US Embassy in Belarus suspends all visa services, except for emergency services for US citizens

February 18, BPN. The consular section of the US Embassy in Belarus has suspended all visa services effective February 15, except for emergency American Citizens Services (ACS).

The decision was made “as a result of critical staffing shortages due to the Belarusian authorities’ forced reduction of US Embassy Minsk’s workforce.”

The Embassy regretted that “the actions of the Belarusian authorities have limited capacity for consular services.”

The diplomatic mission encouraged individuals seeking visa services to schedule appointments with neighbouring US embassies and consulates.

On February 14, the US Department of State once again recommended that American citizens refrain from visiting Belarus. The official travel advisory stated that Americans should avoid travel due to “the arbitrary enforcement of laws, the risk of detention, unusual and concerning Russian military buildup along Belarus’ border with Ukraine, COVID-19 and related entry restrictions.”

On January 31, the Department of State ordered the departure of family members of US government employees from Belarus. US citizens were also advised not to visit Belarus.

In August 2021, the US Embassy was ordered to reduce its staff to five people. Belarus also withdrew its consent to the appointment of Julie Fischer as US Ambassador to Belarus. Belarusian Foreign Ministry demanded to dismiss the local embassy staff.