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Last Updated:
November 5, 2007 12:18
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Still Valid: November 15, 2007 23:34 EST |
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1. RECENT UPDATES Sections 2 and 3 of this Travel Report have been updated. BACK TO TOP 2. WARNINGS AND RECOMMENDATIONS There is no Official Warning for this country. Belarus
Canadians should exercise a high degree of caution. They should ensure that valuables, passports, and other travel documents are secure at all times. OFFICIAL REGISTRATION RECOMMENDATION: We offer a registration service for all Canadians travelling or living abroad. This service is provided so that we can contact and assist you in an emergency in a foreign country, such as a natural disaster or civil unrest, or inform you of a family emergency at home. Registration can be done on-line or by contacting a Canadian government office abroad. For more information, see our FAQs on Registration of Canadians Abroad. BACK TO TOP 3. SAFETY AND SECURITY The decision to travel is the sole responsibility of the traveller. The traveller is also responsible for his or her own personal safety. The purpose of this Travel Report is to provide Canadians with up-to-date information to enable them to make well-informed decisions. Street crime, such as mugging, pick-pocketing, and purse-snatchings occur, particularly in urban centres (such as Minsk, Grodno, Brest, Gomel, Moguilev, Vitiebsk) after dark and in and around hotels and hostels frequented by foreigners. Vehicle theft is common. Do not leave valuables unattended in vehicles. Avoid displays of affluence. Exercise normal safety precautions and ensure that valuables, passports, and other travel documents are secure at all times. Be especially vigilant when crossing the border with Poland at Brest due to the risk of mugging. The number to contact the police is 02. Demonstrations (planned and spontaneous) occur in Belarus, primarily in Minsk but also in other large towns and cities. Participants and bystanders (including foreign nationals) face the possibility of arrest, detention and physical violence. Canadians should avoid large public gatherings and should follow the advice of the local authorities at all times. Canadians should be aware that the possibility of violence exists. In September 2005, 50 people were injured when a bomb exploded at an outdoor café in the city of Vitebsk. Because of such violent acts, Canadians should ensure that they are aware of their surroundings at all times. Security authorities may place foreigners under surveillance. Hotel rooms, telephones, fax machines, and e-mail messages may be monitored. Personal possessions in hotel rooms may be searched. There have been cases of expulsion among foreigners working with the Belarus Civil Society. Tourist facilities are limited and only available in the larger cities. BACK TO TOP 4. ENTRY/EXIT REQUIREMENTS The following information on entry and exit requirements has been confirmed with the Belarusian authorities and was valid on August 2, 2007. However, entry and exit requirements are subject to change. It is the sole prerogative of each country to determine who is allowed to enter. All countries have special requirements for persons intending to reside for extended periods (usually more than 90 days) or who plan to work, study, or engage in non-tourist activities. To obtain information on specific entry requirements, contact the nearest diplomatic or consular office of the country or countries to be visited. Violations of entry and exit requirements may result in serious penalties. Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada’s Office of Protocol provides contact details for the Embassy of the Republic of Belarus, where you can obtain further information on entry and exit requirements. Canadians may also consult the website of the Belarusian Ministry of Foreign Affairs. It is strongly recommended that you confirm entry and exit requirements before travelling to Belarus. A valid Canadian passport is required for Canadians intending to visit Belarus. The passport must be valid for at least 90 days beyond the expiry date of the visa. Canadians are required to present proof of valid medical insurance and proof of sufficient funds, which is determined by the type of visa. A migration card must be completed upon arrival in Belarus. Canadians must register with the local Passport and Visa Office (Citizenship and Migration Department of the Ministry of Internal Affairs – tel.: 375 17 231 38 09) within three business days of arrival. Visas must be obtained from the Embassy of the Republic of Belarus prior to departure. (Visas may also be issued upon arrival, but only at the Consular Office of the Minsk-2 International Airport, provided that an original letter of invitation is presented.) Tourist Visa: Required (no extension permitted) Visitor Visa (private visit): Required Business Visa: Required Student Visa: Required Transit Visa: Required Travellers without a transit visa have been denied entry and forcibly removed from trains. Border or train officials do not have the authority to issue transit visas. Dual citizens should always confirm entry and exit requirements before travelling to Belarus by contacting the Embassy of the Republic of Belarus in Ottawa. Note: Naturalized Canadians do not automatically lose their