U.S. urges American citizens to leave Belarus immediately

The U.S. government has warned American citizens against traveling to Belarus. Those who are already in the country have been advised to leave as soon as possible. According to the U.S. State Department, there is a high risk of potential protests in Belarus.

«Do not travel to Belarus due to the Belarusian authorities’ arbitrary enforcement of local laws, the risk of detention, the continued facilitation of Russia’s war against Ukraine, the potential for civil unrest, 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,» the State Department said in a statement.

«U.S. citizens should regularly reevaluate possible departure plans in the event of an emergency. Border crossings with neighboring states are sometimes closed with little notice. Additional closures of crossing points along Belarus’ borders with Lithuania, Poland, Latvia, and Ukraine are possible,» the statement reads.

Earlier this month, American universities called on foreign students to come back to the U.S. before Jan. 20, 2025, when the inauguration of the president-elect is scheduled. Universities were worried that President-elect Donald Trump would strengthen migration legislation. The warning was sent to all foreign students, including those from Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan.