Health Alert – U.S. Embassy Minsk, Belarus (March 18, 2020)
Location: Belarus
Event: On March 18, 2020 the Belarus Ministry of Health announced there are currently 36 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Belarus.
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. Those arriving from China, Iran, South Korea or Italy or other countries where the virus is active, are encouraged to undergo testing at the airport and should be prepared for follow-up by local health authorities and possible quarantine.
The government has implemented quarantine measures for all close contacts of individuals who test positive for COVID-19. Persons subject to quarantine will be tested and hospitalized for observation for 14 days. Visit the website of the Ministry of Health of the Republic of Belarus for additional information on these new measures.
Due to border closures and flight cancellations, options for departing Belarus are becoming increasingly limited. Many travelers have reported unexpected flight cancellations and limited flight availability. If your travel has been disrupted, please work with your airline to rebook your travel. Those wishing to depart Belarus should immediately take advantage of remaining flights. U.S. citizens may continue to travel from Europe to the United States following CDC guidelines.
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. Travelers should be prepared for travel restrictions to be put into effect with little or no advance notice.
For information on the March 11, 2020 Presidential Proclamation on travel from and transiting through Europe, 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.
The Belarusian government has banned large gatherings to include sporting events with spectators. Essential government services are not affected. Universities have cancelled classroom instruction but remain open for on-line study.
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-19 for information on conditions in Belarus
- Visit the Department of Homeland Security’s websiteon the latest travel restrictions to the U.S.
Assistance:
- S. Embassy/Consulate Minsk, Belarus
+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
- Belarus Country Information
- Enroll in Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive Alerts.
