Belarus

Översikt

Capital: Minsk (pop. 2.057 million)
Population: 8,997,603 (2025 est.)
Religions: Orthodox, Roman Catholic, other, non-believers
Languages: Russian, Belarusian
Time Zone: UTC+2
Driving side: Right
Calling code: +375
Electrical plug(s): Type C and Type F

Pengar

The local currency in Belarus is Belarusian rubles (BYN). As of 6 October 2026 100 BYN is equal to 32.79 USD.

Currency exchange can be done at exchange offices and kiosks.

Travellers should be prepared to use cash to make payments. The economy generally operates on a cash-only basis. Credit cards are accepted in upscale and/or tourist areas only. ATMs are only available in urban and/or tourist areas.

Travellers should be aware than any notes with even minor damage on them will not be exchanged into Belarusian rubles. It is also extremely difficult to exchange any rubles into another currency outside of Belarus; therefore attention regarding cash expenditure should be applied.

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.

El

The power supply in Belarus is less than reliable. Electricity operates on 220V at 50Hz using plug type(s) C and F. Travellers are advised to use surge protection equipment as spikes or failings in the electricity supply can occur.

Pass

Most travellers will need a passport to enter Belarus. The passport must be valid for at least three months after the date of departure and have two blank pages.

Nationals of Russia can enter Belarus with a valid ID as officials have agreed on free movement between the two countries.

Nationals of Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan, as members of the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU), can enter Belarus with a valid ID.

Visum

Visa-free entry is available for certain travellers who qualify based on nationality and purpose of travel. All other travellers will need to obtain a visa from the nearest embassy or consulate or apply online (e-visa) prior to travel.

Entry visa requirements vary based on nationality, purpose of travel and other factors. Individual travellers are responsible for ensuring that they comply with all visa requirements, which should be confirmed with authorities at their destination prior to travel.

Visa Free Travel

Visa-free travel to Belarus (30 days) - Air checkpoints: Foreign nationals from select countries are allowed to enter Belarus through air checkpoints for up to 30 days, including the days of arrival and departure.

Nationals of Egypt, Gambia, Haiti, India, Iran, Jordan, Lebanon, Namibia, Pakistan, Samoa, South Africa and Vietnam must be holders of a valid multiple EU or Schengen entry visa with a mark of crossing the border of these states in their passport to be eligible for visa-free travel for up to 30 days.

There's an agreement on mutual recognition of visas between Belarus and Russia. Travellers allowed visa-free entry to Belarus are advised to check visa requirements if they intend to travel between the two countries.

Visa-free travel to Belarus (30 days) - Road and railway checkpoints: Foreign nationals from select countries are allowed to enter Belarus through all road and railway checkpoints for up to 30 days, including the days of arrival and departure.

There's an agreement on mutual recognition of visas between Belarus and Russia. Travellers allowed visa-free entry to Belarus are advised to check visa requirements if they intend to travel between the two countries.

Visa-free travel to Belarus (Latvia, Poland and Lithuania): Foreign nationals from Latvia, Poland and Lithuania are allowed to enter Belarus without a visa through land border crossing points for up to 90 days, including the days of arrival and departure. Travellers must hold valid passports and medical insurance.

There's an agreement on mutual recognition of visas between Belarus and Russia. Travellers allowed visa-free entry to Belarus are advised to check visa requirements if they intend to travel between the two countries.

Visa-free travel to Belarus (90 days): Foreign nationals from select countries are allowed to enter visa-free to Belarus for up to 90 days. Travellers are advised to check prior to departure.

There's an agreement on mutual recognition of visas between Belarus and Russia. Travellers allowed visa-free entry to Belarus are advised to check visa requirements if they intend to travel between the two countries.

Visa-free travel to Belarus (30 days): Foreign nationals from select countries are allowed to enter visa-free to Belarus for up to 30 days. Travellers are advised to check prior to departure.

There's an agreement on mutual recognition of visas between Belarus and Russia. Travellers allowed visa-free entry to Belarus are advised to check visa requirements if they intend to travel between the two countries.

Visa-free travel to Belarus (indefinite): Foreign nationals from select countries are allowed to enter visa-free to Belarus for an indefinite time. Travellers are advised to check prior to departure.

There's an agreement on mutual recognition of visas between Belarus and Russia. Travellers allowed visa-free entry to Belarus are advised to check visa requirements if they intend to travel between the two countries.

e-Visas

eVisa: Foreign nationals from some countries can obtain an eVisa for entering Belarus for up to 30 days.

Travellers are advised to verify entry requirements via the embassy or consular services.

Lokal resor

Overview

Belarus has a reliable and vast public transport network, including railways and roads that facilitate travel inside the country. Roads outside major cities may, however, be poorly maintained. Petty crime can be a problem at stations and on public transport. Many governments currently advise against travel to Belarus due to potential risks tied to the conflict in Ukraine and limitations on consular support in case of emergency. Entry by air is restricted due to sanctions.

Travel Safety

Air Travel

Flights in and out of Belarus are very limited due to restrictions on Belarusian carriers from entering the EU airspace. Travel to Belarus by air is only possible through a country that has not imposed a ban, such as Russia.

Minsk National Airport (MSQ/UMMS) is located about 50km (31 miles) east of the city centre. Security at the airport is very visible but does not reach the standards found in Western Europe. Nevertheless, there have been no serious security breaches in recent years.

To reach Downtown Minsk, taxis are available outside the arrivals hall. The journey takes around 30 minutes. A bus runs once an hour from the airport to the city centre and is relatively inexpensive.

