Exploring Belarus: How Many Days Are Enough?

Belarus is a huge country in Eastern Europe that sees very few tourists. It is ruled by Europe's last dictator, but thanks to its recently relaxed visa rules, it has become a lot easier to visit in recent years. The country is full of lakes and forests, and its capital, Minsk, is a lively and affordable city full of Stalinist architecture.

Most travellers used to spend a maximum of 5 days in Belarus, but now you can get a 30-day visa-free entry, so you can explore the country bureaucratic-hassle-free. If you are backpacking Belarus, 5 days is a good amount of time to see the capital and one extra city. If you have 7 days, you can get on a Soviet train to Brest and perhaps pay a visit to the city of Grodno. With 10 days, you can visit the northern lakes of Braslaw and, with 2 weeks, the city of Mogilev and the Chernobyl Exclusion Zone.

Visa-free entry

As of July 2024, citizens of 35 European countries, including Andorra, Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, and the United Kingdom, can enter Belarus visa-free for up to 30 days. This is an extension of a policy that has been in force since 2022, which allowed citizens of Poland, Lithuania, and Latvia to enter Belarus without a visa for up to 90 days. This visa-free entry is valid until 31 December 2024 and can be used an unlimited number of times, as long as the total number of visa-free days in Belarus does not exceed 90 days in a calendar year.

Additionally, citizens of 76 countries, including the United States, Canada, Australia, the United Kingdom, and Germany, can enter Belarus visa-free for up to 30 days via Minsk National Airport and five other international airports. This policy has been in effect since 2017, with changes and additions made in 2018 and 2021. To be eligible for this visa-free entry, travellers must have:

• A valid ordinary passport, valid for at least 90 days beyond the intended date of departure from Belarus.
• Proof of sufficient funds: either the equivalent of two base rates for each day of stay or 50 base rates for a full 30-day stay, in Belarusian rubles or foreign currency.
• A medical insurance policy with coverage of at least €10,000, valid throughout the stay in Belarus.

Citizens of Egypt, Gambia, Haiti, India, Iran, Jordan, Lebanon, Namibia, Pakistan, Samoa, South Africa, and Vietnam must also have a valid multiple-entry visa for EU member states or the Schengen zone, with a border-crossing mark in their passport, as well as confirmation of departure from the aforementioned Belarusian airports within 30 days of entry.

Furthermore, citizens of certain countries, including Argentina, Brazil, Cuba, Israel, and the United Arab Emirates, can enter Belarus visa-free for varying durations, ranging from 30 to 180 days, but they may be required to meet additional conditions, such as having a valid visa for specific countries or a private invitation.

Transport options

Belarus has a well-developed transportation system, making it easy to travel around the country independently. Here are the various transport options available:

• Rail: With over 5,500 kilometres of rail network, travelling by train is one of the most comfortable and reliable options. Belarusian Railways offers urban, regional, interregional, and international lines, connecting you to over 2,100 destinations within the country and abroad. Train tickets are affordable and can be purchased at stations, booked over the phone, or booked online with delivery options in some cities. The trains vary from old Soviet-era trains to newer models.
• Road: You can travel by bus or minibus (called "marshrutkas") within cities and between them. Tickets for intercity and international buses can be purchased online using digital payment systems. All cities and towns have bus stations or stops where you can buy tickets and wait for your bus. Private bus companies also operate in addition to the state-owned ones.
• Air: The small size of the country means there are no domestic flights. The main international airport is Minsk National Airport, which offers visa-free entry for up to 30 days for citizens of many countries. Other airports in Gomel, Grodno, and Brest offer regular flights to Kaliningrad, Russia.
• Water: Water transport is not commonly used for passenger transportation, but during the warm season, water sightseeing tours are popular. There are ten river ports and waterways on various rivers and canals. Tours are offered in Vitebsk, Grodno, Pripyatsky National Park, Narochansky National Park, Braslavskiye Ozera National Park, and more.
• Urban Transport: Minsk and other major cities offer a range of urban transport options, including buses, trolleybuses, trams, private buses, and taxis. Minsk also has the country's only metro system. Tickets for urban transport are affordable, and you can buy them at kiosks, from conductors, or from the driver. You can also purchase a travel card for multiple trips over a set period.

Where to stay

There are plenty of options for accommodation in Belarus, from hostels to luxury hotels and even Airbnbs. Here are some suggestions for places to stay in Minsk and Brest, the two largest cities in the country.

