Estonian citizens are advised not to travel to Belarus

The State Border Committee of Belarus stated that Estonian citizens are more active than other Europeans in using visa-free entry to the country– In response, the Estonian Foreign Ministry reminded about the risks of such visits, Postimees reports.

On the morning of September 24, the publication, citing the statement of Belarusian border guards, reported that after the introduction of a visa-free entry regime to Belarus for citizens of EU countries, Estonia became one of the leaders in the number of new tourists traveling to the country.

The Estonian Foreign Ministry then reminded about the government's position regarding trips to Belarus.

"We advise against traveling to Belarus unless absolutely necessary. We ask citizens temporarily staying in Belarus to think about the importance of their stay and, if possible, return to Estonia. Completely avoid traveling to areas bordering Ukraine,” the Foreign Ministry said on the afternoon of September 24.

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When asked whether there is a difference in the risks for Estonian residents between traveling to Russia or Belarus, the Foreign Ministry explained that in both countries there is a high probability of problems with protection from Estonia in the event of provocations.

“Travel to both countries should be avoided primarily because the possibilities for providing consular assistance in these countries are very limited. In particular, Estonia's ability to help is limited if a citizen has been provoked and illegally detained or convicted,” the Foreign Ministry clarified.

According to Belarusian border guards, about 6,000 citizens of 35 European countries have visited Belarus in the two months since the visa-free regime for citizens of EU countries was introduced. The new entry procedure is most popular with tourists from Germany and Estonia, with 2,333 and 1,193 people arriving from there, respectively.

Prepared by: Nina Petrovich