Belarus
About Belarus
| Currency | Belarussian ruble (BYR) |
| Language | Belarussian and Russian |
| Capital | Minsk |
Belarus is located in eastern Europe, between Poland and Russia. It is a flat country with large areas of marshland. The population is about 9,500,000 people.
The government is officially listed as a republic. A president serves as head of state and a prime minister serves as head of government.
Belarus gained independence in 1991 after the collapse of the Soviet Union. The country has a state-controlled economy that is heavily dependent on Russia for trade and for energy.
World War II caused much devastation to Belarus, resulting in the loss of historical areas. Also, Belarus received about 70 percent of the radioactive fallout from the Chernobyl nuclear disaster, and about one-fifth of the land is contaminated.
There are two impressive national parks, the Pushcha National Park and the Pripyatsky National Park. Visitors can also see the home of the artist, Marc Chagall and visit the numerous museums.
Recommended Vaccinations For Belarus
For Most Travellers
Hepatitis A Vaccine
**Vaccination is recommended for unvaccinated travellers over the age of one traveling to Belarus.**
Hepatitis B Vaccine
Vaccination is recommended for all unvaccinated travellers traveling to Belarus.
For Some Travellers
Measles, Mumps, Rubella (MMR) Vaccine
A dose of Measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine is recommended for infants aged 6 to 11 months.
Tick-Borne Encephalitis Vaccine
Only travellers who plan to visit this country during the summer months and hike or camp in rural or forested areas that provide a habitat for the ticks that carry the virus should consider obtaining this vaccine.
Rabies Vaccine
Vaccination against rabies is recommended for travellers involved in outdoor activities (e.g., campers, hikers, bikers, adventure travellers, and cavers) who may have direct contact with rabid dogs, bats, and other mammals. Those with occupational risks (such as veterinarians, wildlife professionals, researchers) and long-term travellers and expatriates are at higher risk and should be vaccinated.
Recommended Medications For Belarus
There are no recommendations for Belarus at this time.
Diseases To Be Aware of for Belarus
For Most Travellers
Hepatitis A
**There is a risk of exposure to hepatitis A virus in this country through contaminated food or water.**
Hepatitis B
There is a significant risk for acquiring hepatitis B in Belarus.
For Some Travellers
Measles
There is a risk of Measles in this country, especially in infants aged 6 to 11 months.
Hanta Virus
There is a risk of acquiring Hantavirus in this country through the consumption of food and water contaminated by an infected rodent or through rodent bites.
Tick-Borne Encephalitis
There is a risk of Tick-Borne Encephalitis in all areas of this country. The transmission season varies, however, ticks are most active during early spring to late autumn.
Tuberculosis
Tuberculosis occurs in Belarus. Travellers to this country are at risk for tuberculosis if visiting sick friends or family, working in the health care field, or having close prolonged contact with the general population.
Rabies
Rabies occurs in Belarus. Travellers involved in outdoor activities (e.g., campers, hikers, bikers, adventure travellers, and cavers) may have direct contact with rabid dogs, bats, and other mammals. Those with occupational risks (such as veterinarians, wildlife professionals, researchers) and long-term travellers and expatriates are at higher risk.
Safety & Security in Belarus
Personal Safety
Most travellers to Belarus have no trouble. Pickpocketing and other petty crime can occur, particularly in cities, such as Minsk, Brest, Gomel, Mogilev, Vitebsk, and Grodno and mainly in tourist areas. To avoid being targeted for theft, keep valuables out of sight, and avoid showing signs of affluence. Never leave food or drink unattended and never accept drinks from strangers or casual acquaintances as there have been incidents of food or drink being spiked and tourists robbed while unconscious.
Exercise extra caution on trains, particularly on overnight trips, where theft is common. The risk of mugging is increased when crossing the border with Poland at Brest.
Travellers should note that during the winter months, ice and snow may result in road closures outside main cities.
Although same-sex sexual relations are not illegal in Belarus, there is a lack of social acceptance and LGBTI travellers may face discrimination.
It is illegal for foreigners to cross into Russia from Belarus by land. Foreigners must fly into Russia.
Extreme Violence
There is a threat of terrorism in Europe. Terrorists have carried out attacks in several European cities.Terrorist attacks could occur at any time.
Political Unrest
Demonstrations occur frequently and can cause travel disruptions. Minimize risk by avoiding demonstrations and strikes as they can become violent at any time, and bystanders may face arrest.
Areas To Avoid
Do not travel to areas near borders with Latvia, Lithuania and Poland due to ongoing civil unrest and potential for armed violence.
