Belarus removes online travel ban check for citizens
At the Belarusian border, illustrative photo / delfi.lt
Belarusians have been stripped of the ability to check online whether they are banned from leaving the country. The relevant service on the Interior Ministry's website is no longer available.
The Interior Ministry said the removal of the service was not due to a technical failure. The reason given was changes to the way the database of citizens whose right to travel is temporarily restricted operates.
The operation of this database was changed in accordance with a new decree, which regulates the exchange of information between the Interior Ministry and other state bodies that can make decisions on temporary travel bans. The document also introduces new requirements for the protection of information stored in the database.
To obtain information about a travel restriction, Belarusians must now visit their local citizenship and migration unit in person. According to the Interior Ministry, a response must be provided within one working day.
