This is an annual report produced in conjunction with the Regional Security Office at the U.S. Embassy in Minsk. OSAC encourages travelers to use this report to gain baseline knowledge of security conditions in Belarus. For more in-depth information, review OSAC’s Belarus country 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.

Travel Advisory

The current U.S. Department of State Travel Advisory at the date of this report’s publication assesses Belarus at Level 1, indicating travelers should exercise normal precautions. Review OSAC’s report, Understanding the Consular Travel Advisory System.

Overall Crime and Safety Situation

Crime Threats

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. The criminal threat in Minsk is comparable to other large capital cities in the region; pickpockets, car thefts, and burglaries remain a constant. Petty criminal incidents can occur on public transportation in Minsk, especially the metro system and in areas large groups of people or tourists frequent. The Interior Ministry (MOI) recorded 88,375 crimes in 2019, 4,562 more than in 2018, a 5.4% increase; 19,745 of those occurred in Minsk, a 17.2% increase from 2018.

Official Internal Affairs Ministry (MVD) statistics indicated a change in some categories of violent and non-violent property crime in 2019: robbery 1,423 (-2.8%), robbery with extreme violence 123 (-9.7%), burglary 4,504 (-4.75%), drug-related crimes 4,613 (-8.02%), and auto thefts 705 (+8.5%). It is not clear if these numbers reflect all crimes due to the host government definitions of criminal categories. In 2019, there were no reported crimes against visiting U.S. officials or U.S. diplomatic personnel. 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 targets for criminals. Review OSAC’s reports, All That You Should Leave Behind.

Violent crime directed against foreigners is relatively uncommon and not reported separately. In 2019, most violent crime categories saw a decrease from the previous year, except for murder/attempted murder. The MVD recorded the following violent crime statistics: murder/attempted murder: 307 (+27%), intended infliction of grievous bodily harm: 719 (-0.55%), rape/attempted rape: 117 (-3.4%).

The economy is highly dependent on Russian subsidies, and extremely vulnerable to outside economic influence. The official unemployment rate of less than 1% is not accurate; the actual rate is likely many times higher. Labor migration to Russia, Poland, and other countries is common.

In 2019, authorities reported 2,363 corruption crimes, a decrease from 2,469 in 2018. These included: embezzlement by abuse of power of authority (525); laundering of material valuables (4); abuse of authority (225); administrative dereliction (28); exceeding the person’s authority (142); unlawful affiliation with an entrepreneurial business (1); acceptance of a bribe (1,164); offering a bribe (236); complicity in bribery (8); and exceeding authority by a military official (30). In 2019, there were no incidents reported to the Embassy regarding U.S. businesses targeted by organized crime in Belarus.

Identity theft involving debit/credit card and internet fraud can happen. Avoid using credit and debit cards, as there have been reports of U.S. citizens having their ATM or credit cards skimmed, resulting in fraudulent charges or money stolen from accounts. The U.S. Embassy received no such reports in 2019. Review OSAC’s reports, The Overseas Traveler’s Guide to ATM Skimmers & Fraud and Taking Credit.

Common street crime, such as mugging and pickpocketing, occurs most frequently near public transportation venues, near hotels foreigners frequent, and/or at night in poorly lighted areas. Exercise caution when visiting bars, casinos, and night clubs, and do not leave your drink unattended. Local and transnational organized criminal activity exists in Belarus. Avoid casinos and adult clubs, as most are operated by criminal elements. There have been reports of travelers drugged and subsequently robbed or assaulted while visiting night clubs. Prostitutes at hotels may attempt to open hotel room doors in search of customers. Review OSAC’s reports, Hotels: The Inns and Outs,Considerations for Hotel Security, and Shaken: The Don’ts of Alcohol Abroad.

Theft of vehicle parts and car vandalism is common. Sport-utility and luxury vehicles tend to be the most sought-after. Parking in a secure area overnight is highly recommended.