Minsk

• Budget Hostel – Urban Hostel Minsk: A modern hostel for backpackers in a great area.
• Budget Apartment – Center Minsk Apartments: Apartments offer great value for money and this one is in the city centre.
• Mid-range Hotel – Willing Hotel: A neat hotel close to bars and restaurants, a good choice for mid-range travellers.
• Top-end Hotel – President Hotel: The best 5-star hotel in Minsk.
• Trinity Hostel & Tours: Located on Trinity Hill, this hostel has dorm rooms and private rooms, but it's popular, so book in advance. They also organise tours of Minsk and Belarus.
• Hotel Monastyrski Minsk City Centre: Built into a 17th-century monastery, this mid-range option is in a nice area of the city.
• The DoubleTree by Hilton Minsk: One of the most exclusive hotels in Belarus.
• Loft Hostel Minsk
• Hostel Tower 31/18
• Hostel Point

Brest

• Backpacking Hostel – Privokzalnyi Hostel: The best option for backpackers.
• Budget Apartment – City Centre Apartment: A fully equipped and comfortable apartment in the city centre.
• Nice hotel – Hampton: One of the best value-for-money options in town.
• 4-star hotel – Hermitage Hotel: A stylish, classic hotel located in the heart of Brest.
• Hotel Byg: With a quirky interior, this hotel also serves as a museum dedicated to the famous bard, Vladimir Vysotsky. The reception offers affordable beers and souvenirs.

What to see and do

Belarus is a country full of natural beauty, with over 11,000 lakes and 40% of its land covered in forest. It is also home to the rarest European bison, which you can see during your trip.

The capital, Minsk, is a must-see. The city is full of impressive Stalinist architecture, craft beer bars, and a young, hip vibe. There are plenty of sights to see in Minsk, including:

• Minsk City Gates
• House of Government and Lenin statue
• Saint Simon and Saint Helen Cathedral
• KGB Headquarters
• GUM State Department Store
• Belarusian State Circus
• Island of Tears
• Soviet KFC
• Minsk Old Town
• Zair Azgur Memorial Studio
• Museum of the Great Patriotic War

Outside of Minsk, there are plenty of other places to visit, including:

• Stalin Line: A former Soviet border turned into an open-air museum, complete with trenches, bunkers, and a recreation of the physical border.
• Nesvizh: A 500-year-old town home to a UNESCO World Heritage castle, as well as pleasant wooden guesthouses and restaurants.
• Brest: A cosmopolitan city with excellent restaurants and a lively bar scene. Brest is also home to the Brest Fortress, a defensive stronghold during the German-Soviet War of 1941-1945.
• Grodno: A city located on the border with Lithuania, with a mix of Soviet and Lithuanian architecture. The Old Castle and St. Francis Xavier Cathedral are highlights.
• Braslav Lakes National Park: This park features over 300 pristine blue lakes, surrounded by thick forests, rolling hills, and giant boulders. It's a great place for camping, fishing, birdwatching, and rock climbing.
• Belovezhskaya Pushcha National Park: One of the last primeval forests left in Europe and home to the European bison, as well as hiking and biking trails.
• Dudutki Ethnological Museum Complex: This "living museum" recreates life in rural Belarus from the 17th to 20th centuries, with a creamery, bakery, pottery workshop, and more.
• Pripyatsky National Park: Known as the "Lungs of Europe," this park features swamps, floodplains, forests, and a wide variety of plant and animal life.

How to stay safe

Belarus is generally considered a safe place for travellers, but it's important to be aware of potential risks and take steps to protect yourself and your belongings. Here are some tips to help you stay safe during your time in Belarus:

• Be cautious and aware of your surroundings: This is especially important in popular tourist destinations and on public transportation, as these are common targets for petty theft.
• Keep your belongings secure: Always keep your wallet, bag, or backpack zipped shut and in front of you. Don't leave valuables unattended, and avoid carrying large sums of money or wearing flashy jewellery.
• Be vigilant on public transport: Keep a close eye on your belongings when travelling on buses, trains, or sleeper trains. Try to avoid travelling alone at night, and stay alert to your surroundings.
• Park your car in secure areas: Car theft and vandalism are common, especially for luxury and SUV vehicles. Park in secure overnight parking areas, and don't leave valuables visible inside your car.
• Avoid political demonstrations: Belarus is an authoritarian state, and political unrest or dissent is not tolerated. Stay away from any rallies, marches, or large public gatherings.
• Be cautious of drink spiking: There have been reports of travellers being drugged in nightclubs. Never accept drinks from strangers, and don't leave your drink unattended.
• Be wary of scams: Be cautious when visiting bars, casinos, and nightclubs. There have been reports of travellers being drugged, robbed, or assaulted in these establishments. Prostitutes may also target hotels in search of customers.
• Use caution with credit and debit cards: There have been reports of ATM and credit card skimming, resulting in fraudulent charges or theft. Only use ATMs located inside major banks, and avoid using credit and debit cards if possible.
• Be aware of local laws: Belarusian authorities have been known to arbitrarily enforce local laws, and detention or arrest may occur. Always carry your passport with you, as police may request identification.
• Stay informed: Monitor local and international media for updates on political and military tensions in the region. Be prepared to adjust your plans if necessary.
• Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP): This program can help the local embassy locate you in case of an emergency and provide important alerts and updates.
• Have a contingency plan: In the event of an emergency, have a plan that does not rely on assistance from the U.S. government or local authorities.

Frequently asked questions