
STATE DEPARTMENT TRAVEL ADVISORY - Byelarus
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BYELARUS - CAUTION
 March 25, 1992

SUMMARY.  U.S. citizens planning to visit Byelarus or the other
former Soviet republics should be aware that the region is
undergoing profound political and economic change.  U.S. citizens
should avoid demonstrations or other signs of political unrest, and
should stay abreast of current developments, in order to react to
evolving events.  Crimes against tourists are a growing problem and
travelers should exercise the same precautions, especially in urban
areas, as they would at home.  U.S. citizens in frail health are
strongly advised not to visit the region because of severe shortages
of basic medical supplies.  Internal travel, especially by air, may
be disrupted by fuel shortages and other economic difficulties.  END
SUMMARY.

Internal Travel Disruptions.  Beginning in late 1991, many flights
between the former Soviet republics were delayed and in some cases
canceled because of shortages of jet fuel.  Travelers should be
prepared for long waits or for the possibility that their
itineraries will have to be changed with little or no advance
notice.  International flights to and from cities in Byelarus,
including international Aeroflot flights, have not been affected by
this problem.  There are often long delays at the Polish border, and
some border crossings are closed to all but those holding Soviet and
Polish passports.

Visas.  At this time, all travelers to the former Soviet Union,
including Byelarus, must have a visa issued by a Russian Embassy or
Consulate.  Travelers who do not have a visa cannot register at any
hotel and will be required to leave the country immediately, via the
route by which they entered the country.  U.S. citizens should
contact the Russian Embassy in Washington (202-939-8916) or the
Russian Consulate in San Francisco (415-922-6642) for current
information on visa requirements.  U.S. citizens should obtain their
visas in the U.S.; it can be difficult and time consuming to obtain
a visa in a third country.

"Tips for Travelers to the U.S.S.R.":  U.S. citizens planning a
trip to Byelarus may wish to obtain a copy of the State Department's
"Tips for Travelers to the U.S.S.R.," which is currently being
revised.  Much of the information, however is still valid for the
newly independent states.  This pamphlet provides information about
passport and visa requirements, recommended inoculations and
vaccinations, health precautions, customs and currency regulations,
crime and personal security and other matters of general interest.
The pamphlet also contains specific information for dual nationals
of the U.S. and the former U.S.S.R.  "Tips for Travelers to the
U.S.S.R." can be ordered for $1.00 each from the Superintendent of
Documents, U.S. Government Printing Office, Washington, D.C. 20402.
Travelers should also check with Intourist (212-757-3884) or the
State Department's Office of Overseas Citizen Services
(202-647-5225) for current information before traveling.

Crime and Personal Security:  Although officials in Byelarus have
expressed their readiness to cooperate with U.S. officials in the
event of an emergency involving a U.S. citizen, communications and
transportation can be slow and difficult.  Crimes against tourists
(robberies, muggings and pick-pocketings) are a growing problem in
the region.  Travelers should exercise the same caution -- even in
social encounters that they would in the United States.

Medical care in the region does not meet western standards.  There
is a severe shortage of basic medical supplies, including disposable
needles, anesthetics and antibiotics.  Tourists in frail health are
strongly advised not to visit.  The "Tips for Travelers to the
U.S.S.R." contains additional information on health care in the
region.

The U.S. has opened an Embassy in Minsk, the capital of Byelarus.
The U.S. Embassy is located in the Hotel Byelarus at Kirov 13, and
is currently providing limited consular services to U.S. citizens in
Byelarus.  U.S. citizens in need of emergency services may contact
the U.S. Embassy at 0172-690-802 or 0172-690-420.  All U.S. citizens
visiting Byelarus should register with the U.S. Embassy.

 No. 92-061

This advisory replaces the travel advisory dated December 24, 1991,
for the U.S.S.R., to reflect matters of concern specific to travel
in Byelarus.

