Belarus — Travel Tips
Social Conventions
Handshaking is the usual form of greeting. Hospitality is part of the tradition and people are welcoming and friendly. Company or business gifts are well received. Avoid taking photographs of military or government installations.
International Travel
Getting There By Air
The national airline is Belavia (B2) (website: www.belavia.by).
Departure Tax
None.
Main Airports
Minsk 2 (MSQ) is 43km (27 miles) east of the city center. To/from the airport: Buses and taxis are available to the city center (journey time – 60 minutes). Facilities: Banks and bureau de change, bars, car hire, duty-free shops, nursery, post office and restaurants.
Minsk 1 underwent a lengthy reconstruction but is back in use. It offers flights to destinations including Kiev and Stockholm, plus international flights to regional cities.
Getting There By Rail
All trains arrive and depart from Minsk Central Railway Station located in the center of Minsk. There are several lines from Berlin via Warsaw and Brest with connections to Minsk. Another line runs from Vienna via Warsaw and Brest. Further direct trains are available from other cities, including Kaliningrad, Moscow, Odessa, Riga and Vilnius.
Getting There By Road
Tourists may drive their own cars or may hire cars from some larger hotels. Those entering by car should have their visas registered at the hotel, motel or campsite where they stay for the first night and must insure their vehicle with a Belarusian insurance company at crossing points. The following are approximate road distances from Minsk; Moscow: 690km (429 miles); St Petersburg: 900km (563 miles); Kiev: 650km (407 miles).
Coach: Coaches run from many points across Europe. There are three international bus stations in Minsk: Central Bus Station, Eastern (Vostochnaya) Bus Station and Moscow (Moskovskaya) Bus Station.
Duty Free
Overview
The following goods may be imported into Belarus by persons over 18 years of age without incurring customs duty:
• 1000 cigarettes or 1000g of tobacco products.
• 1.5L of spirits and 2L of wine.
• A reasonable quantity of perfume for personal use.
• Other goods up to a value of US$1000.
On entering the country, tourists must complete a customs declaration form which must be retained until departure. This records the import of articles intended for personal use, including currency and valuables. Customs inspection can be long and detailed.
Prohibited Imports
Weapons and ammunition, narcotics, photographs and printed matter directed against Belarus, and fruit and vegetables. Contact the embassy for further details of import restrictions.
Prohibited Exports
Weapons and ammunition, precious metals, works of art and antiques (unless special permission has been granted by the Ministry of Culture) and furs.
Internal Travel
Getting Around By Rail
Services run regularly from Minsk to all other towns. For more information, contact Belarus Railways (website: www.rw.by). There have been instances of theft from travelers, especially on sleeper trains to Warsaw and Moscow.
Getting Around By Road
Traffic drives on the right. The quality of driving in Belarus is erratic. A-class highways are in average to good condition. The condition of B-class roads varies considerably and some are impassable for periods in winter. Drivers should note that road works and potholes are usually poorly marked. Pony and trap combinations are a specific hazard for drivers in rural unlit areas. In 2005, Belarus introduced a system of fees for drivers of foreign vehicles wishing to use Belarus’ highways. Payments are collected at border checkpoints and vary according to the length of stay. There are police checkpoints on all the main routes to and from Minsk. Drivers should stop at these when instructed, and have the vehicle documentation to hand, otherwise they risk a fine and delay.
Regulations: The standard speed limit is 37 mph (60 kph) in built up areas, 55 mph (90 kph) outside built up areas and 62 mph (100 kph) on motorways (Brest-Moscow). Visiting motorists who have held a driving license for less than two years must not exceed 43 mph (70 kph). There are frequent radar traps. Vehicles should have lights on at all times from 1 November to 31 March.
Documentation: International Driving Permit required. When traveling by private vehicle, travelers must be able to produce ownership documents or a letter of ’power of attorney’ at customs offices at border crossings. Only originals of these documents are accepted. Travelers must have third party car insurance or they may get an on-the-spot fine. Travelers can only buy this when entering Belarus. Motorists should enquire at customs border offices for information. Drivers should ignore ’private facilitators’ who offer to help travelers pass through checkpoints and border crossings.
Getting Around Towns and Cities
Public transport is cheap and efficient. The city of Minsk has an underground system with two lines that cover central Minsk (16 stations). It is in the process of being expanded. Trains run between 0530-0100, buses, trams and trolleybuses between 0535-0030. Tickets for buses, trams and trolleybuses can be purchased at news-stands or kiosks and are to be punched on board. Entry to the underground is by tokens which are obtainable from stations. Taxis are available and carry a maximum of four passengers; fares can vary greatly
