Is Belarus a dictatorship where all foreigners are followed by state security?

Belarus requires visas for nationals of most Western countries. Visas are not cheap, but foreigners can easily travel to Belarus and within Belarus. Belarus is a safe place to travel and people are generally very friendly to Westerners.

The pervasiveness and abilities of Belarusian security services are often exaggerated in the West. However, they are usually interested in those foreigners who are actively involved in political activities.