The Estonian Foreign Ministry urges its citizens to refrain from travelling to Belarus, reports public broadcaster ERR on 29 September.
The statement is related to cases of detentions and questioning of Estonian citizens in Belarus, as well as difficulties in obtaining consular assistance.
“There have been quite a few cases both at the border and inside Beloursi, when our citizens have been contacted, questioned or detained, just like citizens of other EU countries. During their stay there, the situation can become extremely unpleasant for our citizens,” said Angela Saar-Raaman, a diplomat of the Estonian Foreign Ministry.
She also noted that in case of problems in Belarus, it might be difficult for the Estonians to get help from their consul. Saar-Raaman pointed out that since 20 May 2024, there is no diplomat in the Estonian diplomatic mission in Belarus, as well as no Belarusian diplomat in Estonia:
“We also do not have a consul in Belarus. When travelling to Belarus, it is worth considering that providing consular assistance may take much longer than usual or may not be possible at all.”
Despite this, the broadcaster notes, bus tickets from Tallinn to Minsk can still be purchased, and the issuance of humanitarian visas also continues.
September 26, Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Poland urged Polish citizens, who remain in Belarus, to immediately leave its territory, using available commercial and private means. This was preceded by the closure of the Polish-Belarusian border, which lasted from 12 to 25 September.