Vitryssland

Översikt

Belarus poses limited threats to foreign travellers but extensive regulatory obstacles to commercial operations. The dominance of the regime of President Alexander Lukashenko dictates that risk factors including armed conflict, insurgency and terrorism are negligible. However, the use of state repression to achieve this leaves the governing system vulnerable to a popular uprising in favour of a genuine democracy, which was exemplified by intense protests in mid-2020. Lukashenko’s government has largely operated as a vassal state of Russia under Vladimir Putin, agreeing to be one of the founding members of the Eurasian Economic Union in exchange for considerable financial assistance. 

Hälsa, sjukdomar och vaccination

Travellers are advised to consult a travel health specialist or general practitioner (GP) to obtain the latest information with regards to what vaccines are recommended about 4-8 weeks prior to departing for Belarus. Make sure you are up-to-date on routine vaccines before your trip. The following vaccinations are recommended: measles-mumps-rubella (MMR), tetanus-diphtheria-pertussis, polio and influenza.

Travellers should be aware of the risks associated with travellers’ ailments such as diarrhoea. Travellers must take all necessary precautions when drinking water or eating food within the country, and only drink water from sealed bottles obtained from a reputable source or water that has been filtered and boiled. Travellers are advised to avoid alcohol unless it has been produced by a reputable provider. Illegal products have caused some poisonings due to contamination.

It is advisable to bring anti-diarrhoea medication and oral rehydration salts to prevent dehydration.

Tuberculosis is highly endemic in Belarus with high rates of the multidrug-resistant TB.

Medical services in Belarus are limited, with the most adequate care found in the capital, Minsk. Many essential services and supplies are unlikely to be available, necessitating the need for travellers to bring their own medicines.

Medicines should be transported clearly with all appropriate documentation. Documentation from a medical practitioner should also accompany the medication. Any services received will almost certainly be expected to be paid for in cash. It is also unlikely that all medical staff will speak English, with Russian being the most common language spoken. Travel and medical insurance is strongly advised.

Pass

Passports need to be valid for at least three months from your entry into the country. The passport must also contain at least two blank pages.

Visum

Most foreign nationals require a visa for entry into Belarus. However, nationalities from Russia and the former Soviet states are exempt. This includes citizens from Armenia, Azerbaijan, Georgia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Moldova, Russia, Tajikistan, Ukraine and Uzbekistan. Citizens of Venezuela do not require a visa if the stay is less than 90 days. Nationals from Cuba, Macedonia and Republic of Korea do not require a visa for stays less than 30 days.

Other nationals will require a visa to visit or to transfer through Belarus. This applies to any travellers moving through Belarus to Russia from Eastern Europe. Foreign nationals arriving at border crossings without a valid visa will be redirected to Minsk to obtain the necessary documentation. Failure to do so may result in detention and a significant fine.

Any foreign nationals visiting Belarus are required to register with the local police if their stay is longer than five days. Hotels will arrange this for you on your behalf, but those staying in private accommodation must arrange this independently with their host.

Migration cards are necessary when you enter Belarus. Part of the card will be submitted on arrival, with the second part stamped on arrival but submitted to immigration when you leave the country. This section needs to be retained throughout your stay in Belarus.