From: owner-travel-advisories Subject: NEW TRAVEL INFO -- Belarus Newsgroups: wstd.travel.advisories Date: Wed, 20 Mar 1996 15:05:41 GMT Organization: The World @ Software Tool & Die Xref: world wstd.travel.advisories:1001 Path: world!root Message-ID: <960320150540_76702.1202_CHN53-1@CompuServe.COM> Precedence: bulk Sender: root@world.std.com (daemons) Distribution: wstd Approved: usenet@world.std.com Lines: 81 STATE DEPARTMENT TRAVEL INFORMATION - Belarus ============================================================ Belarus - Consular Information Sheet March 18, 1996 Country Description: Belarus is a newly independent nation undergoing profound political and economic change. It is still in the process of stabilizing its relations with neighboring countries. Tourist facilities are not highly developed, and many of the goods and services taken for granted in other countries are not yet available. Entry Requirements: A passport and visa are required. Travelers who do not have a visa cannot register at hotels. U.S. citizens residing in Belarus are required to register with the local office of Visas and Registration (OVIR). Failure to do so can result in fines and frequent visits from local militia. U.S. citizens residing in hotels are automatically registered at check-in. For information concerning entry requirements, travelers can contact the Belarus Embassy located at 1619 New Hampshire Ave, Washington, D.C. 20009, tel. (202) 986-1606 or the Consulate in New York. Medical Facilities: Medical care in Belarus is limited. There is a severe shortage of basic medical supplies, including anaesthetics, vaccines and antibiotics. Elderly travelers and those with existing health problems may be at risk due to inadequate medical facilities. Doctors and hospitals often expect immediate cash payment for health services. U.S. medical insurance is not always valid outside the United States. Travelers have found that in some cases, supplemental medical insurance with specific overseas coverage, which includes air evacuation, has proven to be useful. Further information on health matters can be obtained from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's international travelers' hotline, tel: (404) 332-4559. Crime Information: Belarus has a medium rate of crime, with common street crime continuing to increase, especially at night and in or near hotels frequented by foreigners. Foreigners and particularly foreign cars tend to be targets of crime. The loss or theft abroad of a U.S. passport should be reported immediately to the local police and the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate. The Department of State's pamphlet "A Safe Trip Abroad" provides useful information on guarding valuables and protecting personal security while traveling abroad. Additional information on the region can be found in the brochure "Tips for Travelers to Russia and the Newly Independent States." Both publications are available from the Superintendent of Documents, U.S. Government Printing Office, Washington D.C. 20402. Currency Regulations: Traveler's checks are not widely accepted in Belarus. Most Intourist hotels accept either American Express or Visa credit cards. In addition, one hotel in Minsk, the Planeta, provides cash from Visa credit cards during business hours. Drug Penalties: U.S. citizens are subject to the laws of the country in which they are traveling. Penalties for possession, use, or trafficking in illegal drugs are strict and convicted offenders can expect jail sentences and fines. Registration and Embassy Location: U.S citizens who register at the Consular Section of the U.S. Embassy may obtain updated information on travel and security within Belarus. The U.S. Embassy in Minsk is located at 46 Starovilenskaya Ulitsa; telephone (7)(0172) 31-50-00. No.96-068 This replaces the Consular Information Sheet dated March 28, 1995, to note changes in the entry requirements and medical facilities. ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- The "travel-advisories@stolaf.edu" mailing list is the official Internet and BITNET distribution point for the U.S. State Department Travel Warnings and Consular Information Sheets. To unsubscribe, send a message containing the word "unsubscribe" to: travel-advisories-request@stolaf.edu Archives of past "travel-advisories" postings are available at the URL: "http://www.stolaf.edu/network/travel-advisories.html" or via Gopher: gopher.stolaf.edu, Internet Resources/US-State-Department-Travel-Advisories