Belarus Travel Information

Belarus is a country located in Eastern Europe that is often overlooked by tourists. However, this landlocked country has a rich history, beautiful natural scenery, and unique culture that are worth exploring. From historical landmarks to outdoor adventures, here are the top 10 things to do in Belarus.

1. Visit the Mir Castle

One of Belarus' most famous landmarks, the Mir Castle, is a stunning example of Gothic and Renaissance architecture. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is a must-visit for history and architecture enthusiasts.

2. Explore Brest Fortress

Brest Fortress is a symbol of the Soviet Union's resistance against Nazi Germany during World War II. Today, visitors can explore the fortress, its museum, and pay tribute to the fallen soldiers.

3. Discover Nesvizh Palace

Another UNESCO World Heritage Site, Nesvizh Palace, is a stunning example of Baroque architecture. Visitors can explore the palace's many rooms and learn about the Radziwill family, who once lived there.

4. Experience the Great Patriotic War Museum in Minsk

The Great Patriotic War Museum in Minsk offers a comprehensive look at Belarus' role in World War II. Exhibits include photographs, artifacts, and documents related to the war.

5. Visit the Belovezhskaya Pushcha National Park

Belovezhskaya Pushcha National Park is a vast forest that straddles the border between Belarus and Poland. Visitors can explore the forest's diverse flora and fauna, as well as see the European bison, which was once on the brink of extinction.

6. Wander around the National Academic Bolshoi Opera and Ballet Theatre of Belarus

The National Academic Bolshoi Opera and Ballet Theatre of Belarus is a stunning venue that hosts world-class performances. Visitors can take a tour of the theatre or attend a performance.

7. Explore the Museum of the History of Belarusian Cinema

Film enthusiasts will enjoy the Museum of the History of Belarusian Cinema, which showcases the country's cinematic history. Exhibits include equipment, posters, and other memorabilia.

8. Enjoy the beautiful Braslav Lakes National Park

Braslav Lakes National Park is a scenic area with over 30 lakes and numerous hiking trails. Visitors can enjoy boating, fishing, and other outdoor activities.

9. Take a stroll through Minsk's Old Town

Minsk's Old Town is a picturesque area with cobblestone streets, historic buildings, and charming cafes. Visitors can enjoy the area's many restaurants and bars, or take a guided tour.

10. Visit the Church of Saints Simon and Helena

The Church of Saints Simon and Helena is a beautiful example of Neo-Gothic architecture. Visitors can marvel at the church's stained glass windows and intricate carvings.

Belarus has a temperate continental climate with distinct seasons. Here are some more details on the climate and the best time to visit Belarus.

Climate

Belarus has a humid continental climate, which means it experiences cold winters and warm summers. The average temperature in winter is around -6°C (21°F), while the average temperature in summer is around 18°C (64°F). The country receives moderate rainfall throughout the year, with the wettest months being June and July.

Best Time to Visit

The best time to visit Belarus is during the summer months of June, July, and August when the weather is warm and there is plenty of daylight. This is also the peak tourist season, so expect higher prices and larger crowds. Spring (April and May) and autumn (September and October) can also be good times to visit, as the weather is mild and there are fewer tourists. Winter (November to March) can be cold, but it's a good time to visit if you enjoy winter sports and activities like skiing and ice skating.

Here are some general travel tips regarding entry requirements that apply across all countries:

Passport

Make sure that your passport is valid for at least six months from the date of your arrival in the country you are visiting. Some countries will not allow you to enter if your passport is set to expire within a certain period of time.

Visa

Check with the embassy or consulate of the country you are visiting to see if you need a visa. Some countries require a visa for entry, while others do not. Make sure to apply for a visa well in advance of your trip as the process can take several weeks. Check the latest Visa requirements and if necessary get an online Visa with our partner iVisa.

Health Requirements and COVID-19 Rules

Check with the embassy or consulate of the country you are visiting to see if there are any health requirements for entry. Some countries require vaccinations or proof of medical insurance. Check the latest health requirements and if necessary get an online Visa with our partner iVisa.

Travel Insurance

Consider purchasing travel insurance, especially if you are traveling internationally. Travel insurance can cover you in the event of trip cancellation, medical emergencies, and other unexpected events. Our travel insurance partner is SafetyWing. For dangerous activities and/or countries consider a rescue service like those offered by our partner, Global Rescue.

