidays.

Embassy Contact Numbers

Country Code: 375

Minsk City Code: 17

Embassy Minsk General Number: 210-1283

Website: http://minsk.usembassy.gov

Consular coverage for multi-post countries

The Regional Security Officer in Vilnius, Lithuania, covers security concerns in Belarus.

Embassy Guidance

The Embassy strongly recommends that all Americans visiting or residing in Belarus register with the U.S. Embassy Consular Section in Minsk. Registration will permit the Consular Section to contact American citizens quickly in the event of an in-country emergency. On-line registration is available at https://travelregistration.state.gov/ibrs/ui/.

Additional Resources

Belarus Country Information Sheet