Government workers in Belarus have barricaded the United States ambassador out of his residence in Minsk.

Welders have sealed shut the gates, and an army truck was parked across the entrance.

Standing outside with his family, the ambassador, Daniel Spekhard, said he'd leave the country unless the government lets him in.

He told reporters that the government of Belarus was flouting international conventions.

The Belarus government has also warned several other diplomats to leave their residential complex in Minsk, saying it needs to carry out building repairs.