Though not attributed to any larger criminal intent, organized crime groups, or terrorism, several media reports in 2019 indicated multiple incidents of attempted weapons smuggling from Ukraine into Belarus. In September 2019, State Customs Committee of the Republic of Belarus reported stopping a scheme of weapons smuggling where weapons parts were moving from Ukraine through Belarus and Lithuania, headed for Russia. Following law enforcement operations and investigation, authorities discovered a large number of weapons in Russia, including machine guns, pistols, small arms rifles, and approximately 9,000 ammunition rounds.

Cybersecurity Issues

U.S. organizations should pay close attention to cybersecurity when establishing operations, as a cyber-crime threat does exist in Belarus. Over the past year, U.S. law enforcement agencies have cooperated with Belarusian law enforcement agencies to investigate cyber-related and cryptocurrency cases.

Marriage and dating scams via the Internet are common in the region, including in Belarus. Often, potential suitors in the United States lose thousands of dollars sending money to people they meet online. In some cases, the scammer invites the foreigner to visit Belarus; the Belarusian “friend” collects money for lodging and transportation expenses and then disappears. There have also been instances of U.S. nationals extorted by Belarusian “fiancées” and accomplices, losing thousands of dollars in elaborate scams.

Review OSAC’s reports, Cybersecurity Basics, Best Practices for Maximizing Security on Public Wi-Fi, and Traveling with Mobile Devices: Trends & Best Practices.

Transportation-Safety Situation

Road Safety and Road Conditions

Vehicles are left-side drive, and drive on the right side of the road (like in the United States). However, driving in Minsk may be a challenge to foreigners not familiar with street signage or traffic rules, as they may not correspond to U.S./Western norms. Modern cars share the highways with tractors, horse-drawn carts, and pedestrians. Parking areas normally have clear markings. Pedestrians, especially those walking with small children, should exercise caution. Drivers may stop in busy traffic lanes to pick-up/drop-off passengers. Though not usually a problem, pedestrians sometimes cross busy streets outside the crosswalks without hesitation. Drivers should always prepare to stop on short notice. Pedestrians have the right of way, and drivers must yield to pedestrians. Using hand-held mobile devices while driving is illegal. Defensive driving is fundamental.

Most major roads are well-maintained, and traffic moves at normal highway speeds. Driving under the influence is common despite a strict zero-tolerance law. Speed bumps are common, even on major streets in large cities. Belarus has a toll system requiring payment when using certain specifically identified roads. Passenger motor vehicles registered outside the Eurasian Customs Union countries (Belarus, Russia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, and Armenia) must pay tolls. Find detailed information regarding toll roads, distribution points, and penalties for not paying tolls online.

Traffic volume in Minsk is heavier on weekdays during commuting hours, and limited on the weekend. Main thoroughfares may not always be well-lighted, but are usually well-maintained. Side streets and less commonly used avenues are not as well-maintained, and can sometimes 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 local driving habits and heavier-than-normal traffic at rush hour, vehicle accidents are common. The perceived seriousness of the accident and its location (such as busy intersections or major thoroughfares) have a direct correlation to the response time for police. Recent changes to local law allow for on-site insurance information exchange among drivers in minor accidents with no injuries and damages totaling less than 800€. Vehicles involved in even minor accidents must remain in place on the road until police arrive. This often causes sudden traffic jams, especially in intersections where minor accidents are more frequent.

Review OSAC’s reports, Road Safety Abroad, Driving Overseas: Best Practices, and Evasive Driving Techniques; and read the State Department’s webpage on driving and road safety abroad.

Public Transportation Conditions

Minsk has a clean, safe, and efficient subway system that reaches outside the city center. When traveling on public transportation of any kind, be wary of pickpocketing and other petty crime. Several rental car agencies currently operate in Minsk, but rental-car networks are not well developed.

