U.S. Embassy Minsk will be sending frequent updates to ensure all U.S. citizens in Belarus have the latest information about COVID19 and local conditions. Information updated within the last 24 hours will be in bold and prefaced with (NEW).
If different or additional information would be useful, please email us with your suggestions at ConsularMinsk@State.gov
Location: Belarus
Event: (NEW) Based on data provided by the Belarus Ministry of Health regarding the number of patients in treatment, recovered or deceased, the Embassy ascertains that as of April 1, the total number of COVID-19 cases in Belarus is 217. There are currently 157 patients in treatment, 58 people have recovered, and two are deceased. According to the Ministry of Health, Belarus has conducted 32,000 tests since January 23. Belarus reported its first case February 28.
(NEW) Travel options from Minsk to the United States are becoming increasingly limited but are still available. While there are still daily flights available from Minsk to airports in the EU and UK with connections to the United States, US Citizens currently in Belarus who wish to return to the US should arrange for immediate departure to the United States, unless they are prepared to remain in Belarus for an indefinite period. Please note, Brussels, Abu Dhabi, and Istanbul are no longer options for flying to the United States, and flights to Frankfurt have been significantly reduced. (NEW) On April 1, Belavia announced the cancellation of eight previously scheduled flights to Paris between April 2, 2020 and April 22, 2020. Some flights to Paris remain, but on a more limited basis.
As of April 2, 2020, Belavia is operating out of Minsk International Airport with connections to the United States via the following cities:
Amsterdam
Frankfurt
London
Paris
(NEW) We recommend you book your flight using a travel agency to ensure that you are ticketed through to your final destination in the United States. Transit via the airports in Amsterdam, London, Paris and Frankfurt is permitted, but you may not leave airport transit zone. If you are not ticketed through to the United States, you will not be boarded in Minsk.
U.S. citizens may travel from Europe to the United States following CDC guidelines. Travelers should be prepared for travel restrictions to be put into effect with little or no advance notice. Prior to leaving Belarus, travelers are encouraged to confirm that their connecting flight is still scheduled. Additionally, connecting airports are not allowing passengers to leave the transit area, so travelers are encouraged to pack and plan accordingly.
The Government of Belarus has implemented enhanced screening and quarantine measures to reduce the potential spread of COVID-19. Travelers arriving in Belarus should be prepared for temperature checks at airports. On March 26, 2020, Belarus instituted a mandatory 14-day self-quarantine requirement for persons entering Belarus from countries where the COVID-19 virus is actively circulating. The quarantine requirement does not apply to transit passengers, travelers transporting cargo, air crew, or diplomats. Belarus has also established mandatory COVID-19 testing and a14-day in hospital monitoring period for all close contacts of individuals who test positive for COVID-19.
The Belarusian government has banned mass events that include international participation. Essential government services are not affected.
The Ministry of Health provides Russian language updates on its telegram channel at: https://web.telegram.org/#/im?p=@minzdravbelarusand via the Ministry website: http://minzdrav.gov.by/ru/
Visit our Embassy webpage on COVID-19 for information on travel restrictions as well as the website of the State Border Committee of the Republic of Belarus which has current information about the status of Belarusian border controls.
For information on the recent Presidential Proclamations on travel, see the Department of State’s Frequently Asked Questions page. For information on arriving in the U.S., please refer to the Department of Homeland Security’s webpage.
Actions to Take:
Consult the CDC website for the most up-to-date information.
For the most recent information on what you can do to reduce your risk of contracting COVID-19 please see the CDC’s latest recommendations.
Ensure you have sufficient food, prescriptions, and other essential items in your home in the event you need to self-quarantine.
Visit the COVID-19 crisis page on travel.state.gov for the latest information.
Check with your airlines or cruise lines regarding any updated information about your travel plans and/or restrictions.
Visit our Embassy webpage on COVID-19for information on conditions in Belarus
Visit the Department of Homeland Security’s website on the latest travel restrictions to the U.S.
Assistance:
U.S. Embassy/Consulate Minsk, Belarus
46 Starovilenskaya, Minsk
+375 17 210 1283
ConsularMinsk@State.gov
https://by.usembassy.gov/u-s-citizen-services/
State Department – Consular Affairs
888-407-4747 or 202-501-4444
Enroll in Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP)to receive Alerts.
Please follow us on social media for additional COVID-19 information
