From: 76702.1202@CompuServe.COM (Charlie Smith)
Newsgroups: rec.travel
Subject: *NEW* TRAVEL INFORMATION -- Belarus
Date: 9 Oct 1992 12:16:54 -0500
Organization: UTexas Mail-to-News Gateway
NNTP-Posting-Host: cs.utexas.edu

STATE DEPARTMENT TRAVEL INFORMATION - Belarus
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Belarus - Consular Information Sheet
 October 7, 1992

Embassy Location:  The U.S. Embassy in Minsk, Belarus is located at 
46 Starovilenskaya; telephone (7) (0172) 34-76-42.  

Country Description:  Belarus is a nation undergoing profound 
political and economic change.  It is a newly independent nation 
still in the process of stabilizing its relations with neighboring 
countries.  Street demonstrations and other disturbances related to 
outstanding disputes may occur without warning.  Tourist facilities 
are not highly developed, and many of the goods and services taken 
for granted in other European countries are not yet available.  
Internal travel, especially by air, may be disrupted by fuel 
shortages and other problems.

Entry Requirements:  Travelers to Belarus must have a visa.  
Travelers who do not have a visa cannot register at hotels and may 
be required to leave the country immediately via the route by which 
they entered.  At this time, visas for Belarus are issued by a 
Russian Embassy or Consulate.  U.S. citizens may contact the 
consular section of the Russian Embassy at 1825 Phelps Place NW, 
Washington, DC  20036, tel (202) 939-8918, or the Russian Consulate 
in San Francisco for further information on visa requirements.  The 
Belarus Embassy (which does not yet issue visas), is located at 1511 
K Street NW, Washington, DC 20005, tel (202) 638-2954.

Medical Facilities:  Medical care in Belarus is limited.  There is 
a severe shortage of basic medical supplies, including disposable 
needles, anesthetics, and antibiotics.  Elderly travelers and others 
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 has proved to be useful.  Additional medical information 
for the region can be found in the Department of State's brochure, 
"Tips for Travelers to Russia", which includes information on 
Belarus and is available from the Superintendent of Documents, U.S. 
Government Printing Office, Washington, DC 20402.  Further 
information on health matters can be obtained from the Centers for 
Disease Control's international travelers hotline on (404) 332-4559.

Crime Information:  Belarus has a low rate of violent crime, but 
common street crime has increased, especially at night.  The 
Department of State's pamphlet "A Safe Trip Abroad" is available 
from the Superintendent of Documents, U.S. Government Printing 
Office, Washington, DC 20402.  It provides useful information on 
guarding valuables and protecting personal security while traveling 
abroad.

Currency Regulations:  Belarus is a cash-only economy.  Travelers 
checks and credit cards are accepted only sporadically.

Drug Penalties:  Penalties for possession, use, and dealing in 
illegal drugs are strict, and convicted offenders can expect jail 
sentences and fines.

Other Information:  According to a U.S. Department of Energy 
analysis, levels of background radiation and radiation found in food 
items affected by the fallout from the 1986 Chernobyl accident have 
decreased significantly with time.  They are no longer of any known 
medical significance to travelers.  Tap-water samples submitted in 
the months following the accident showed no detectable radiation.

Registration:  Americans who register at the Consular Section of 
the U.S. Embassy can obtain updated information on travel and 
security within the country.

 No. 92-006

Newsgroups: rec.travel