Security Alert – U.S. Embassy Minsk, Belarus - August 21, 2023
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Security Alert – U.S. Embassy Minsk, Belarus - August 21, 2023
On August 18th, border crossings at Tverecius / Vidzy and Sumskas / Losha were closed. There are four open Lithuania/Belarus borders.
Travel - State Department: Lithuania & Belarus Border: “On August 18th, border crossings at Tverecius / Vidzy and Sumskas / Losha were closed. Further Polish, Lithuanian, and Latvian border crossings with Belarus are possible. [Four] open Lithuania / Belarus borders”.
Location: Belarus
Event: The Lithuanian government on August 18 closed two border crossings with Belarus at Tverecius / Vidzy and Sumskas / Losha. The four border crossings at Lavoriskes / Kotlova, Medininkai / Kamenny, Raigardas / Privalka, and Salcininkai / Beniakoni are currently open. The Polish, Lithuanian, and Latvian governments have stated that further closures of border crossings with Belarus are possible.
Actions to take:
Do not travel to Belarus due to Belarusian authorities’ continued facilitation of Russia’s unprovoked attack on Ukraine, the buildup of Russian military forces in Belarus, the arbitrary enforcement of local laws, the potential of civil unrest, the risk of detention, and the Embassy’s limited ability to assist U.S. citizens residing in or traveling to Belarus.
U.S. citizens in Belarus should depart immediately. Consider departing via the remaining border crossings with Lithuania and Latvia, or by plane. U.S. citizens are not permitted to enter Poland overland from Belarus. Do not travel to Russia or to Ukraine.
If you decide to travel to Belarus:
Have a contingency plan in place that does not rely on U.S. government assistance. Review the Traveler’s Checklist.
Visit our website for Travel to High-Risk Areas.
Keep your passport and visa documentation with you at all times.
Review your personal security situation and plan for contingencies that do not rely on U.S. government assistance.
Monitor local and international media for breaking events and be prepared to adjust your plans based on the new information.
Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive Alerts and make it easier to locate you in an emergency.
Review the Country Security Report for Belarus.
Assistance:
U.S. Embassy Minsk, Belarus
Email: consularminsk@state.govState Department – Consular Affairs
888-407-4747 or 202-501-4444