Belarus Joins Denmark, Serbia, Germany and More as Italy Issues New Travel Advisory amid Rising Border Closures, Heightened Security Checks and Updated Visa Exemptions

Written By: Srishty Mishra

Srishty Mishra

A passionate storyteller and emerging journalist, I am currently pursuing my Master’s in English at DU while diving deep into the world of journalism. With two years of practical experience, I have cultivated a knack for transforming ideas into engaging narratives that captivate readers. My journey blends academic insight with real-world reporting, allowing me to explore culture, travel, and lifestyle through a creative and informed lens. Committed to delivering fresh, authentic, and impactful content, I strive to make every story not just read, but truly experienced.

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October 31, 2025 2:00 PM

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Belarus joins Denmark, Serbia, Germany, and several other nations in Italy’s latest travel advisory as the Foreign Ministry warns citizens about rising border closures, stricter visa regulations, and increasing security concerns across the continent. The advisory, issued ahead of the busy winter season, outlines crucial updates on travel restrictions, safety alerts, and documentation requirements, urging Italian nationals to stay cautious, remain informed, and follow official guidance when visiting or transiting through these countries. It reflects Italy’s proactive approach to protecting its travellers amid shifting geopolitical conditions, growing regional tensions, and enhanced border monitoring throughout Europe.

Italy has released a comprehensive new travel advisory highlighting major updates for several European countries— including Belarus, Denmark, Serbia, and Germany — amid a mix of new border restrictions, visa exemptions, heightened security alerts, and public safety warnings. The latest notice, issued by the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, provides updated travel guidelines for Italian citizens planning trips across these regions, emphasizing prudence, awareness, and preparedness as regulations evolve in the lead-up to winter 2025. The advisory comes as cross-border tensions, sporadic protests, and shifting entry regulations continue to affect travel routes across Europe, underscoring Italy’s ongoing commitment to ensuring the safety of its nationals abroad.

Belarus: Closed Borders, Temporary Visa-Free Travel, and Caution Zones

The travel alert begins with Belarus, where Italy’s Foreign Ministry urges travelers to exercise particular caution. The Lithuanian-Belarusian border will remain closed until November 30, 2025, following a unilateral order from the Lithuanian government. The Šalčininkai–Benyakoni crossing is completely closed, while the Medininkai–Kamenny Log route operates under restricted conditions.

While European Union citizens, including Italians, can still transit between Lithuania and Belarus under certain exemptions, officials warn that bus operators may not maintain routes, making travel unpredictable. The Ministry advises travelers to instead use open crossings via Latvia (Paternieki) and Poland (Brest–Terespol).

In a positive development, Belarus has introduced a temporary visa exemption valid until December 31, 2025, allowing Italian citizens to stay in the country for up to thirty days per visit and no more than ninety days per calendar year. The exemption applies to travel by both land and air.

Travelers are required to carry a valid passport, proof of sufficient funds, and mandatory health insurance covering at least ten thousand euros in expenses. Health coverage can be purchased at Belarusian airports for a nominal fee — roughly fifty cents per day.

Another important update involves the Visa Mutual Recognition Agreement between Belarus and Russia, effective January 11, 2025. The pact allows foreign travelers holding a visa from one country to move freely between the two without needing an additional visa, provided their identity documents are recognized by both nations. However, only six specific land crossings are authorized for entry into Russia, while air entry remains available.

Despite these visa relaxations, the Italian advisory reiterates that non-essential travel to Belarus should be avoided. Travelers currently in the country are strongly urged not to visit border areas near Ukraine due to ongoing instability and residual risks from the Chernobyl exclusion zone. Areas such as Braghin and Khojniki provinces, as well as parts of Gomel, Mogilev, and Luninets, remain off-limits due to radioactive contamination still present decades after the disaster.

Additionally, any stay longer than ten consecutive days requires registration with the local Immigration Office, which can be completed online or by the traveler’s accommodation provider. Failure to comply could lead to fines, deportation, or entry bans ranging from one to ten years.

Serbia: Protests, Political Tension, and Border Protocols

The Italian Foreign Ministry also highlights Serbia, where travelers should be aware of protests and demonstrations linked to the first anniversary of the Novi Sad train station tragedy on November 1, 2025. Demonstrations are expected across major Serbian cities, particularly Novi Sad, and Italians are advised to avoid crowded areas, follow local media updates, and comply with police instructions at all times.

For entry, Italians can use either a valid passport or identity card, with no visa required for stays under ninety days. Longer stays necessitate a temporary residence permit, and all foreigners — regardless of accommodation type — must register with the police within twenty-four hours of arrival. Hotels automatically handle registration, but those staying with private hosts must visit a local police office.

Travelers are reminded to check the integrity of their travel documents, as Serbian authorities conduct strict border checks. Upon arrival, ensure that a passport entry stamp is clearly visible; missing stamps may lead to charges of illegal entry upon departure.

