Health Alert – U.S. Embassy Minsk, Belarus (March 23, 2020)
Location: Belarus
Event: According to the Ministry of Health, Belarus has had 81 diagnosed COVID-19 cases since February 28. As of March 23, 2020, 22 people have recovered and been released from hospital, and 59 remain hospitalized. The Ministry of Health reported that authorities have conducted over 21,000 tests since January 23, and they expect to discharge more recovered patients soon.
Due to border closures and flight cancellations, options for departing Belarus are becoming increasingly limited. Those wishing to depart Belarus should immediately take advantage of remaining flights. As of March 23, 2020, Belavia and Etihad are still operating flights with connections to the United States. Turkish Airlines will suspend flights to and from Belarus beginning March 27 until April 17.
U.S. citizens may continue to 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.
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.
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.
The Belarusian government has banned mass events that include international participation. Essential government services are not affected.
Actions to Take:
- Consult the CDC websitefor 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.govfor 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
+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.