Radio-dispatched taxi services are metered, generally reliable, arrive promptly, and usually offer the lowest fare. Avoid using informal, unregistered taxis. Uber currently operates in Minsk. Review OSAC’s report, Security In Transit: Airplanes, Public Transport, and Overnights.

Aviation/Airport Conditions

As there is no direct commercial air service to the United States by carriers registered in Belarus, 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.

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. Transnational, regional, and indigenous terrorism is not a major threat. This assessment considers historical data relevant to terrorist activities in Belarus as well as current and projected Belarusian law enforcement and security service anti-terrorist activities. Belarus did not have any transnational terrorism incidents in 2019. There have been no recorded acts of transnational terrorism committed on Belarusian territory to date. Belarus's border with Russia is porous, with the potential for transnational terrorist exploitation.

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

By law, local authorities must approve in advance any demonstration, protest, or public gathering. If a demonstration does not support official government policy goals, approval rarely comes. However, some groups choose to stage protests without permission or necessary permits. Authorities closely monitor these unauthorized protests, and often arrest and charge those organizers and/or participants for violating the law on mass events. Although large unauthorized protests are rare, in 2019, a series of significant street protests against integration with Russian Federation occurred in several cities including Minsk. The demonstrations occurred with anywhere from several hundred to several thousand people gathering at a given time. Authorities did not detain any individuals immediately for their participation in these events, although some individuals received fines and prison sentences of up to 15 days after the demonstrations for their participation. The government severely limits the right of free expression and assembly, and has cracked down violently on opposition demonstrations. Bystanders, including foreign nationals, may face the possibility of arrest or detention.

Anti-U.S./Anti-Western Sentiment

No anti-U.S. protests occurred in 2019. There have been no anti-U.S. protests at the Embassy during the last several years. The Embassy has received reports of harassment of U.S. citizens at border crossings.

Post-specific Concerns

Critical Infrastructure Concerns

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

In 1986, the Chernobyl Nuclear Power Plant, located in Ukraine 350 kilometers southeast of Minsk, experienced an explosion and fire, followed by an uncontrolled release of radiation. The accident resulted in the largest short-term, accidental release of radioactive materials into the atmosphere ever recorded. To this day, some areas in Belarus (including 20% of usable land) are still affected by the disaster and have restricted access. Producers may not sell food that exceeds European norms for radiation. The government has an effective program of monitoring fresh foods and meats sold in local markets. Avoid street purchase of produce. Avoid wild berries, mushrooms, and wild fowl/game in the Chernobyl-affected areas, as these retain higher than average levels of radiation.

Economic Concerns/Intellectual Property Theft

It is a criminal offense to exchange payment in U.S. dollars to firms or individuals without a special license. Only a few large firms have licenses to accept U.S. dollars. Only use widely available licensed exchange locations.

Authorities may place foreigners under surveillance. They may monitor hotel rooms, telephones, and fax machines, and search personal possessions in hotel rooms.

Personal Identity Concerns

There have been no significant reports of hate crimes in Belarus. Civil society activists have expressed concern regarding the pan-Slavic nationalism professed by some extremist groups. Neo-Nazis, such as the Russian National Unity group and supporters of similar groups, are widely believed to be behind anti-Semitic incidents across the country. Anti-Semitic and xenophobic newspapers, literature, frequently imported from Russia, are widely available. Governmental and societal discrimination against Roma persisted. According to leaders of the Romani communities, security and law enforcement agencies arbitrarily detained, investigated, profiled, and harassed Roma, including by forced fingerprinting, mistreatment in detention, and ethnic insults.

Same-sex relations are not illegal in Belarus, but discrimination against members of the LGBTI+ community is widespread, and harassment against LGBTI+ individuals has occurred in the past. In recent years, there have been unofficial reports of authorities targeting and harassing certain minority groups, such as meetings of LGBTI+ groups. Harassment has included police invasion of parties and meetings, as well as recording the personal identifying information of attendees. In December 2019, a Belarusian court sentenced an individual to 1.5 years house arrest for assaulting a group of LGBTI+ individuals. This was the first Belarusian court decision and sentencing based on a hate crime charge. Review the State Department’s webpage on security for LGBTI+ travelers.

