Discover the Enchanting Beauty and Culture of Belarus
Despite being landlocked, Belarus is a country set apart from its continental neighbours. The country’s Soviet-era atmosphere and relative isolation are its primary attractions. Not many visitors include Belarus in their summer vacation plans, but those that do get to experience a portion of Europe fairly free from commercialised trappings.
Beyond the geometric designs of its capital Minsk, the tiny towns and villages of Belarus have charming medieval atmospheres. Its national parks contain mysterious forests, murky bogs and swamps, with thousands of smooth lakes and a fascinating array of unspoilt ecosystems, fauna and flora.
Visitors are encouraged to enjoy the great outdoors in the Vitebsk Region, where there are almost 50 designated tourist routes involving hiking, cycling, boating, hunting, and fishing. While hotels and health spas offer rest and relaxation, there are also art and music festivals throughout the region.
Belarus is a destination that rewards those seeking an original travel experience, with welcoming people, pristine nature and traditional villages, all spiced up with interesting glimpses into a Soviet past that appears to live on in the country’s isolated present.
Climate in Belarus
Belarus has a temperate continental climate, with cold, snowy winters and warm, pleasant summers. Humidity and precipitation is generally high all year round. Expect rain in summer or snow in winter. In the north of the country, winters are more extreme with the temperature often plummeting well below zero.
The warm summer months between May and September are considered the best time to visit Belarus, and Minsk especially. Summer temperatures stay pleasant, seldom rising above 77°F (25°C). Travellers should be sure to pack a jacket or umbrella, as summers in Belarus are rainy, especially in June and August. Winter temperatures in Belarus often drop below zero, and there is typically snow from December to April.
Health Notes when travelling to Belarus
No vaccinations are required for entry to Belarus. Visitors should not drink unpurified tap water. Medical care is limited and essential medications are not frequently available, while facilities lack modern equipment. The best equipped are private clinics, which are available in Minsk. Doctors and hospitals expect payment in cash. Travel insurance with air evacuation cover is highly recommended.
Safety Notes when travelling to Belarus
Most visits to Belarus are trouble free as the crime rate is very low. But precautions should be taken against mugging, pick-pocketing and theft from vehicles or hotel rooms. There have also been instances of theft from travellers on sleeper trains.
Customs in Belarus
While visiting Belarus, do not take photographs of government buildings, military installations or uniformed officials. Be aware that jaywalkers are heavily fined, and that whistling inside a building is considered bad luck.
Duty Free in Belarus
The duty free allowance for visitors entering Belarus is 3 litres of alcoholic beverages, 200 cigarettes or 250g of tobacco products, a reasonable quantity of perfume for personal use, and goods up to the value of EUR 1,500.
Doing Business in Belarus
Business appointments in Belarus should be made well in advance through a local third party with a good reputation and connections. When meeting, address people with their surnames and a brief handshake. Meetings are usually formal and negotiations can be protracted.
A great deal of concessionary bargaining is expected. Bureaucracy and legal matters in Belarus are complicated so it’s best to hire local professionals to assist. Dates in Belarus are written with the day first, then the month and then the year.
Communication in Belarus
The international dialling code for Belarus is +375. Coverage is good in the major towns and along the highways, but generally not readily available in rural areas.
Tipping in Belarus
Tipping in Belarus is not as common as in many other countries, but it’s adequate to round up the bill or taxi fare, and a 10 percent tip for excellent service will not go amiss.
Passport/Visa Note
Valid passports and visas are required to visit Belarus. We recommend that passports are valid for six months after departure from destination. Visitors from countries where there is no Belarussian consulate or embassy may obtain a tourist visa on arrival at Minsk Airport, but it is strongly recommended that an effort is made to obtain a visa prior to arrival. Visas are only issued on the basis of invitation from hotels, tour companies or Belarussian citizens. All visitors have to buy health insurance on arrival. Foreigners not staying at a hotel must register with the authorities on arrival and such registration must be entered on their visa. Hotels automatically register their guests.
Entry Requirements
- Entry requirements for Americans:
United States citizens need a passport and may enter visa-free for up to 30 days.
- Entry requirements for Canadians:
Canadian citizens need a passport and a visa to enter Belarus. However, Canadian citizens are exempt from obtaining a visa for a maximum of 30 days.
- Entry requirements for UK nationals:
British citizens need a passport and a visa to enter Belarus. However, British citizens are exempt from obtaining a visa for a maximum of 30 days.
- Entry requirements for Australians:
Australian citizens need a passport and a visa to enter Belarus. However, Australian citizens are exempt from obtaining a visa for a maximum of 30 days.
- Entry requirements for Irish nationals:
Irish citizens need a passport and a visa to enter Belarus. However, Irish citizens are exempt from obtaining a visa for a maximum of 30 days.
- Entry requirements for New Zealanders:
New Zealand citizens need a passport and a visa to enter Belarus. However, New Zealand citizens are exempt from obtaining a visa for a maximum of 30 days.
- Entry requirements for South Africans:
South African citizens need a passport and a visa to enter Belarus.
Tourist Offices
Tourist Information: http://www.belarustourism.by
Belarus Embassies
- In the United States:
Embassy of Belarus, Washington DC, United States: +1 202 986 1606.
- In Canada:
Embassy of Belarus, Ottawa, Canada: +1 613 233 9994.
- In the United Kingdom:
Embassy of Belarus, London, United Kingdom (also responsible for Ireland): +44 (0)20 7937 3288.
- In Australia:
Embassy of Belarus, Yarralumla, Australia: +61 2 6156 5471
- In South Africa:
Embassy of Belarus, Pretoria, South Africa: +27 (0)12 430 7709.
Foreign Embassies in Belarus
- American Embassy
United States Embassy, Minsk: +375 17 210 1283.
- Canadian Embassy
Canadian Embassy, Moscow, Russia (also responsible for Belarus): + 7 (495) 925 6000.
- British Embassy
British Embassy, Minsk: +375 17 229 8200.
- Australian Embassy
Australian Embassy, Moscow, Russia (also responsible for Belarus): +7 495 956 6070.
- Irish Embassy
Irish Embassy, Vilnius, Lithuania (also responsible for Belarus): +370 5 262 9460.
- New Zealand Embassy
New Zealand Embassy, Moscow, Russia (also responsible for Belarus): +7 495 956 3579.
- South African Embassy
South African Embassy, Moscow, Russia (also responsible for Belarus): +7 495 926 1177.
Public Holidays Around the World
Planning your year? Knowing public holidays in different countries can help you plan trips, schedule events, or understand global schedules. Below, find a comprehensive list of public holidays sorted by country.
