Entry Requirements & Visas
New for 2026: Expanded Visa-Free Access
Belarus has extended its visa-free regime to citizens of over 80 countries, allowing stays up to 30 days without a visa if entering through designated airports or borders. This policy simplifies short trips, but always verify eligibility based on your nationality and entry point.
Passport Requirements
Your passport must be valid for at least 90 days beyond your planned departure from Belarus, with at least two blank pages for entry/exit stamps. Biometric passports are required for visa-free entry.
Ensure your passport isn't damaged, as this can lead to denial at borders; renew early if needed to avoid complications.
Visa-Free Countries
Citizens of the US, EU countries, UK, Canada, Australia, and many others can enter visa-free for up to 30 days, provided they arrive via Minsk National Airport or specific land borders and have return tickets.
This regime doesn't apply to all entry points, like overland from Ukraine; check the official Belarusian list for your nationality to confirm exemptions.
Visa Applications
For nationalities requiring a visa, apply at a Belarusian embassy or consulate (€60 fee for single-entry), submitting documents like invitation letters, proof of accommodation, and financial means (€25/day minimum).
Electronic visas (e-visas) are available online for tourism, business, or transit, processed in 5-7 business days; apply via the official State Border Committee website.
Border Crossings
Airports like Minsk offer seamless visa-free processing, but land borders with Poland, Lithuania, or Latvia may require pre-approval or visas due to stricter EU-Belarus relations.
Expect customs checks for declarations over €10,000 in cash or valuables; rail crossings from Russia are efficient but monitor geopolitical updates.
Travel Insurance
Travel insurance covering at least €10,000 in medical expenses is mandatory for all entries, including visa-free; it must include repatriation and be valid throughout your stay.
Opt for policies that cover adventure activities like hiking in Braslav Lakes or winter sports in Silichy, starting from €3/day from international providers.
Extensions Possible
Visa-free stays can be extended up to 30 additional days for valid reasons like health issues by applying at the Citizenship and Migration Department in Minsk before expiration.
Extensions cost around €20-40 and require proof of funds and accommodation; longer-term visas may need embassy reapplication.
Money, Budget & Costs
Smart Money Management
Belarus uses the Belarusian Ruble (BYN). For the best exchange rates and lowest fees, use Wise to send money or convert currency - they offer real exchange rates with transparent fees, saving you money compared to traditional banks.
Daily Budget Breakdown
Money-Saving Pro Tips
Book Flights Early
Find the best deals to Minsk by comparing prices on Trip.com, Expedia, or CheapTickets.
Booking 2-3 months in advance can save you 30-50% on airfare, especially for direct flights from Europe.
Eat Like a Local
Dine at stolovayas (cafeterias) for hearty meals like draniki under €5, avoiding tourist restaurants to save up to 60% on food.
Street markets in Minsk offer fresh produce, cheeses, and baked goods at bargain prices for picnics in parks.
Public Transport Passes
Purchase a Minsk metro and bus pass for €10/week, providing unlimited rides and slashing daily transport costs.
Intercity trains are affordable at €5-15; book via the Belarusian Railway app for discounts on advance tickets.
Free Attractions
Explore Independence Avenue, Gorky Park, and WWII memorials in Minsk at no cost, immersing in Soviet-era architecture and history.
Many national parks like Belovezhskaya Pushcha offer free hiking trails; guided tours can be skipped for self-exploration.
Card vs Cash
Cards like Visa/Mastercard are accepted in cities, but rural areas prefer cash; ATMs are widespread but notify your bank of travel.
Exchange EUR or USD at banks for better rates than airports; avoid dynamic currency conversion fees abroad.
Museum Passes
The National Art Museum and History Museum offer combo tickets for €10, covering multiple sites and saving 40% on individual entries.
Look for seasonal passes during cultural festivals, which include transport and often pay off after 3-4 visits.
Smart Packing for Belarus
Essential Items for Any Season
Clothing Essentials
Pack versatile layers for continental weather, including thermal base layers for winter and lightweight cotton for humid summers; include a fleece for transitional seasons.
Modest clothing is advised for Orthodox churches and rural areas, with long sleeves and pants showing respect to local customs.
Electronics
Bring a Type C/F adapter for 220V outlets, a portable charger for long days exploring, and a VPN app for unrestricted internet access.
Download offline maps of Minsk and apps like Yandex for navigation, plus a translation tool for Russian/Belarusian phrases.
Health & Safety
Carry comprehensive insurance docs, a basic med kit with pain relievers and bandages, and any prescriptions; include vitamins for variable diets.
Pack mosquito repellent for summer lake areas and hand sanitizer, as public facilities may vary in hygiene standards.
Travel Gear
A sturdy backpack for day trips to Brest Fortress, a reusable water bottle for tap water in cities, and a compact laundry bag for extended stays.
Include passport copies, a money belt for cash security, and eco-friendly bags for market shopping to reduce plastic use.
Footwear Strategy
Choose waterproof boots for snowy winters and muddy spring trails in national parks, paired with supportive walking shoes for urban sightseeing.
Pack extra socks for wet conditions; comfortable insoles help with long walks on cobblestone streets in historic Mir Castle.
Personal Care
Opt for travel-sized toiletries like shampoo and toothpaste, plus lip balm and moisturizer for dry winter air or sunny summers.
A foldable umbrella or rain poncho is essential for unpredictable showers; include sunscreen SPF 30+ for outdoor festivals.
When to Visit Belarus
Spring (March-May)
Mild weather of 5-15°C brings blooming cherry trees in Minsk parks and fewer tourists, ideal for birdwatching in Pripyat River areas.
Festivals like the Slavic Bazaar warm up early; it's perfect for cycling tours without summer heat.
Summer (June-August)
Warm days at 18-25°C are prime for lake swimming in Braslav Lakes and outdoor concerts in Grodno, though expect occasional rain.
Peak season means lively events like Independence Day parades; book accommodations ahead for popular sites like Nesvizh Castle.
Autumn (September-November)
Cool temperatures of 5-15°C showcase golden foliage in Belovezhskaya Pushcha for bison spotting and mushroom foraging hikes.
Harvest festivals offer local cuisine tastings with lower crowds and prices compared to summer highs.
Winter (December-February)
Cold snaps of -5 to -10°C transform Minsk into a winter wonderland with ice skating and New Year markets.
Budget-friendly for cross-country skiing in Logoisk or indoor museums; shorter days suit relaxed cultural immersion.
Important Travel Information
- Currency: Belarusian Ruble (BYN). ATMs are common in cities; exchange EUR/USD at banks for best rates. Cards accepted but cash preferred in rural areas.
- Language: Belarusian and Russian are official. English is limited outside tourist spots; learn basic Cyrillic phrases.
- Time Zone: Moscow Standard Time (MSK), UTC+3 year-round
- Electricity: 220V, 50Hz. Type C/F plugs (European two-pin round)
- Emergency Number: 112 for all services; also 101 (fire), 102 (police), 103 (medical)
- Tipping: Not customary but appreciated; round up bills or add 5-10% in restaurants for good service
- Water: Tap water safe in major cities like Minsk; bottled recommended elsewhere for sensitive stomachs
- Pharmacies: Apteka signs indicate locations; 24-hour ones available in urban areas with English-speaking staff