Brits are being urged not to travel to one European country by the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) due to the turbulent political climate and other risks posed to them.
People in Belarus currently face a significant risk of arrest if they have at any time engaged in any activity now considered illegal by the Belarusian regime, and with the rules on dual nationality, there could be a high risk posed to some people travelling from the UK.
Belarus does not recognise dual nationality. So if you have both Belarusian and British passports, the authorities will consider you Belarusian, even if you enter the country on your British passport. This limits the UK government’s ability to help you, according to the FCDO.
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People are also being urged not to travel there as there is also currently a low risk that direct conflict linked to the war in Ukraine may spread to Belarus. Join our WhatsApp news community here for the latest breaking news. You will receive updates from us daily.
You face a significant risk of arrest, questioning or detention if you have engaged in any political activity related to Belarus. This can include having donated to organisations or supported activity now considered illegal by the Belarusian regime. Laws can be applied retroactively by the authorities.
If the authorities suspect you of engaging in and supporting activities against Belarusian law – including political activities – even if activities took place outside Belarus, you may be subject to deportation, detention, investigation and prosecution. The risk of arrest and detention is greater for those, including for dual nationals, who have previously been involved in activities inside or outside of Belarus, or on social media, which the authorities have since classed as illegal.
Mobile phones and other personal items may be seized and inspected by the authorities, including at the border upon entering Belarus. Belarus does not recognise dual nationality. Even if you have both Belarusian and British passports, the authorities will consider you Belarusian. In the event of arrest or detention, Belarusian authorities are unlikely to allow FCDO consular access. This limits the UK government’s ability to help you.
Political situation
Demonstrations and protests are possible and could become confrontational, with security forces likely to use force to disperse and detain demonstrators. The authorities launched a violent crackdown against demonstrators across Belarus after the 2020 presidential elections.
You should stay vigilant, avoid crowds and if protests break out, leave the area immediately. There is often a heightened security presence, including on the streets of Minsk and other major cities. Security forces (some may be in plain clothes) might carry out a stop and search or ask for identification documents and require you to unlock your phone. Make sure you carry your passport or a printed copy of the photo page of your passport, and visa if you have one.
Russian military activity
Russian military activity is taking place inside Belarus. The situation is unpredictable and there is a low risk that direct conflict linked to the war in Ukraine may spread to Belarus. In the unlikely event that a conflict starts, FCDO’s ability to support British nationals may be limited. Events in Ukraine are fast-moving.
There is a higher risk of military activity in places where there are Russian and Belarusian military personnel and equipment, including: Mazyr/Mozyr (Gomel Oblast), Zyabrovka (Gomel Oblast), Vileyka / Viliejka (Minsk Oblast), Gantsevichi / Hantsavichy (Brest Oblast), Osipovichi/ Asipovichy (Mogilev Oblast) and Lida (Grodno Oblast).
Avoid restricted areas reserved for military exercises or operations. It’s illegal to take photographs of police or military personnel, or locations of strategic importance, including government buildings and critical infrastructure. There may not be warning signs in locations where prohibitions are in place. If in doubt, leave potentially restricted areas immediately.
Terrorism in Belarus
Although there’s no recent history of terrorism in Belarus, attacks cannot be ruled out. Attacks could happen anywhere and could affect western interests and places visited by foreign nationals.