Belarusian citizenship. A Certificate of Canadian Citizenship (CCC) is not a travel document. Airlines are known to refuse boarding to dual national Canadian passengers returning to Canada, travelling on a passport that requires a visa to enter Canada, regardless of whether the passenger presents a valid CCC as proof of Canadian citizenship. A Canadian passport is the only reliable and universally accepted travel and identification document for the purpose of international travel. It proves your admissibility to enter Canada. Selling, altering, or allowing another person to use your passport is a criminal offence. It could lead to the laying of charges and imprisonment if convicted. It could also lead to the denial of future passport services. Special and diplomatic passport holders should verify visa requirements for this and other countries, as they may differ from those that apply to regular passport holders. A new EU legislation on the amount of cash that can be carried has been implemented on June 15, 2007. Canadians crossing one of the external border control points of the EU will have to make a declaration to customs upon entry or exit if they have at least 10,000 euros, or the equivalent in other currencies, in cash, cheques, money orders, traveller's cheques, or any other convertible assets in their possession. Failure to report such a sum will be considered an offence. This does not apply to Canadians travelling within the EU or in transit to a non-EU country. The purpose of this legislation is to prevent illegal activities, such as money laundering. For more information on the new EU legislation and links to EU countries' sites, consult http://ec.europa.eu/eucashcontrols. Any adult travelling with children may be required to show evidence of parental/custodial and/or access rights. Foreign and Canadian authorities may also require evidence that the adult has the consent of the parents, legal guardian, and/or the court to travel with the children. Some countries may not permit children to enter or, in some cases, leave the country without proper documentation such as a letter of consent or a court order. Although same-sex marriages are legal in Canada, many countries do not recognize them. Attempting to enter as a same-sex married couple may result in refusal by local officials. For more information, contact the foreign government office accredited to Canada. BACK TO TOP 5. CANADIAN GOVERNMENT CONTACTS There is no resident Canadian government office in Belarus.You can obtain consular assistance and further consular information at the following address: Poland - WARSAW, Embassy of Canada Address: ul. Jana Matejki 1/5, 00-481, Warsaw Tel.: 48 (22) 584-3343; 584-3344 or 584-3345 Emergency toll-free to Ottawa: 00-800-111-4319 Fax: 48 (22) 584-3101 or 48 (22) 584-3192 E-Mail: wsaw-cs@international.gc.ca Internet: http://www.canada.pl For emergency assistance after hours, call the Embassy of Canada in Warsaw and follow the instructions. You may also make a collect call to the Department in Ottawa at 613-996-8885. BACK TO TOP 6. LOCAL LAWS AND CUSTOMS You are subject to local laws. A serious violation may lead to a jail or death sentence. The sentence will be served in local prisons. Canadians arrested or detained have the right to contact the responsible Canadian government office (embassy, high commission, etc.) listed in Section 5 above. Arresting officials have a responsibility to assist you in doing so. Canadian consular officials can provide a list of local lawyers upon request. The procedures required in legal proceedings or police investigations may be different from the procedures in force in the Canadian legal system. Canadians wishing to undertake such proceedings can expect to face long delays and additional efforts in order to resolve their case. The Government of Canada cannot intervene in ongoing legal proceedings in other countries, unless requested to do so by local authorities. Such requests are rare. There is zero tolerance for driving under the influence of alcohol. Criminal convictions for possession or trafficking of drugs will result in strict penalties and often lengthy prison sentences. Homosexual activity is legal but is not widely accepted in Belarusian society. Photography of military installations, public buildings, and monuments may be result in a penalty. Travellers should seek permission from local authorities before taking photographs. The Belarusian government may enforce a requirement for special permits to travel in “protected border zones.” Information defining the parameters of those zones has not been provided. Travelers should be alert for warning signs, road barriers, and/or border guard posts, and are advised not to cross into such areas without permission. BACK TO TOP 7. LOCAL TRAVEL AND CURRENCY Roads are generally in good condition. Many roads may be impassable in winter. Drivers tend to ignore traffic regulations. Horse-drawn carts are a common road hazard in rural areas. Radar traps are widespread. Since January 2005 a system of fees for drivers of foreign vehicles wishing to use Belarus' highways has been implemented. Payments are collected at border checkpoints and will vary according to the length of stay. Passports should always be carried to prove date of entry into the country, in the event of being stopped by police. When travelling by private vehicle, ownership documents or a letter