Belarus: Authorities to further restrict international entry, prohibit exit via land borders beginning Dec 20 as part of coronavirus disease measures /update 3

Belarus to tighten COVID-19-related entry requirements, restrict exit via land borders from Dec. 20; other domestic restrictions remain.

Event

Authorities in Belarus plan to prohibit exit from the country via land borders starting Dec. 20 as part of measures to combat the spread of coronavirus disease (COVID-19). Exiting the country will be permitted in exceptional circumstances, and the restrictions will not apply to certain categories of travelers, including diplomats, citizens of Belarus with foreign residence permits, and people traveling for critical medical or personal reasons. In addition, beginning Dec. 20, international travelers will only be permitted to enter Belarus if they are in possession of a negative polymerase chain reaction (PCR) COVID-19 result from a test taken within 72-hours prior to arrival.

Most nonresident foreign nationals are currently unable to enter the country via land borders; exceptions include freight transporters, aircrews, and other public transportation workers, diplomats, persons seeking urgent medical attention, and healthcare workers. Russian citizens are also permitted to transit Belarus en route to Russia, provided they do so within 24 hours. These restrictions do not currently apply to Minsk National Airport (MSQ), the country's main international airport.

Nationwide transport and business restrictions remain in effect. Authorities are currently enforcing a mandatory 14-day self-isolation regime for travelers from countries where COVID-19 is actively circulating and for those who have had close contact with persons who test positive for the virus; freight transporters, aircrew members, and diplomats are exempt. The following additional measures are also in force:

Restaurants and cafes must place tables at least 1.5 meters (6 feet) apart.
Hotels must instruct guests to take their temperatures daily.
Employers must ensure that sick employees do not go to work.
Facemasks are required at MSQ on all Belavia (B2) flights.
International airports in the country remain open but are operating on reduced flight schedules.

Authorities in Belarus could broaden, amend, or lift these restrictions with little-to-no notice.

Advice

Follow all official instructions. Abide by national health and safety measures. Reconfirm all travel arrangements. Consider delaying traveling if experiencing symptoms associated with COVID-19, as they may prompt increased scrutiny and delays. Liaise with trusted contacts for further updates and guidance. Maintain contact with your diplomatic representation. Ensure contingency plans account for further disruptive measures or extensions of current restrictions. Reconsider and reconfirm nonemergency health appointments.

Emphasize basic health precautions, especially frequent handwashing with soap and water, or an alcohol-based hand sanitizer if soap and water are unavailable. Practice good coughing/sneezing etiquette (i.e., covering coughs and sneezes with a disposable tissue, maintaining distance from others, and washing hands). There is no evidence that the influenza vaccine, antibiotics, or antiviral medications will prevent this disease, highlighting the importance of diligent basic health precautions.