Sexual harassment is widespread, but no specific laws, other than those against physical assault, address the problem. The law provides for equal treatment of women with regard to property ownership and inheritance, family law, equal pay for equal work (although in practice women are often paid less), and in the judicial system, and the law is generally respected. Review the State Department’s webpage on security for female travelers.

All registered religious groups must seek permits to hold events outside of their premises, including proselytizing activities, and must obtain prior governmental approval to import and distribute religious literature. The law bans all religious activity by unregistered groups. The government continued to detain or fine individuals for proselytizing, including a Baptist couple in Lepel who were singing Christian songs and distributing Christian literature. Police also detained Jehovah’s Witnesses and a Belarusian Autocephalous Orthodox priest for proselytizing in public. Minority religious groups continued to have difficulty registering. Some groups remained reluctant to apply for registration, reportedly due to fear of harassment and punishment. The government continued its surveillance of minority and unregistered religious groups. Human rights groups said that while BOC and some Roman Catholic clergy have access to prisoners of their faiths, Muslim and Protestant clergy and clergy from nontraditional faiths do not. Minority religious groups said they continue to have difficulties acquiring buildings to use as houses of worship. Roman Catholic groups reported the government denied visas and requests to extend the stay of some foreign missionaries. Review OSAC’s report, Freedom to Practice, and the State Department’s webpage on security for faith-based travelers.

The law does not specifically prohibit discrimination against persons with physical, sensory, intellectual, or mental disabilities, and discrimination is common. The law mandates that transport, residences, and businesses be accessible to persons with disabilities, but few public areas were wheelchair accessible or accessible for persons with hearing and vision disabilities. The National Association of Disabled Wheelchair Users estimated that more than 90% of persons with physical disabilities were unable to leave their places of residence without assistance, and stated their residences were not suitable to accommodate persons with physical disabilities. While authorities claim that 30% of the country’s total infrastructure was accessible, disability rights organizations consider this figure inflated, although the situation continues to improve. Before visiting Belarus, check ahead with your hotel/destination to learn more about options to accommodate disabled travelers. Review the State Department’s webpage on security for travelers with disabilities.

Drug-related Crimes

Belarus is not a major drug-producing country and does not appear to be a major destination location for drug smuggling. Belarus’s internal and external controls do not allow for a high volume of drug trafficking, and only small drug seizures have occurred. It is unknown 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.

There are no known links to transnational terrorist and narcotics organizations. In 2019, there were no charges or allegations of corruption of senior public officials relating to drugs or drug trafficking. In 2019, authorities reported 4,613 drug-related crimes, a decrease of 8% from 2018.

Kidnapping Threat

There is minimal threat from kidnapping in Belarus. Review OSAC’s report, Kidnapping: The Basics.

Other Issues

Taking photographs of anything that authorities could perceive as being of military or security interest may result in problems. These sites are not always clearly marked. Application of these restrictions is subject to interpretation. Review OSAC’s report, Picture This: Dos and Don’ts for Photography.

Police Response

The emergency line in Belarus is 112. The general fire emergency telephone number is 101; the police emergency number is 102.

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. Authorities use law enforcement agencies for political reasons. Sophisticated criminal investigations may be inconclusive because of a lack of resources and/or political will. Corruption within the police reportedly is a problem, but it appears to be less blatant or overt than in neighboring countries. Law enforcement agencies can be part of the problem rather than a part of the solution. Inadequate training, poor working conditions, and shortages of basic equipment may contribute to deficits in effectiveness.

