Welcome to Belarus

If you’re seeking a European country that’s a bit off the beaten track and still offers ample culture, history and natural beauty, head to Belarus. The country remains one of the least-visited in Europe for tourists, so take advantage of fewer crowds and more open spaces.

Sandwiched between Poland and Russia, Belarus boasts its own rich cultural heritage, including incredible art at the Galereva Slavutasts, engaging folk music and a lively café scene. Start in Minsk, enjoying its impressive museums, including the Belarusian Great Patriotic War Museum, and Stalin-era architecture of Independence Square and beyond. Then venture out to the Belarusian heartland to Brest and Hrodna to view ancient castle and the country’s vast national parks.

Belarus is especially proud of its countryside and there are five national parks, including the UNESCO World Heritage Site Belovezhskaya Pushcha. Look for oak trees dating back more than 500 years and the rare European bison who roam here. Visit as soon as you can, before this emerging destination is no longer a travel secret.

Unique Facts

• Nearly 40 percent of Belarus is covered by forest, so be sure to venture out of the city for some fresh air. You’ll find one of the largest remaining parts of a huge primeval forest (Białowieża Forest), national parks and even European bison (there are around 600 throughout the country).
• Forget Pancake Sunday? In Belarus, they celebrate Pancake Week – Maslenitsa Week. It’s an Eastern Slavic holiday celebrate the last week before Lent.
• Stop by the impressive and imposing National Library of Belarus, “The Diamond of Knowledge.” It’s 23 floors tall, with a viewing deck on top.
• The street art scene in Minsk is something to be admired. Look for the biggest murals along Oktyabrskaya Street. Every year, the Minsk hosts Vulica Brazil, a street art festival combining the talents of artists from Belarus and Brazil.
• Potatoes are the most-scene menu item in Belarus – there are more than 300 ways to prepare them, including a layered potato cake called tukmachi and the traditional grated potato pancakes with sour cream.

Language

Belarus’ official languages are Belarusian and Russian.

When To Go

The best time to go to Belarus is from mid-May to mid-September, when the temperatures are comfortably warm. The peak months for heat and tourists are June, July and August.

Airports

Minsk National Airport

Passport Validity

Passport must be valid at time of entry for three months beyond arrival date.

Visa Required By US Citizen?

Yes, if planning to stay more than 30 days or if you enter or exit at border crossings other than the Minsk Airport, or if you travel directly to or from the Russian Federation.

Vaccinations

The CDC recommends the following vaccines for most travelers when visiting Belarus: Hepatitis A. Depending on where you are traveling, you may also need Hepatitis B and Rabies vaccines.

Electrical Outlets

Power plugs and sockets: types C and F. Standard voltage: 220V. Frequency: 50Hz.

Currency

Official local currency: Ruble

Getting Around

Generally, roads in Belarus are in good condition, but modern cars share the highways with tractors, horse-drawn carts and pedestrians.

Minsk has a clean, safe subway system that reaches outside the city center. Uber operates in Minsk. Radio-dispatched taxi service is metered, reliable and offers the lowest fare. When traveling on public transportation, be aware of possible pickpocketing and other petty crime.

Some rental car companies have a presence in Minsk, but rental-car networks throughout the country are not well developed.

Driver’s License

Valid driver’s license from country of origin or international driving permit required.

US Embassy Info

U.S. Embassy Minsk
46 Starovilenskaya St.
Minsk 220002, Belarus
Telephone: +(375) (17) 210-1283
Emergency After-Hours Telephone: +(375) (29) 676-0134
Fax: +(375) (17) 334-7853
ConsularMinsk@state.gov

Local Visitor Info

Tourist Information Center
vulica Revaliucyjnaja 13
Minsk, Belarus
Tel: 375-17-203-39-95

Local Emergency Phone Numbers

Ambulance: 103
Police: 102
Fire: 101

Safety and Security

Avoid demonstrations and public gatherings, as they can potentially turn violent.

Belarus has a low rate of street crime. Petty street crime, such as mugging and pickpocketing, occurs most frequently near public transportation stations and stops, near hotels frequented by foreigners and/or at night in poorly lit areas.

Cyber-crime can be a problem. This includes merchandise orders with fraudulent credit cards, hacking/blackmail schemes and ID theft. Use caution when doing business electronically with persons or firms in Belarus.