Belarus

Use Normal Level of Caution

Belarus is located in eastern Europe, between Poland and Russia. It is a flat country with large areas of marshland. The population is about 9,500,000 people.

The government is officially listed as a republic. A president serves as head of state and a prime minister serves as head of government.

Belarus gained independence in 1991 after the collapse of the Soviet Union. The country has a state-controlled economy that is heavily dependent on Russia for trade and for energy.

World War II caused much devastation to Belarus, resulting in the loss of historical areas. Also, Belarus received about 70 percent of the radioactive fallout from the Chernobyl nuclear disaster, and about one-fifth of the land is contaminated.

There are two impressive national parks, the Pushcha National Park and the Pripyatsky National Park. Visitors can also see the home of the artist, Marc Chagall and visit the numerous museums.

Currency	BYR: Belarussian ruble
Language	Belarussian and Russian
Capital	Minsk
Recent Alerts	3
Latest Alert	July 20, 2021 - COVID-19 Precautionary Measures in Belarus (20 July Update)

Diseases To Be Aware Of

The diseases listed below are those which occur most often in Belarus. Other, less frequently encountered diseases might be displayed within the Travel Alerts section if they have occurred recently.

Hepatitis A There is a significant risk for hepatitis A virus exposure in Belarus.
Hepatitis B There is a significant risk for acquiring hepatitis B in Belarus.
Tick-Borne Encephalitis Tick-borne encephalitis is a viral disease that occurs in Belarus.
Rabies Rabies occurs in Belarus. Travellers involved in outdoor activities (e.g., campers, hikers, bikers, adventure travellers, and cavers) may have direct contact with rabid dogs, bats, and other mammals. Those with occupational risks (such as veterinarians, wildlife professionals, researchers) and long-term travellers and expatriates are at higher risk.
Tuberculosis Tuberculosis occurs in Belarus. Travellers to this country are at risk for tuberculosis if visiting sick friends or family, working in the health care field, or having close prolonged contact with the general population.

Vaccinations to Consider

The following is a list of recommended vaccinations for travelling to Belarus.

Hepatitis A Vaccine There is a significant risk of exposure to hepatitis A for this country. Therefore, the vaccination is recommended.
Hepatitis B Vaccine There is a significant risk of infection with hepatitis B for this country. Therefore, the vaccination is recommended.
Tick-Borne Encephalitis Vaccine Only travellers who plan to visit this country during the summer months and hike or camp in rural or forested areas that provide a habitat for the ticks that carry the virus should consider obtaining this vaccine. This vaccine is only available in Europe.
Rabies Vaccine Vaccination against rabies is recommended for travellers involved in outdoor activities (e.g., campers, hikers, bikers, adventure travellers, and cavers) who may have direct contact with rabid dogs, bats, and other mammals. Those with occupational risks (such as veterinarians, wildlife professionals, researchers) and long-term travellers and expatriates are at higher risk and should be vaccinated.

Medications to Consider

The following is a list of recommended medications for travelling to Belarus.

None required.

Safety and Security in Belarus

Emergency Numbers

112

102

101

103

Personal Safety

Most travellers to Belarus have no trouble. Pickpocketing and other petty crime can occur, particularly in cities, such as Minsk, Brest, Gomel, Mogilev, Vitebsk, and Grodno and mainly in tourist areas. To avoid being targeted for theft, keep valuables out of sight, and avoid showing signs of affluence. Never leave food or drink unattended and never accept drinks from strangers or casual acquaintances as there have been incidents of food or drink being spiked and tourists robbed while unconscious.

Exercise extra caution on trains, particularly on overnight trips, where theft is common. The risk of mugging is increased when crossing the border with Poland at Brest.

Travellers should note that during the winter months, ice and snow may result in road closures outside main cities.

Although same-sex sexual relations are not illegal in Belarus, there is a lack of social acceptance and LGBTI travellers may face discrimination.

It is illegal for foreigners to cross into Russia from Belarus by land. Foreigners must fly into Russia.

Political Unrest

Demonstrations occur frequently and can cause travel disruptions. Minimize risk by avoiding demonstrations and strikes as they can become violent at any time, and bystanders may face arrest.

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Sitata uses advanced software algorithms to monitor the world for disease outbreaks and safety hazards. Each travel alert published by Sitata is reviewed by staff to ensure it meets the concerns of a traveller.

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Updated: July 20, 2021