of "power of attorney" must be shown at border crossings. These documents must be translated into Belarusian and certified at a Belarusian embassy. Third-party car insurance is mandatory and can only be purchased upon entry into Belarus. Vehicles are required to have their lights on at all times from November 1st to March 31st. Only use officially marked taxis and do not share them with strangers. Fares vary greatly, and vehicles are often poorly maintained. Buses and trolleys are poorly maintained and are usually crowded and unheated. Exercise caution when travelling by train, especially on sleeper trains to Warsaw and Moscow. Store valuables in a safe place and do not leave the compartment unattended. Ensure that the door is secured from the inside. An International Driving Permit (IDP) is required. The currency is the Belarusian rouble (BYB/BYR). Traveller's cheques and credit cards are not widely accepted. ATMs are limited in Minsk. Cash is the only recognized method of payment outside Minsk. The use of foreign currency in cash transactions is prohibited. Foreign currency should be exchanged at government-licensed booths only. A valid passport must be presented in order to purchase foreign currency (including Russian roubles). Belarusian roubles can be purchased without a passport. Check with your bank for information on Automated Banking Machine ( BACK TO TOP 8. NATURAL DISASTERS AND CLIMATE N/A BACK TO TOP 9. TRAVEL MEDICINE PROGRAM The Public Health Agency of Canada and the World Health Organization (WHO) report on disease outbreaks that occur throughout the world. For the latest travel health advisories and related information, visit the Public Health Agency of Canada’s Travel Medicine Program Web site. The Public Health Agency of Canada strongly recommends that your travel plans include contacting a travel medicine clinic or physician six to eight weeks before departure. Based on your individual risk assessment, a health care professional can determine your need for immunizations and/or preventive medication and advise you on precautions to avoid disease. Travellers are reminded to ensure that their routine (childhood) immunizations (e.g., tetanus, diphtheria, polio, and measles) are up to date. Standards of medical care may differ from those in Canada. Treatment may be expensive, and payment in advance may be required. Travellers are advised to arrange for medical insurance prior to departure. Prescription medications should be kept in the original container and packed in carry-on luggage. The Public Health Agency of Canada also recommends that travellers who become sick or feel unwell on their return to Canada seek a medical assessment with their personal physician. Travellers should inform their physician that they have been travelling or living outside of Canada. BACK TO TOP 10. ADDITIONAL HEALTH INFORMATION Medical care is limited. Carry a sufficient supply of medications, as shortages of basic medical supplies are common. Private medical and dental offices can be found in larger cities. Many parts of Belarus were contaminated by the Chernobyl nuclear accident, particularly the south valley of the Prypec River and near Gomel and Moghilev in the east. Foods, such as dairy products and locally grown fruit and vegetables, may still carry high levels of radiation and should be avoided. Visitors should only drink bottled or filtered water. BACK TO TOP 11. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION Returning to Canada Traveller's Checklist Health and Travel Insurance: Do not rely on your provincial health plan to cover all expenses if you get sick or are injured while abroad. It may cover nothing or only a portion of the costs. Understand the terms of your supplementary insurance policy. Some credit cards offer their holders health and travel insurance. Do not assume the card alone provides adequate coverage. Carry details of your insurance with you. Also, tell your travel agent, a friend or relative, and/or travelling companion how to contact your insurer. Get a detailed invoice from the doctor or hospital before you return to Canada. Always submit original receipts for any medical services or prescriptions received abroad. Most insurance companies will not accept copies or faxes. See Canada's Health Portal. Cancelling a scheduled trip abroad could cost you money. Before cancelling a scheduled trip, you should discuss the matter with your travel agent, your travel insurer, or the airline. The decision to travel is the sole responsibility of the traveller. Adoption: Provincial and territorial authorities in Canada are responsible for authorizing international adoptions. If you are thinking of adopting a child from another country, you must first obtain information about the adoption regulations of the province or territory in which the child will reside. While adoption is a provincial/territorial responsibility, Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC) is responsible for allowing an adopted child entry into Canada. Entry can be refused if the child does not hold the appropriate immigrant visa. A visa may be denied, even if the adoption has already been completed. For more information contact CIC at 1 888 242-2100 (in Canada only), check the CIC Web site or contact your provincial or territorial government. BACK TO TOP 12. ANNEX N/A BACK TO TOP |
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