Visitors from countries where there is no Belarussian consulate or embassy may obtain a tourist visa on arrival at
Minsk-2 Airport at a cost of US$80, but it is strongly recommended that an effort is made to obtain a visa prior to arrival. Visas are only issued on the basis of invitation from hotels, tour companies or Belarussian citizens. All visitors have to buy health insurance on arrival; US$4 for a stay of seven days or US$15 for one month. Foreigners not staying at a hotel must register with the authorities on arrival and such registration must be entered on their visa. Hotels automatically
register their guests.
Americans: United States citizens need a passport and a visa to enter
Belarus.
UK nationals: British citizens need a passport and a visa to enter Belarus.
Canadians: Canadian citizens need a passport and a visa to enter Belarus.
Australians: Australian citizens need a passport and a visa to enter Belarus.
South Africans: South African citizens need a passport and a visa to enter Belarus.
Irish nationals: Irish citizens need a passport and a visa to enter Belarus.
New Zealanders: New Zealand citizens need a passport and a visa to enter Belarus.
Health
The main health risks associated with visiting Belarus are tick-borne encephalitis (for those who intend foot-slogging through the forests), measles (outbreaks occur) and diphtheria, so travelers should ensure they are vaccinated against these diseases. There have also been recent cases of human rabies infection in the rural areas, identified as originating with bites from foxes, raccoon, dogs and cats. Visitors should not drink unpurified tap water, unpasteurized milk or consume undercooked food. Medical care is limited and essential medications are frequently not available. Medical facilities lack modern equipment. The best equipped are private clinics, which are available in Minsk. Doctors and hospitals expect payment in cash. Travel health insurance with air evacuation cover is highly recommended.
Safety
Most visits to Belarus are trouble free. The crime rate is very low, however precautions should be taken against mugging, pick-pocketing and theft from vehicles or hotel rooms. There have been instances of theft from travelers on sleeper trains between
Warsaw and
Moscow.
