Entry Requirements
Visa requirements for Belarus depend on which passport you hold. Check the Traveller visa tool to see whether your passport needs a visa and, if so, how long you can stay.
Check if you need a visa for BelarusEmergency Numbers
- General
- 112
Currency
- Name
- Belarusian Ruble
- Code
- BYN
- Symbol
- Br
ATMs in Minsk. Cards accepted in Minsk hotels and restaurants; carry cash outside the capital. USD and EUR can be exchanged at banks. Note: travel to Belarus is heavily restricted by many governments following the 2020 crackdown and the 2021 forced plane diversion incident. Check your government's advisory before any travel.
Power Outlets
- Outlet types
- Type C, Type F
- Voltage
- 220V
- Frequency
- 50Hz
Time Zone
FET (UTC+3) — no daylight saving
Best Time to Visit
May–September is the most pleasant season. Białowieża Forest (shared with Poland) is extraordinary year-round for European bison and ancient forest atmosphere. Minsk's Stalinist architecture is most impressive in warm months. Winter is cold and dark.
Tipping Customs
| Venue | Typical | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Restaurants | 10% | Tip in cash; not always expected |
| Taxis | Round up | — |
Dress Code
- Smart casual in Minsk
- Modest dress in Orthodox churches
Social Etiquette
- Belarusians are reserved and formal in initial interactions — warmth develops with familiarity
- The political situation since 2020 (disputed election, mass protests, crackdown) means caution around political expression is essential
- The forest town of Brest (Białowieża side) and the war memorial at Khatyn reflect Belarus's extraordinary suffering in WWII — 25% of the population perished
Local Laws
Laws change. Verify current rules with your country's official travel advisory before departure.
- Political expression, protests, or possession of opposition materials can lead to arrest. This is not a theoretical risk — tourists have been affected.
- LGBTQ+ activity is not criminalised but is heavily stigmatised and any expression in public risks harassment
- Many Western governments advise against all travel to Belarus — check your national travel advisory before planning a trip
- Photography of military, government buildings, and the KGB headquarters in Minsk is prohibited
Common Phrases
| English | Local | Pronunciation |
|---|---|---|
| Hello (Belarusian) | Добры дзень (Dobry dzen') | DOH-bree DZEN |
| Thank you (Belarusian) | Дзякуй (Dzyakuy) | DZYAH-koo-ee |
| Hello (Russian — also widely spoken) | Привет / Здравствуйте (Privet / Zdravstvuyte) | pree-VYET / ZDRAH-stvooy-teh |
| Thank you (Russian) | Спасибо (Spasibo) | spah-SEE-boh |
| Cheers! (Russian) | За здоровье! (Za zdorovye!) | zah zdoh-ROV-yeh |
Plan Your Trip
Planning a trip to Belarus?
Traveller builds your personalised packing list, checklist, and travel brief in seconds.
Plan this trip with Traveller