By Marius Monkevičius, LRT.lt.
Following the closure of Lithuania’s remaining border crossings with Belarus, direct bus routes from Lithuania to the neighbouring country have been suspended. However, some companies are now offering long detour routes, including a 46-hour bus journey to Minsk via Latvia, Estonia and Russia, costing just over €100 one way.
Despite the restrictions, there remains steady demand among passengers wishing to travel to Belarus.
After Lithuania shut its final two crossings with Belarus earlier this week to curb smuggling balloons carrying contraband cigarettes, bus travel across the border has been halted until at least December, though the closure may be extended.
The Šalčininkai crossing has been fully closed to both people and vehicles, while Medininkai remains partially open only to those covered by exceptions – such as diplomats, those holding simplified transit documents, and citizens of Lithuania or other EU and NATO countries returning home.
According to the State Border Guard Service (VSAT), the restrictions also apply to bus passengers and drivers who do not fall under the listed exemptions.
Read more: LRT.LT
