From: owner-travel-advisories Subject: NEW TRAVEL INFO -- Belarus Newsgroups: wstd.travel.advisories Date: Fri, 3 Jan 1997 20:38:43 GMT Organization: The World @ Software Tool & Die Xref: world wstd.travel.advisories:1206 Path: world!bzs Message-ID: <970103203842_76702.1202_CHN75-1@CompuServe.COM> Precedence: bulk Sender: bzs@world.std.com (daemons) Distribution: wstd Approved: usenet@world.std.com Lines: 105 STATE DEPARTMENT TRAVEL INFORMATION - Belarus ============================================================ Belarus - Consular Information sheet January 2, 1997 Country Description: Belarus is a newly independent nation undergoing profound political and economic change. It is in the process of stabilizing 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 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, telephone (202) 986-1606 or the Consulate in New York. HIV Testing Requirement: Any person applying for a visa for a stay of more than three months must present a certificate showing that the individual is HIV negative. The certificate must contain the applicant's passport data, proposed length of stay in Belarus, blood test results for HIV infection, including date of the test, signature of the doctor conducting the test, medical examination results, diagnostic series, and seal of the hospital/medical organization. The certificate must be in both Russian and English and valid for three months from the date of medical examination and special test. Internal Travel: The political situation in Belarus is unstable. Localized street demonstrations and other disturbances relating to political events may occur without warning. Medical Facilities: Medical care in Belarus is limited. There is a severe shortage of basic medical supplies, including anesthetics, 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 useful. Further information on health matters can be obtained from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's international travelers' hotline at (404) 332-4559 or by visiting the CDC Internet home page at http://www.cdc.gov. Crime Information: Belarus has a medium rate of crime and common street crime continues 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: Travelers' Checks are not widely accepted in Belarus. Most tourist 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. Road Safety: The roads in Belarus range from short stretches of highways where cars and trucks can reach speeds of over 120 km/h to dirt roads. Visible and hidden dangers are profuse, including large potholes and the lack of road signs, street lighting and service areas. Driving with caution is urged at all times. 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 are encouraged to register at the Consular Section of the U.S. Embassy and to obtain updated information on travel and security within Belarus. The U.S. Embassy in Minsk is located at 46 Starovilenskaya Ulitsa; telephone (375) (172) 31-50-00. No. 97-001 This replaces the Consular Information Sheet dated March 18, 1996, to note changes in internal travel, HIV law requirements and new U.S. Embassy telephone numbers. ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- 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. 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