Belarus: Authorities continue to restrict international travel as of Jan. 15 as part of COVID-19 measures /update 4

Belarus maintains COVID-19-related travel restrictions as of Jan. 15; other domestic restrictions remain.

Event

Authorities in Belarus continue to maintain numerous measures imposed to stem the spread of coronavirus disease (COVID-19), as of Jan. 15. Most nonresident foreign nationals are indefinitely barred from entering the country via land borders; exceptions include freight transporters, international public transportation workers, diplomats, persons seeking urgent medical attention, and healthcare workers. Nonresident foreign nationals may enter the country by air; travelers over six years of age must produce a negative COVID-19 polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test taken no more than 72 hours prior to arrival. Furthermore, travelers from countries with elevated disease activity must self-isolate for 10 days upon arrival. Travelers transiting the country in less than 24 hours will not be subject to self-isolation or the requirement to produce the results of a recent COVID-19 test.

Belarusian nationals and permanent residents are indefinitely barred from exiting the country via land borders; however, foreign nationals, freight transporters, international transport crews, individuals traveling due to a family or medical emergency, work-visa holders, and student-visa holders are permitted to exit the country via land borders. Belarusian nationals and permanent residents may enter the country without restriction.

The following nationwide business and behavioral measures also remain in effect:

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 on all public transport, including flights and Metro services.
Residents are strongly encouraged to observe social distancing, particularly in transport hubs.
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.