The key facts

  • On October 25, the Belarusian Foreign Ministry recommended refraining from non-essential travel to France, Belgium, Italy, Spain, Portugal and Albania
  • The reason is protests over pensions, housing, education and corruption
  • The ministry warned of possible curfews, internet restrictions and limited staffing at diplomatic missions

Belarusian Foreign Ministry's warning

On Sunday, October 25, the Belarusian Foreign Ministry urged citizens to refrain from non-essential travel to six European countries — France, Belgium, Italy, Spain, Portugal and Albania — amid protests taking place there over pensions, housing, education and corruption. The ministry said the political situation in a number of European countries had 'deteriorated sharply', citing mass demonstrations, allegedly disproportionate use of force by law enforcement and arbitrary detentions.

Possible restrictions and recommendations for citizens

The Foreign Ministry warned that curfew and a state of emergency may be introduced in the affected countries, which could disrupt public transport , internet access and communications. Citizens already in these countries were advised to exercise caution, avoid large crowds and protest areas, monitor updates from local authorities and Belarusian diplomatic missions. If the situation deteriorates further, the ministry advised leaving the countries via available commercial routes.Limited consular assistance

Separately, the ministry drew attention to the fact that

consular and legal assistance may be less available , since Belarusian diplomatic missions in these countries have limited staff. Citizens were advised to save the emergency contact details of these missions in advance.Context and data limitations

According to the Anadolu agency,

the protests in the mentioned countries are related to pensions, housing, education and corruption , however, the publication does not contain details about the scale of the rallies, their dates, or the reaction of the authorities of these countries. Information about the situation comes exclusively from the Belarusian Foreign Ministry; the source provides no independent confirmation of the claims about the use of force and detentions. For travelers, the practical implication is the need to check entry and exit conditions, alternative routes and diplomatic mission contacts in advance, given the warning about possible transport and communication disruptions.The protests in the mentioned countries are linked to issues of pensions, housing, education and corruption