Minsk National Airport is the main hub for Belarus' national carrier, Belavia. Belavia has a good safety record, with no fatal accidents in recent years. Smaller airports such as Gomel (GME/UMGG) and Brest (BQT/UMBB) primarily serve other domestic destinations. Flag carrier Belavia cancelled flights on most European routes until further notice, due to international sanctions imposed in response to the forced landing of a Vilnius-bound passenger jet by Belarusian authorities in May 2021. The airline operates flights to destinations in the Middle East and some countries in the former Soviet Union, including Russia.

Airspace

Belarusian airspace near the borders with Ukraine and Russia remains closed to civilian flights due to ongoing military activities. Bans from the EU, UK, and US on operating in Belarusian airspace are still in effect.​

Borders and Entry

Border closures:

• Lithuania, Latvia and Poland closed several border crossings on the border with Belarus.
• Pedestrians can cross the Belarus-Ukraine border through the Mokrany-Domanovo checkpoint, although restrictions and security measures vary due to the ongoing conflict.

Identification

Most travellers will need a passport to enter Belarus. The passport must be valid for at least three months after the date of departure and have two blank pages.
Travellers with passports where gender is indicated as "neutral" may be denied entry. Contact the nearest embassy, high commission or consulate to confirm if entry is allowed with passports where gender is indicated as "neutral". The country's laws on LGBTQ people are conservative, and overall social acceptance is low. Lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer travellers in Belarus might face legal and social difficulties.

Exit

Until further notice, passenger vehicles bearing Belarusian license plates are banned from entering Latvia, Lithuania and Estonia.

Road Travel

The quality of roads in Belarus varies widely. It is advisable to drive with extreme caution, as poor road surfacing affects car control. Many roads are closed in the winter months. A lack of warning signs where road resurfacing is taking place causes regular accidents. Well-surfaced highways include the M1 Brest-Minsk-Orsha and M3 Minsk-Vitsiebsk highways. Regular accidents are caused by the poor standard of driving in Belarus. Aggressive driving practices are common. Travellers should also be aware of the risk presented by slow moving road users, such as horse and cart combinations. It is advisable to keep speeds low. There may be checkpoints throughout the country set up by police. Stop when instructed and have the vehicle’s documentation ready. Due to ice and snow, some roads outside of large cities may become impassable in winter.

Rail Travel

Since the Russian invasion of Ukraine in 2022, international rail links to Europe have largely been suspended due to sanctions and lack of demand, but service to Russia is largely unaffected. Trains are generally safe, but rolling stock can be ageing. Do not carry any goods on the train that do not belong to you. Criminal gangs operate smuggling rings on these services and often rope travellers into carrying their bags for them.

The majority of urban areas are linked by Belarusian Railways. However, the lack of convenient connections can make reaching certain destinations challenging. Trains vary from fast trains and express trains to slower suburban trains (elektrichka, diesel). Practically all suburban trains have carriages without numbered reserved seats. If you travel by a fast or express train, you will be allocated a seat automatically while buying your ticket. You will be charged for bed linen by a conductor if you travel by a night train. Petty thieves operate on many trains in Belarus. Do not leave your bags unattended, and always keep valuables on your person in a secure pocket.

Public Transport

Buses: Since the Russian invasion of Ukraine in 2022, international bus services to Europe are much more limited, though services to Russia are largely unaffected. The vehicles used on these routes vary in age and safety standards. It is best to travel with large international firms that generally operate modern, safe and comfortable coaches. Petty theft is also a risk on international buses. Ensure you keep valuables and bags close to you at all times. Thieves usually strike at stops or when most passengers are asleep.

Intercity bus stations are normally located close to railway stations or main squares. In Minsk, you should enquire what bus station your coach departs from, as there are several bus terminals in different parts of the capital. Tickets must be purchased before boarding. Luggage storage might be charged extra to be kept in a special luggage compartment. If you board a coach at a bus stop outside urban areas, you will be asked to pay the driver directly for your trip.

City buses and trams in Belarus are cheap and relatively safe. Check the information plaques at stops to get more details on your route. You have to punch your ticket upon boarding a bus/trolley-bus/tram. These can be bought from the driver or at kiosks near stops. Always ensure you punch your ticket, as failure to do so can lead to a fine if caught.

Metro: The Minsk Metro is generally a very comfortable and safe transportation option. During rush hour it can get very busy. Pickpockets are known to operate. Keep valuables on your person in secure pockets and do not place bags on the floor of the carriage. Metro stations should be avoided after dark when muggings frequently occur. If using the metro at night, do not walk alone through stations. There have been no serious metro accidents in recent years.

Taxis: Taxis are widely available in Belarus, but you should exercise caution if hailing one in the street. Unlicensed taxis often overcharge and are not regulated by local authorities. Taxis are legally required by law to use a meter. It's advised to get out of vehicles if they do not have a meter or refuse to turn it on. Taxis from the state-run company are bright yellow.

Vehicle Hire: There are a large number of car rental firms in Belarus, both internationally known and local companies. Most cars available for hire are recent models that are well maintained. However, before driving any rental car, be sure to check around the vehicle for damage that may affect safety or which has not been noticed by the rental company to avoid payments. Tyre sidewalls are easily affected by bubbling, which can lead to blowouts at high speeds.

Movement Control Orders

Access to the Polesie State Radioecological Reserve in Gomel region is limited. Borders with neighbouring countries (Ukraine, Latvia, Lithuania and Poland) are often subject to short-notice closures or heightened security checks.