Italian nationals traveling from Kosovo should note that Serbia does not recognize Kosovo’s independence, and passports bearing Kosovo stamps may cause issues at Serbian border points. In such cases, Serbian border police often invalidate the Kosovo stamp with a “null” mark.

The advisory also identifies tension-prone areas including Presevo, Bujanovac, Medvedja, and the Sandzak region, where ethnic frictions occasionally flare up. Travelers should restrict movement in these regions to essential travel only, preferably via highways.

Furthermore, petty crime and car theft are on the rise across Serbia, with the Ibarska Magistrale route flagged as particularly dangerous for drivers. Italians are urged to drive cautiously, avoid photographing military or police facilities, and keep emergency contact details of the Italian Embassy readily available.

Germany: High Alert for Terror Threats and Public Safety Measures

Germany’s inclusion in the new travel advisory reflects its heightened security posture ahead of major events and the holiday season. With recent incidents in Berlin and Frankfurt, Italian authorities caution travelers to remain vigilant, particularly in public transportation hubs and crowded spaces.

A specific advisory has been issued for Fiorentina football fans traveling to Mainz for the Conference League match on November 6, 2025. Visitors are instructed to follow local security guidance strictly. In emergencies, the Italian Consulate in Frankfurt can be reached at 00491714904491.

Travelers to Germany must hold a valid passport or identity card, as the country is part of both the European Union and Schengen Area, allowing for unrestricted movement among member states.

While Germany remains generally safe, pickpocketing and theft have increased in large cities, especially around train stations and tourist zones. Italians are urged to carry only essential documents, store originals safely, and keep digital or photocopies on hand.

German law also enforces strict driving regulations. Tourists are reminded that driving without winter tires on snowy or icy roads may result in heavy fines and liability in the event of accidents. Moreover, traveling on public transport without a valid ticket is considered a criminal offense.

The Italian Foreign Ministry warns of potential terrorist threats, particularly around holidays, festivals, and public events. The heightened state of alert remains in place, and travelers are encouraged to monitor news updates, avoid large gatherings, and register their details on DOVESIAMONELMONDO, Italy’s travel safety platform.

Denmark: Street Crime, Nighttime Risks, and Border Controls

Denmark’s advisory focuses primarily on urban safety and gang-related incidents that have recently resurfaced in Copenhagen, Odense, and Aarhus. Travelers are urged to maintain caution at night, particularly in neighborhoods such as Norrebro, Husum, Bispeparken, and Tingbjerg/Utterslevhuse, where petty crime and gang disputes have been reported.

Visitors to Copenhagen should remain alert in tourist-heavy areas, as cases of theft and pickpocketing have surged, sometimes involving organized groups of minors. Italian cruise passengers stopping over in Copenhagen are advised to limit valuables, especially during excursions to the Christiania district, a bohemian area known for its alternative culture but also for occasional violent incidents despite recent safety improvements following the closure of its illegal “Pusher Street” market.

Denmark requires travelers to carry a valid ID card or passport at all times. As an EU and Schengen member, it allows Italian citizens visa-free entry for stays under three months. However, border checks have become more frequent since 2016, particularly at the German-Danish border and along the Oresund Bridge, which connects Denmark with Sweden.

Police have intensified security patrols and random checks at ferry terminals and railway stations following a resurgence in gang-related violence and a national counter-terrorism drive. Italians are encouraged to comply fully with security checks and maintain vigilance in public transport areas.

Travelers are also advised to register their travel details, carry backup identification, and in case of theft, immediately contact the Italian Embassy, which can issue an Emergency Travel Document even on weekends in verified emergencies.

Italy’s Broader Warning: Stay Cautious, Stay Registered

Across all countries covered in the advisory — Belarus, Denmark, Serbia, and Germany — the Italian government’s consistent message is one of heightened vigilance. While none of the countries are considered unsafe for general travel, the notice underscores that situational awareness, document security, and compliance with local rules are essential for personal safety.

Italians are encouraged to register their trips on DOVESIAMONELMONDO before departure, keep copies of passports, IDs, and tickets stored separately from originals, avoid unauthorized demonstrations and crowded events, use official taxis only and observe local traffic laws, and refrain from photographing military or government installations.

The updated advisory reflects the dynamic nature of Europe’s security and mobility landscape, where evolving geopolitical tensions, cross-border disputes, and heightened policing continue to redefine how travelers move across the continent.

Belarus joins Denmark, Serbia, Germany, and more in Italy’s new travel advisory as the government responds to growing border closures, stricter visa rules, and heightened security risks. The move aims to keep Italian travellers informed and safe amid evolving regional tensions and changing entry requirements.

As winter approaches and travel patterns shift, Italy’s Foreign Ministry reinforces one timeless rule for global citizens — stay informed, stay cautious, and always travel prepared.