Belarus: US Embassy in Minsk reissues travel advisory calling on US nationals to leave the country as of Aug. 22

Event

The US Embassy in Minsk has reissued an advisory calling on US nationals in Belarus to depart the country immediately as of Aug. 22. The embassy further advises US nationals planning to visit the country to refrain from doing so.

The embassy has reiterated advice most recently issued in April in response to several developments in Belarus. Specifically, the advisory notes that Lithuania closed two of six border crossings with Belarus on Aug. 18 over political and security concerns. The advisory goes on to state that further border crossings with Belarus' neighbors, including Lithuania, Latvia, and Poland, may also be closed in response to developments in the country.

The embassy previously stated that US nationals should depart the country or avoid travel to it due to Minsk's support for Russia's invasion of Ukraine, the buildup of Russian forces in the country, the arbitrary enforcement of local laws, the potential for civil unrest, the risk of detention, and the limited availability of consular support.

Several other governments, including Canada, France, and the UK, also strongly advise their citizens against travel to Belarus. These or other governments may reiterate or adjust advisories in the coming weeks in response to developments in the country. Embassy operations may also be curtailed in response to security assessments.

Advice

Liaise with trusted contacts for further information, and monitor local developments closely. Register and maintain contact with your diplomatic mission. Heed all official transport and security advisories. Reconfirm the status of cross-border road routes before traveling. Travel with identification. Reconsider the need to travel to Belarus.