Belarus

Travel Facts

US State Dept Travel Advisory

The US Department of State currently recommends US citizens DO NOT TRAVEL to Belarus due to the Belarusian authorities’ continued facilitation of Russia’s war against Ukraine, the buildup of Russian military forces in Belarus, the arbitrary enforcement of local laws, the potential of civil unrest, the risk of detention, and the Embassy’s limited ability to assist U.S. citizens residing in or traveling to Belarus. U.S. citizens in Belarus should depart immediately. Consult its website via the link below for updates to travel advisories and statements on safety, security, local laws, and special circumstances in this country.

https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/traveladvisories/traveladvisories.html

Passport/Visa Requirements

US citizens should make sure their passport will not expire for at least 3 months after they enter the country even if they do not intend to stay that long. They should also make sure they have at least 2 blank pages in their passport for any entry stamp and or visa that will be required. A visa is required if you stay in the country more than 30 calendar days or if you enter or exit at border crossings other than the Minsk Airport, or if you travel from the Russian Federation. US citizens will need to get in touch with the country’s embassy or nearest consulate to obtain a visa prior to visiting the country.

US Embassy/Consulate

[375] (17) 210-12-83/217-73-47/217-73-48; US Embassy Minsk, 46 Starovilenskaya St., Minsk 220002, Belarus; https://by.usembassy.gov/; ConsularMinsk@state.gov

LGBTQIA+ Travelers

Lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, intersex, and asexual (LGBTQIA+) travelers can face unique challenges when traveling abroad. Laws and attitudes in some countries may affect safety and ease of travel. Legal protections vary from country to country. Many countries do not legally recognize same-sex marriage. Approximately seventy countries consider consensual same-sex sexual relations a crime, sometimes carrying severe punishment.

https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel/before-you-go/travelers-with-special-considerations/lgbtqi.html

Telephone Code

375

Local Emergency Phone

Ambulance: 03; Fire: 01; Police: 02

Vaccinations

See WHO recommendations

http://www.who.int/

Climate

Cold winters, cool and moist summers; transitional between continental and maritime

Currency (Code)

Rubles (BYB/BYR)

Electricity/Voltage/Plug Type(s)

220 V / 50 Hz / plug types(s): C, F (all plugs are symmetrical 2 pins)

Plug Type CPlug Type F

Major Languages

Russian, Belarusian

Major Religions

Orthodox 48.3%, Roman Catholic 7.1%, other 3.5%, non-believers 41.1%

Time Difference

UTC+2 (7 hours ahead of Washington, DC, during Standard Time)

Potable Water

Opt for bottled water

International Driving Permit

Suggested

Road Driving Side

Right

Tourist Destinations

Nyasvizh Castle; Mir Castle; Minsk (includes Belarusian Great Patriotic War Museum and Vul Kastrychnitskaya); Homel Palace; Brest Fortress

Major Sports

Ice hockey, athletics (track and field), wrestling, soccer, tennis, swimming

Cultural Practices

The North American “okay” sign (thumb and forefinger touching in a circle) and any shaken-fist gestures are interpreted as vulgar.

Tipping Guidelines

Tipping is entirely discretionary and service charges are not automatically added to the bill. If you want to tip in a restaurant or café, give about 5% of the total amount. A few rubles are a common and appropriate tip for metered taxi drivers.

Souvenirs

Flax/linen items, woodcarvings, leather goods, vodka, chocolate

Traditional Cuisine

Draniki — shallow-fried potato pancakes


Please visit the following links to find further information about your desired destination.

World Health Organization (WHO) - To learn what vaccines and health precautions to take while visiting your destination.

US State Dept Travel Information - Overall information about foreign travel for US citizens.

To obtain an international driving permit (IDP). Only two organizations in the US issue IDPs:
American Automobile Association (AAA) and American Automobile Touring Alliance (AATA)

How to get help in an emergency? 
Contact the nearest US embassy or consulate, or call one of these numbers:
from the US or Canada - 1-888-407-4747 or from Overseas - +1 202-501-4444


Page last updated: Tuesday, September 05, 2023