Customs

Be familiar with the customs and laws of the country you are visiting. Some countries have strict laws regarding drug possession, alcohol consumption, and dress codes.

Currency

Check the currency exchange rate and make sure you have enough local currency for your trip. Some countries may not accept credit cards or travelers cheques, so it is always good to have some cash on hand. At WhereNext we recommend use a Wise debit card, which provides low cost currency conversions and ATM withdrawals.

Research the country

Research about the culture, customs and laws of the country you are visiting. It will help you to understand the place more and also prepare you better for the trip.

Contact Information

Make a copy of your passport and keep it in a separate place from your passport. Also, leave a copy of your itinerary and contact information with a friend or family member at home.

Hotels

There are many hotels in Belarus, ranging from budget to luxury. In larger cities like Minsk and Brest, you can find international hotel chains like Marriott, Hilton, and Radisson. Prices vary depending on the location and level of luxury.

Guesthouses and Homestays

Guesthouses and homestays are a great way to experience the local culture and meet Belarusian people. Many guesthouses are located in rural areas, while homestays are often in private homes. Prices are usually more affordable than hotels, and you can expect a more authentic experience.

Hostels

Hostels are a good option for budget travelers and backpackers. There are hostels in most major cities in Belarus, and prices are generally very affordable. Hostels offer shared dormitories as well as private rooms.

Apartment Rentals

If you're planning on staying in Belarus for an extended period of time, renting an apartment can be a good option. There are many apartments available for rent in Minsk and other cities, and prices are generally cheaper than hotels.

Camping

Belarus has many beautiful natural areas, and camping can be a great way to experience them. There are many campsites throughout the country, and some national parks also offer camping facilities.

Agritourism

Agritourism is a growing trend in Belarus, where visitors can stay on farms and participate in agricultural activities. This can be a great way to experience rural life in Belarus and learn about local traditions. Prices are usually affordable, and many farms offer meals made with locally sourced ingredients.

Bus

Buses are a popular and affordable way to travel within Belarus. There are many bus companies that operate throughout the country, and most major cities are connected by bus routes. Tickets can be purchased at the bus station or online.

Train

Belarus has an extensive railway network, with trains connecting most major cities. Trains are generally more comfortable and faster than buses, but also more expensive. Tickets can be purchased at the train station or online.

Taxi

Taxis are widely available in Belarus and can be a convenient way to get around. Taxis can be hailed on the street or booked through a taxi app. Prices can vary depending on the distance and time of day.

Car Rental

Renting a car is a good option if you want to explore Belarus at your own pace. There are many car rental companies in Belarus, and prices are generally affordable. Keep in mind that traffic can be heavy in larger cities, and road conditions in rural areas may be poor.

Metro

Minsk has a modern and efficient metro system that connects most parts of the city. The metro is a fast and affordable way to get around, and tickets can be purchased at the stations.

Bicycle

Bicycling is a great way to explore the beautiful countryside of Belarus. There are many bike rental companies in Minsk and other cities, and some areas have dedicated bike paths. Keep in mind that traffic can be heavy in some areas, and it's important to wear a helmet and follow traffic laws.

Money Tips for Travel

• Research the currency and exchange rates of your destination before you depart.
• Notify your bank and credit card companies of your travel plans to avoid any potential issues with international transactions.
• Bring a mix of cash, credit, and debit cards--and possibly a travel money card.
• Be aware of the fees associated with withdrawing money from ATMs and using credit cards abroad.
• Make sure to have a backup option for accessing money in case your primary method doesn't work.
• Consider using a card with no foreign transaction fees.
• Be aware of the local customs and etiquette when it comes to paying.
• Keep an eye on the exchange rate throughout your trip and try to make large purchases or withdraw large sums of money when the rate is favorable.
• NEVER accept currency conversion at ATMs! Always get your home bank to convert at much better rates.
• Think about getting a Wise or other travel debit card; these can provide much better rates and some free ATM withdrawals.

ATM and Credit Cards

• Research the availability of ATMs and credit card acceptance at your destination before you depart.
• Keep your ATM card in a safe place and be mindful of your surroundings when using it.
• Try to stick to using ATMs that are affiliated with major banks.
• Keep your credit card information safe and secure, and be aware of potential scams.
• Make sure your cards have the necessary security features, such as chip and pin.
• Be aware of the fees associated with withdrawing money from ATMs and using credit cards abroad.

