Reduced Bus Routes Between Vilnius and Minsk: Reason Behind Lithuania's Decision
In the current political climate, travel between Lithuania and Belarus has become significantly complicated. As of now, there are 29 routes with 31 trips in one direction, a decrease from the previous 58 routes due to new restrictions.
The Lithuanian government's decree, effective since May 2021, has imposed a ban on all flights to and from Lithuania that use Belarusian airspace. This ban prohibits Belarusian carriers from operating flights into EU airspace and EU-based airlines from flying over Belarus. These measures have led to a suspension of direct Belarus to Vilnius flights.
Lithuanian authorities have also urged citizens not to travel to Belarus due to increased hostile actions by Belarusian authorities. They have warned of increased detention risks for travelers crossing into Belarus, including searches and arrests.
Commercial air traffic on the Vilnius-Minsk route is heavily restricted. Carriers operating on this route face serious constraints, such as the ban on flights through Belarusian airspace for Lithuanian flights, and the inability of Belarusian airlines to enter EU airspace.
The number of buses at the Lithuanian border on the Vilnius-Minsk route has decreased in response to these warnings. Lithuanian Eurolines (TOKS) and "Minsktrans" have seen a significant increase in the number of trips on the Vilnius-Minsk-Vilnius route, but Lithuanian Eurolines (TOKS) is currently cancelling most of its services until August 18 on this route.
Passengers traveling between Vilnius and Minsk have been facing long delays at the Lithuanian border in recent weeks. During these checks, cases of smuggling have been repeatedly detected, buses have been detained, and administrative protocols have been drawn up.
The summer tourist season is putting additional pressure on border crossing points in Lithuania. Up to 22 buses can pass through the Medininkai border crossing point in one direction per day, and up to 9 through Šalčininkai. Through Miedzyrzec, 44 buses pass daily - 22 in each direction, through Shalčininkai - 18, 9 in each direction.
Franak Viačorka, Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya's advisor, urges Belarusians living in Lithuania to avoid unnecessary travel to minimize risk to both themselves and others. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs strongly advises Lithuanian citizens to refrain from traveling to Belarus and for those already in the country to leave immediately.
Customs services check passengers' luggage, goods, and food for prohibited and restricted items, as well as compliance with EU and national sanctions at the Lithuanian border. Full refunds will be issued for already purchased tickets on cancelled services.
Under the new rules, one bus can make only one trip in each direction per specific route. Old licenses are valid until they expire, but new ones are issued with a limit of one trip there and back.
Despite these challenges, the frequency and days of bus operation are commercial decisions of the companies. The summer tourist season is expected to continue putting pressure on border crossing points in Lithuania, and travellers are advised to check the latest updates and plan their journeys accordingly.
[1] Source: Lithuanian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Belarusian Human Rights House [5] Source: European Union External Action, Belarus Situation Room
