Belarus : Safety by City
Belarus, or officially – Republic of Belarus, is located in Eastern Europe.
It is bordered by Russia, Ukraine, Poland, Latvia, and Lithuania.
Tourists love to visit the Railway Museum in Brest, which is an outdoor display of old trains and carriages.
Mir Castle is something that you shouldn’t miss.
It is an incredible castle with a pond in front of it, so it really looks like it came out straight from the fairy tale.
When you want to have some rest, make sure you visit Bessonitsa, a cocktail bar located in Minsk that has a variety of cocktails that you can try.
Warnings & Dangers in Belarus
OVERALL RISK : MEDIUM
Generally, Belarus is not dangerous for tourists, but some caution is advised. Be especially careful in sleeper trains, public transport or if you are driving an expensive car. Park only on safe parking lots and don't leave valuable things inside on visible places.
TRANSPORT & TAXIS RISK : LOW
Transport in Belarus is safe. The tourists can rent a bicycle to explore the city since there are many bike lanes. There are trolleybuses, trams, taxies, and buses that you can choose from. If you wish to drive by yourself, you can rent a car.
PICKPOCKETS RISK : MEDIUM
Pickpocketing is a problem in many countries around the world and it is a problem in Belarus too. It mostly occurs in large gatherings and in transport stations where people are usually in a hurry and don't pay too much attention.
NATURAL DISASTERS RISK : MEDIUM
Belarus is susceptible to forest fires, storms, floods, and man-made hazards. Almost every spring, floods occur causing great damage and financial loss. Fires are the most difficult to manage and during last year there were 9,000 recorded fires causing the death of 1,100 people.
MUGGING RISK : LOW
The rate of street crime in Belarus is pretty low because of the severe punishments for crimes. Organized crime is not something you should be afraid of here because it is mostly present in casino clubs. However, some caution is still advised. Make sure you don't walk alone in the poorly lit streets at night.
TERRORISM RISK : MEDIUM
Terrorism is a real threat in Belarus since there have been attacks in the past. During the last attack that occurred in Minks Metro, fourteen people died and 200 people were injured. If you notice anything suspicious, follow the safety protocol.
SCAMS RISK : LOW
Scams are luckily not frequent, but they can happen. Before you go to Belarus, learn some phrases in the Rusian of Belarusian, because the locals rarely speak English. If someone notices that you don't speak the language they may trick you to pay more for the services than you should.
WOMEN TRAVELERS RISK : LOW
Belarus is a very friendly country and one of the safest for women. People are polite, quiet and honest. After taking basic precautions, women shouldn't have problems when visiting this country. Minsk is a very charming city and very welcoming.
How Safe Is Belarus for Tourists?
Belarus is considered a safe country and most tourists won’t have any problem while spending the vacation there.
However, taking the usual precaution is still advised.
Don’t carry too much money and keep your valuables in the hotel.
Stay alert if you notice anything that concerns you.
It is important to know that the use of marijuana is strictly prohibited and punishable on the Belarussian territory.
Also, pay attention to the way you keep your money and check twice if there is any in your passport before giving it when asked on the border.
It would be considered to be a bribe, which is certainly something you don’t want.
Other than that, you can enjoy your vacation by visiting museums and learn something about the history of this beautiful country.
The nightlife is very rich and diverse.
There are many clubs where you can go and dance or meet people.
If you want to meet hipsters and art lovers, head to OK16 cultural hub.
Movie lovers can visit KinoForum.
Tourist that want to have some adrenaline rush can visit ExtremeShooting Club.
There you can enjoy airsoft, paintball, laser tag, and extreme shooting.
Plan well and make your stay unforgettable.
Do I Need a Visa to Visit Belarus?
A tourist visa is not required for a planned stay for less than 30 days.
All you need to have are 2 blank pages in the passport for the entry visa.
Passport must be valid 3 months minimum after the planned departure.
Which Currency Is Used in Belarus?
The official currency is the Belarusian ruble.
The symbol Belarusian ruble is Br.
One U.S. dollar equals 2,12 Belarusian Ruble.
U.S dollars and euros can be used in Belarus.
Make sure you exchange money only in authorized exchange offices.
How's the Weather like in Belarus?
The climate in Belarus is temperate-continental.
The summers are hot and long, while winters can be pretty harsh.
The average temperature during winter is around -6 °C and 27 °C during the summer.
What Do I Need to Know about Airports in Belarus?
There are seven public airports in Belarus.
The biggest one is Minsk National Airport and it is located 42km away from Minsk.
It serves more than 2 million passengers a year.
Should I Get Travel Insurance for My Travels?
Travel insurance is required during the whole stay in Belarus in the minimum amount of €5,000.
It can be purchased from the insurance companies from Belarus or from foreign insurers that are accredited.
What Are Some Things to Do in Belarus?
Belavezhskaya Pushcha National Park is the place to go if you want to see refuge protected by Unesco.
You can go there by bicycle, private car or by bus.
There are also hotels located near if you wish to spend the night.
Is the Water in Belarus Safe to Drink?
The tap water is generally safe to drink, but mainly in Minsk where the quality of water is high.
In other towns, it is safer to drink bottled water since the systems for cleaning water are old.
Is Uber Safe in Belarus?
There is an Uber BY app that can only be downloaded once in Belarus.
This usually confuses the tourists, but the app works normally.
There are also a few more taxi services that can be found locally.