Exchange Rates

• Research the currency and exchange rates of your destination before you depart.
• Consider using a card with no foreign transaction fees.
• Be aware of the local customs and etiquette when it comes to paying.
• Keep an eye on the exchange rate throughout your trip and try to make large purchases or withdraw large sums of money when the rate is favorable.
• Be careful of places that may offer to exchange money at rates that seem too good to be true.

Travel insurance can provide financial protection and peace of mind for travellers in the event of unexpected situations or emergencies. It covers a wide range of needs--even some you might not expect!

Medical Coverage

Travel insurance can provide coverage for medical expenses if you become ill or injured while traveling. This can include coverage for doctor visits, hospital stays, and emergency medical transportation. It's also a good idea to ensure that your travel insurance covers COVID-19 related illness and delays!

Trip Cancellation and Interruption

Travel insurance can provide coverage if you need to cancel or interrupt your trip due to unexpected events such as illness, weather, or travel bans. It can also provide coverage if your trip is delayed or if your travel provider goes out of business.

Lost or Stolen Luggage

Travel insurance can provide coverage for lost or stolen luggage, as well as personal items such as passports and electronic devices.

Emergency Assistance and Evacuation

Many travel insurance plans offer emergency assistance services, such as providing information on local hospitals and doctors, assistance with replacing lost or stolen documents, and help with arranging transportation in the event of an emergency. At WhereNext we have partnered with Global Rescue for evacuation services, which are highly recommended if you are undertaking dangerous activities or are travelling to dangerous parts of the world.

Liability coverage

Travel insurance can also provide liability coverage in case you cause an accident or harm someone while you are traveling.

Travel insurance can provide financial protection and peace of mind for travellers in the event of unexpected situations or emergencies. It can help cover the costs of medical expenses, trip cancellations, lost or stolen luggage, and more. It's always a good idea to review the coverage and compare the different options available before making a decision. At WhereNext we both use and have partnered with Safety Wing for general travel insurance.

When traveling, getting mobile access is very important these days. If you are working remotely, wanting to update social media, or need to access your banks SMS authentication messages having a reliable service is a must. At WhereNext we recommend:

eSIM

Services such as those offered by our partner, Airalo, allow you to easily order and install an eSIM for different countries or regions that you are traveling in.

Dual SIM phone

If you have a phone that supports dual SIM's then you can get a SIM on arrival for each country, this is probably better done at a telco store rather than at the airport.

Extend your home plan

Depending on where you live and your mobile service provider you may be able to extend your plan to cover mobile roaming at reasonable rates.

Keep your primary SIM

With the amount of accounts we all have that require two factor authentication via SMS, keeping a constant number for these accounts is a must.

There are several online communities and platforms that you can use to meet people while traveling, both for making new friends or for networking professionally. Some popular options include:

Facebook groups

There are many Facebook groups dedicated to connecting people while traveling, from expat groups and travel communities to groups specific to certain cities or regions of the country. You can search for groups based on your interests or location and connect with others who share similar interests.

Meetup

Meetup is a platform that allows you to find groups of people that share your interests in your local area. There are Meetup groups all around the world, and they cover a wide range of topics, such as language exchange, sports, and cultural activities.

Internations

Internations is a social network for people who live or work abroad. It has a large community of expats and organizes regular events, activities and gatherings that allow members to connect and socialize.

Couchsurfing

Couchsurfing is a platform that connects travelers with local hosts, who offer free accommodation and a chance to experience the local culture. It's a great way to meet locals and make friends!

Reddit

Reddit has a large community, and there are several subreddits dedicated to connecting expats and travelers. You can use it to ask questions, get advice, and connect with others who are also living or traveling in the country.

Linkedin

LinkedIn is primarily a professional network, but you can also use it to connect with people who work in the same industry or have similar backgrounds. It can be useful to connect with people before you arrive and establish a few professional contacts to help you get started.

At WhereNext, we use Nomad List as a global community and then research more local ones for our destination. These are just a few examples of online communities you can use to meet people; please suggest any others that you think are appropriate for this destination.