Avoid These Mistakes When Visiting Belarus

Belarus, or White Russia, is an authoritarian country with a culture of law and order. It is one of the least-visited countries in Europe and has been called the last dictatorship of the continent. It is ruled by Alexander Lukashenko, who has been in power since before the fall of the USSR. As such, the country is filled with Communist symbols honouring the old regime. To make your stay in Belarus safe, respectful, and fun, here are some things you should avoid doing.

Don't joke about a bomb in an airport or metro station

Belarus is a unique travel destination, filled with Communist symbols and attractions honouring the old regime. However, it is also known as the last dictatorship in Europe, ruled by Alexander Lukashenko. As such, there are certain things travellers should be aware of and avoid doing. One of these is joking about a bomb in an airport or metro station.

Belarus takes threats and jokes about bombs very seriously, as demonstrated by an incident in May 2021. A Ryanair flight from Greece to Lithuania was forced to make an unscheduled landing in Minsk due to a false bomb threat. The threat was written in the name of the Palestinian militant group Hamas and stated that there was a bomb on the plane, demanding that Israel cease fire in the Gaza Strip and that the European Union withdraw its support for Israel. As a result of the threat, Belarus scrambled a warplane to escort the Ryanair flight and the bomb threat was later proven to be false. This incident caused an international outcry and led to Western governments threatening new sanctions against Belarus.

Joking about a bomb in an airport or metro station in Belarus can have serious consequences. The country has strict laws and regulations regarding such matters, and authorities will not hesitate to take action. Additionally, making jokes about bombs or other threats can cause panic and fear among the public, especially in places like airports and metro stations which have been targets of terrorist attacks in the past.

Therefore, it is important to refrain from making any jokes or threats about bombs when in Belarus, especially in sensitive locations like transport hubs. Travellers should also be cautious about the types of jokes they make in general, as humour can be subjective and what may be intended as a harmless joke may be perceived differently by others. It is always better to err on the side of caution and respect the laws and culture of the country you are visiting.

In addition to avoiding jokes about bombs, there are a few other things travellers should be mindful of when visiting Belarus. It is important to be careful about what you photograph and joke about in general, as certain topics may be sensitive or taboo. Additionally, Belarus has strict laws and regulations that travellers should be aware of, and it is important to respect the country's culture and customs to avoid any misunderstandings or legal issues.

Don't take photos of the KGB or train stations

Belarus is known as Europe's "last dictatorship", so it's important to be careful about what you photograph. There is a list of places where photography is prohibited, but the police do not show this list to the public. It is only for internal use.

Tourists have been detained for taking photos of several buildings, including a state registry building, the offices of the Belarusian security service (KGB), and a cinema in the town of Iwye. A photographer from the Komsomolskaya Pravda newspaper was also detained for taking a photo of the Academy of Sciences building.

The KGB, or the Belarusian security service, is still active in the country and tourists should be cautious about photographing any of their offices. While it is not always enforced, it is better to be safe and avoid taking any photos of KGB buildings or personnel.

Similarly, train stations are on the list of prohibited places for photography. This may be due to security concerns or because train stations are considered critical infrastructure. Either way, it is best to refrain from taking any photos of train stations to avoid potential issues with the authorities.

In general, it is important to be cautious about what you photograph in Belarus. Other buildings that tourists have been detained for photographing include a state registry building and a cinema in the town of Iwye. It is always better to ask for permission first if you are unsure, and to respect the wishes of the locals if they would prefer you not to take photos.

Don't drink alcohol outside

Belarus has long been recognised as a world leader in alcohol consumption. The country's Health Ministry reports that nearly 2% of Belarus's 9.5 million citizens were either diagnosed as alcoholics or as suffering from alcohol-related psychosis in 2016. Alcohol abuse played a major role in Belarus being cited as one of the four unhealthiest countries in the world.

Faced with such statistics, the Belarusian government is considering measures to curb alcohol consumption. These include raising the drinking age, reducing the number of places allowed to sell alcohol, and imposing curfews on stores that sell alcohol.

Belarusian alcohol includes liqueurs, nastoikas and nalivkas (sweet and strong alcoholic beverages based on vodka and enhanced with herbs, berries, honey, spices and sugar). The most popular of these are called krupnik, zubrovka, krambambulya and troyanka. Vodka is also popular, and is served on special occasions.

However, drinking alcohol outside is not advisable. Belarus is known as Europe's "last dictatorship", ruled by Alexander Lukashenko, and is filled with Communist symbols. The country has strict laws and regulations, and it is important to be careful what you do and say to avoid getting into trouble. Drinking alcohol outside could be seen as disrespectful and could cause offence to locals, especially given the country's struggle with alcohol abuse. It may also increase your risk of being targeted by authorities, as public drunkenness is already associated with a large number of crimes in the country.

Therefore, it is best to avoid drinking alcohol outside when in Belarus, and to consume alcohol responsibly and in moderation when in the country.

Don't comment on the cleanliness of the streets

When visiting Belarus, it is important to be mindful of the culture and customs of the country to ensure a safe, respectful, and enjoyable trip. One such custom relates to the cleanliness of the streets. While it may be tempting to comment on the tidiness and lack of litter on the streets of Belarus, it is best to refrain from doing so. Here's why:

First and foremost, it is essential to understand that cleanliness is a sensitive topic for many Belarusians. The country has a strong culture of law and order, and the cleanliness of public spaces is often associated with the government. When tourists comment on the clean streets, it can be frustrating for locals as it reduces their country to a single aspect. Belarus has a lot more to offer beyond its litter-free and well-maintained asphalt. By focusing solely on the cleanliness, tourists overlook the rich culture, history, and natural beauty that the country has to work hard to preserve.

Additionally, commenting on the cleanliness of the streets can be interpreted as a political statement. Belarus is an authoritarian state with a strict government. Connecting the clean streets to the government can be seen as praise, which may be frowned upon by those who disagree with or oppose the ruling regime. It is important to remember that political unrest and dissent are not tolerated in Belarus, and such comments could unintentionally cause tension or even put individuals at risk.

Moreover, the cleanliness of the streets is a result of the collective effort of the Belarusian people and their commitment to keeping their country tidy. By only noticing the clean streets, tourists may unintentionally overlook the hard work and pride that goes into maintaining them. It is important to appreciate and respect the efforts of the local communities in keeping their environment clean and presentable.

Lastly, while the streets of Belarus may be clean, it is important to acknowledge that this does not mean the country is perfect or without its challenges. Belarus, like any other country, has its own set of issues and problems. By solely commenting on the cleanliness, tourists may unintentionally ignore or downplay these challenges, which can be insensitive to the struggles faced by the Belarusian people.

In conclusion, when visiting Belarus, it is best to refrain from commenting on the cleanliness of the streets. Such comments can be frustrating for locals, politically sensitive, overlook community efforts, and ignore the country's challenges. Instead, focus on immersing yourself in the rich culture, engaging with the locals, and exploring the diverse attractions that Belarus has to offer beyond its clean streets. By doing so, you will gain a deeper understanding and appreciation of this fascinating country.

Don't drive to Russia through Belarus

If you're thinking of driving to Russia through Belarus, there are several reasons why this might not be the best idea. Firstly, Belarus is known as Europe's "last dictatorship", ruled by Alexander Lukashenko, a Soviet nostalgic with a penchant for Communist symbols. While this may be intriguing for some travellers, the country's political situation could pose potential risks for visitors.

Secondly, driving in Belarus comes with a unique set of challenges. Police checkpoints are common on roads and border crossings, and you may be asked to present your papers at any time. It is also important to note that only official payments should be made at these checkpoints. The traffic police, known as GAI in Russian and DAI in Belarusian, can be identified by their uniform with yellow fluorescent stripes.

Thirdly, the process of crossing the border into Belarus by car can be quite cumbersome. You will need to provide various documents, including an International Driving Licence, ownership documents for your vehicle, a customs declaration, and a car insurance certificate. Additionally, you may need to purchase additional insurance, which can cost anywhere between 5 and 50 Euros, depending on the length of your stay.

Lastly, driving in Belarus can be quite different from what you may be used to. Traffic rules and regulations vary significantly from those in other countries, and driving offences can result in on-the-spot fines. For example, the speed limits in Belarus are typically 60 km/h outside of residential areas, 90 km/h on national roads, and 110 km/h on motorways. It is also worth noting that radar detectors are illegal in Belarus, and drivers are required to carry headlamp converters and a warning triangle in their vehicles.

In conclusion, while it is technically possible to drive to Russia through Belarus, there are several factors that could make this journey challenging and potentially risky. From navigating the country's political landscape to dealing with border crossings and understanding local traffic rules, it may be wiser to consider alternative routes or means of transportation when travelling between these two countries.

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