Belarus Country Report

Belarus is an authoritarian presidential republic that has remained largely unchanged since the country declared its independence from the Soviet Union in 1990. President Alexander Lukashenko has maintained a firm grip on power since his election in 1994. Although the 2020 presidential elections faced unprecedented opposition and mass protests, followed by international sanctions and calls for new elections, President Lukashenko’s hold on the government does not seem to be declining.

Belarus maintains close political relations with Russia and the rest of the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) despite low-level disagreements over oil and gas supply routes. Relations between Belarus and the EU have continued to deteriorate following the arrest of opposition candidates ahead of the previous presidential elections and the crackdown on subsequent anti-government protests.

Relations between Belarus and the EU further deteriorated in 2021 after Minsk encouraged tens of thousands of Middle Eastern migrants to cross the EU border, resulting in a border crisis aimed at destabilizing its EU neighbors. This border entanglement caused the closing of several border crossings, driving up and disrupting both crossing times and the cost of transporting goods through the area.

In February 2022, Belarus hosted a significant number of Russian military units that later entered Ukraine from Belarusian territory. Belarus continues to act as a hub for the Russian Federation’s military forces, providing training, medical care, and logistical support. Belarus has implemented enhanced security measures on its border with Ukraine; special military and police units have been introduced in the Brest and Gomel regions.

Although Belarus currently faces no major security concerns, it is exposed to international tensions due to its support for Russia's aggressive foreign policy. The population reportedly reacted negatively to Minsk's involvement in the invasion of Ukraine. Small protests, minor acts of sabotage, and disruptions to the railway network, allegedly performed by underground anti-government Belarusian groups, have been reported. The country continues to face an unstable economic situation due to an over-dependence on the Russian market and Russian investment.

Infrastructure and medical facilities in major cities are generally up to international standards, although the situation in smaller towns and rural areas varies significantly. Travelers should be aware that public officials may only speak Russian or Belarusian.

Belarus does not face any direct external conflict threat. Since early February 2022, Russian troops have been deployed to Belarus, as part of the buildup of forces used for the Russian military offensive in Ukraine. Minsk has not sent its own troops into Ukraine, choosing instead to support Russia's forces logistically and by allowing Moscow the use of various training grounds and air bases. Belarusian troops are currently deployed in the south of the country, ostensibly to protect the country from possible Ukrainian saboteurs or illegal armed groups.

Belarus’ relations with the EU have increasingly deteriorated following the 2021-2022 border crisis. Belarusian border authorities pushed thousands of largely Middle Eastern migrants to cross EU borders illegally. The crisis has been regarded as an attempt to destabilize neighboring EU countries, notably Poland and Lithuania. The border crisis caused major disruptions in the transport of goods between Belarus, Russia, and the EU, increasing waiting times at border crossings and consequently raising shipping costs.

Internally, Belarus has faced an increase in cyber threats by organized underground groups, such as the Belarusian Cyber-partisans, which have spread intelligence on Belarusian security services, leaked sensitive information, and reportedly been involved in cases of transport disruption.

There is a low threat from terrorism, and no major regional or transnational terrorist groups are known to operate in the country. Criminal activity generates a low safety risk. Travelers have been targeted after displaying signs of wealth, such as expensive vehicles, jewelry, and clothing. Petty theft, such as mugging and pickpocketing, is relatively rare in areas frequented by foreign travelers. Although rare, protests and rallies occasionally take place in urban centers, such as Minsk, and are usually forcefully dispersed by law enforcement.

Air travel between Belarus and most European countries is unavailable due to European sanctions against Belarus. Air travel in Belarus is considered unsafe due to the Russia-Ukraine war.

Roads are well maintained in major cities. However, the roads in rural areas and more remote regions are likely to be in poor condition.

The Russia-Ukraine war is disrupting shipping and the sanctions aimed at Belarus have affected exports of agricultural products and fertilizers.

More than 60 percent of households in Belarus receive their heat and hot water through centralized heating.

Belarus has been a sponsor of cyber attacks during the Russia-Ukraine war.

Winters in Belarus are often extremely harsh and see heavy snowfall, while the summer period occasionally brings high temperatures in some areas. Southern regions bordering Ukraine are subject to an elevated long-term environmental risk due to radiation that remains a concern following the 1986 Chernobyl incident.

Medical facilities are generally considered to be up to international standards in Minsk. However, medical services are relatively sparse in more rural areas. Foreign travelers in Belarus need private medical insurance to access medical care and proof of coverage is a requirement for entry into the country. Complex cases or significant injuries may require medical evacuation out of the country.

Belarus is a unitary multi-party presidential republic. The President is the head of state and head of government. The President and the Council of Ministers form the government, but long-serving President Alexander Lukashenko holds most executive powers. The parliament, which consists of the House of Representatives (lower house) and the Council of the Republic (upper house), is under the control of Lukashenko. The judiciary is nominally independent of the executive and the legislature but is widely regarded as corrupt and ultimately under the control of the President. Although presidential elections take place once every five years, results are predictable. Alexander Lukashenko has run the state since 1994.

Coalitions featuring a cross-section of political parties are not required to form the government. Government collapses are uncommon. State institutions are unreliable and ineffective.