Belarus (2024)

Written by Travel Safe Team

Safety Index:

* Based on Research & Crime Data

User Sentiment:

* Rated 44 / 100based on 5 user reviews.

Belarus : Safety by City

Minsk

Belarus is a country located in Eastern Europe, bordering with Russia, Ukraine, Poland, Lithuania, and Latvia.

The country is often regarded as the one with the most developed republic (excluding the three Baltic states) in the former USSR.

Belarus is visited by about 100,000 tourists annually and it really has something to offer to its tourists like its many UN heritage sites, its well-preserved medieval castles, and its Soviet World War II memorials.

The Grodno district is home to quite a few historic sites and is worth a visit, too.

Belarus is quite safe with a vibrant capital, good cultural scene, and nightlife.

Warnings & Dangers in Belarus

OVERALL RISK: LOW

As long as you exercise the same precautions you would in any other country, you’ll be fine. That means avoiding dangerous and secluded areas and flashing material goods in public places. If you stick to your wits, you won't have problems in Belarus.

TRANSPORT & TAXIS RISK: LOW

Driving in Belarus is not for the weak or faint hearted! Expect drivers to change lanes at will, mostly without any warning or even driving very close to the vehicle in front of then. Apart from that, you should be careful when commuting in public transportation, since pickpockets love crowds.

PICKPOCKETS RISK: MEDIUM

Belarus is a somewhat visited tourist attraction, so it makes sense that you'll run into pickpockets around tourist spots, crowded places and train/bus stations. Always be careful with your belongings, and never leave them anywhere. Keep all your valuables in a safe or in your accommodation.

NATURAL DISASTERS RISK: MEDIUM

Belarus is somewhat vulnerable to disasters due to both natural and man-made hazards. The major natural hazards are floods, storms and extreme temperatures. Spring floods are quite common in Belarus, occurring almost every year. The key man made hazards refer mainly to nuclear accident contamination (after the infamous Chernobyl disaster).

MUGGING RISK: LOW

Belarus has a pretty low level of street crime. This is mostly because crime is severely punished by the government and there's not much organized crime within the country. Still, you are advised to avoid poorly lit streets and secluded areas.

TERRORISM RISK: LOW

Although there is no recent history of terrorism in Belarus, attacks cannot be ruled out, so visitors are strongly advised to remain aware of their surroundings at all times.

SCAMS RISK: LOW

There aren't any known scams that are typical for Belarus specifically, but that doesn't mean there aren't any scams towards tourists and visitors. Usually, when people see you're a tourist, there will always be those who will come up with a trick to draw money from you. Be aware of your surroundings always.

WOMEN TRAVELERS RISK: LOW

Women are not at a particular risk in this country. Belarus isn't known for being dangerous for women, but common sense is still of key importance. Do not do things you wouldn't in your own country, like walking by yourself at night or roaming around secluded areas.

So... How Safe Is Belarus Really?

Belarus is overall a safe country, but as a traveler, you’re still advised to take all the normal precautions, like avoid pickpockets, crowded areas and shady people that are trying to distract you.

It is a common misconception that Belarus is an unsafe country due to the political situation but the only way you can have problems or feel unsafe in Belarus is if you speak against the current government in public or participate in demonstrations by the opposition.

Foreigners should also be aware that any type of illicit drug use – even including marijuana, will be severely punished in Belarus.

Young people may be stopped and required to prove their age, but if you look on the internet, you’ll see many false stories that police tend to pick on foreigners: the truth is that most foreigners haven’t had any problems like that.

If you do have to deal with the police, they are actually very kind and helpful.

Security personnel, however, may at times place you, as a foreigner, under surveillance by monitoring some hotel rooms, telephones, and fax machines.

One more thing: make sure that when you pass the border or give your passport to policemen in the street, or anywhere else, you don’t have any money there: it might be considered to be bribery.

How Does Belarus Compare?

Country	Safety Index
Belarus	77
Morocco	54
Slovenia	87
Bulgaria	80
Vietnam	73
Portugal	57
Japan	83
Ghana	73
Australia	86

Useful Information

Visas

Most countries do not need a visa to enter Belarus, unless you're planning to stay for longer than 30 days. If so, you might need to acquire one, but your best bet is to ask about visa requirements in your local Belarus embassy. You don’t need a visa to transit Belarus by air, but the maximum period you can transit and remain airside is 24 hours.

Currency

Belarusian ruble is the official currency in Belarus. You can use ATMs and exchange offices throughout the country, and credit cards are definitely accepted in most restaurants and tourist facilities. Bargaining isn't really a practice in Belarus, with the exception of taxi cabs. You should vigorously bargain with taxi drivers whenever the opportunity arises.

Weather

Belarus has a temperate-continental climate characterized by moderate features typical for Central Europe, with relatively mild summers and long, cold winters. Belarus has a significant amount of rainfall during the year and this applies even for the driest of months. Probably the best time to visit Belarus is during its warm summers - from June to September.

Airports

Minsk National Airport is the main and the busiest international airport in Belarus. It is located 42 km to the east of the capital Minsk, geographically speaking, in the territory of Smalyavichy Raion.

Travel Insurance

As in any country, travelers are highly advised to get a travel insurance that covers not only medical issues but also theft and loss of personal items.

Click here to get an offer for travel insurance

Belarus Weather Averages (Temperatures)

Jan -4° C

Feb -4° C

Mar 1° C

Apr 8° C

May 14° C

Jun 17° C

Jul 19° C

Aug 18° C

Sep 13° C

Oct 7° C

Nov 1° C

Dec -3° C

Average High/Low Temperature

Temperature / Month	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
High °C	-2	-1	4	12	19	22	24	23	17	10	3	-1
Low °C	-6	-6	-3	3	8	12	14	13	8	3	-1	-5
High °F	28	30	39	54	66	72	75	73	63	50	37	30
Low °F	21	21	27	37	46	54	57	55	46	37	30	23

Belarus - Safety by City

City	Safety Index
Minsk	77