Belarus is an authoritarian state. Significant human rights issues include: arbitrary arrest and detention; life-threatening prison conditions; arbitrary or unlawful interference with privacy; significant problems with the independence of the judiciary; undue restrictions on free expression, the press, and the internet, including censorship, site blocking, and the existence of laws regarding criminal libel and defamation of government officials; detention of journalists; severe restrictions on freedoms of peaceful assembly and association, including the imposition of criminal penalties for calling for a peaceful demonstration and laws penalizing the activities and funding of groups not approved by the authorities; restrictions on freedom of movement, in particular of former political prisoners whose civil rights remained largely restricted; restrictions on political participation, including persistent failure to conduct elections according to international standards; corruption in all branches of government; allegations of pressuring women to have abortions; and trafficking in persons. Authorities at all levels often operate with impunity, failing to take steps to prosecute or punish officials in the government or security forces who committed human rights abuses.

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 can be a difficult, lengthy process. Subsequent follow-up to determine the status of a case often requires lengthy visits to police stations.

Carry personal identification documents, such as a passport or passport copy. Law enforcement may conduct identification checks and have the authority to detain individuals in a police station up to three hours while establishing or confirming one’s identity. Police detainment requires no probable cause.

U.S. nationals should report crimes to the police and the Embassy. If police will not accept a report of crime, the Consular Section’s American Citizen Services (ACS) staff can request assistance from the Foreign Affairs Ministry in forwarding the complaint to the police. Reporting a crime to authorities is also advisable even if time has elapsed, as criminals often repeat the same crime within the same general locale. File a police report if you have lost or had stolen a U.S. passport. Download the State Department’s Crime Victims Assistance brochure.

Medical Emergencies

The ambulance/emergency medical services number is 103. Medical care in Belarus is neither modern nor easily accessible. Hospitals and medical facilities are below U. S. standards and lack basic supplies. Trauma care is well below U.S. standards; Belarus lacks the level of care and competence to deal with serious injuries. Ambulances are poorly equipped and unreliable. It is not unusual to wait 30 minutes for an ambulance. Find contact information for available medical services and available air ambulance services on the U.S. Embassy website.

Travelers who have chronic medical conditions that require specific medication should bring enough medicine with them to Belarus, since the same medication may not be readily available in-country. You must carry your prescription medication in the original packaging, and you should have the written prescription from your doctor. Some common medications in the U.S., such as opioid pain relievers, are illegal in Belarus. Belarusian officials have confiscated these drugs from travelers.

The fastest way to secure Western-standard medical care remains medical evacuation to Western Europe. This can be a very expensive option, and support may not arrive until several hours after the need for care arises. Several U.S. and European firms provide private jet evacuations, though it is unknown to what extent these companies can operate within Belarus. There are no hospitals that accept U.S. health insurance plans for payment. The government requires all visitors to purchase local health insurance or show evidence of a policy with international coverage that includes Belarus. You may purchase the local health insurance at the points of entry. If you plan to use international medical insurance purchased outside Belarus, check with the Embassy of Belarus to be sure your policy is acceptable. The U.S. Department of State strongly recommends purchasing international health insurance, which covers air ambulance evacuation, before traveling internationally. Review the State Department’s webpage on insurance overseas.

Tuberculosis (TB) is an increasingly serious health concern in Belarus. The CDC offers additional information on vaccines and health guidance for Belarus.

Review OSAC’s reports, The Healthy Way, Traveling with Medication, I’m Drinking What in My Water?,Health 101: How to Prepare for Travel, and Fire Safety Abroad.

OSAC Country Council Information

There is no OSAC country council in Belarus. Contact OSAC’s Europe team for more information.

U.S. Embassy Contact Information

46 Starovilenskaya St., Minsk 220002

Regular hours: 0830 – 1730, Monday – Friday except for U.S. and Belarusian holidays.

Telephone: +375-(17)-210-1283. Duty Officer Telephone: +375-(29)-676 0134

Website: https://by.usembassy.gov/

Helpful Information

Before you travel, consider the following resources:

• OSAC Risk Matrix
• OSAC Travelers Toolkit
• State Department Traveler’s Checklist
• Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP)