Belarus Safety Guide
Health, security, and travel safety information
Emergency Numbers
Save these numbers before your trip.
Healthcare
What to know about medical care in Belarus.
Healthcare System
Belarus has a state-funded healthcare system that provides basic medical care. The system is based on the Soviet model with polyclinics for primary care and hospitals for specialized treatment. While emergency care is technically free for tourists, quality and standards vary significantly from Western expectations.
Hospitals
In Minsk, the Republican Scientific and Practical Center 'Cardiology' and the Minsk City Clinical Emergency Hospital are among the better facilities. Private clinics like Lode Medical Center offer higher standards and English-speaking staff but at significant cost. Outside Minsk, medical facilities are more basic.
Pharmacies
Pharmacies (аптэка/apteka) are widely available in cities. Many common medications are available, but specific brands may differ. Some medications available over-the-counter elsewhere may require prescriptions. Pharmacies are generally well-stocked in urban areas but selection may be limited in rural regions.
Insurance
Travel insurance with comprehensive medical coverage and medical evacuation is strongly recommended and may be required for visa issuance. Ensure your policy covers Belarus specifically, as some policies exclude certain countries.
Healthcare Tips
- Bring sufficient supplies of prescription medications in original containers with prescriptions translated into Russian
- Carry copies of medical records and prescriptions in Russian if you have chronic conditions
- Know your blood type and any allergies in Russian
- Private clinics require upfront payment; keep receipts for insurance claims
- Tap water is generally not recommended for drinking; stick to bottled water
- Ensure tetanus, hepatitis A and B vaccinations are up to date
Common Risks
Be aware of these potential issues.
Pickpocketing and bag snatching can occur, particularly targeting tourists who appear affluent or distracted
Police and security services may conduct random document checks. Failure to produce proper documentation can result in detention, fines, or deportation
Taking photographs of government buildings, military installations, airports, border areas, and certain infrastructure is illegal and can result in arrest, detention, and confiscation of equipment
Unauthorized demonstrations are illegal and heavily policed. Even bystanders can be detained, arrested, and face serious consequences including deportation
Driving standards can be unpredictable, with aggressive driving, poor road conditions outside cities, and inadequate lighting. Winter driving is particularly hazardous
Tourists may be overcharged for services, particularly by unofficial taxis, in some restaurants, or when exchanging currency
Scams to Avoid
Watch out for these common tourist scams.
Unlicensed taxi drivers at airports and train stations offer rides at inflated prices or take unnecessarily long routes. Some may claim the meter is broken.
Street money changers or unofficial exchange points offer better rates but may use sleight of hand, provide counterfeit notes, or shortchange tourists.
Some restaurants catering to tourists may add items you didn't order to the bill, charge for bread or condiments that appeared complimentary, or inflate prices for foreigners.
Individuals posing as police officers may approach tourists, claim to need to check documents or search for counterfeit money, and attempt to steal valuables or demand bribes.
Apartment rentals or budget accommodations may look different from photos, or the owner may claim the advertised property is unavailable and offer a worse alternative at the same price.
Safety Tips
Practical advice to stay safe.
Documentation and Legal Compliance
- Carry your original passport, visa, and migration card at all times - copies are not sufficient
- Register your accommodation within 5 business days of arrival (hotels do this automatically)
- Keep digital and physical copies of all important documents stored separately
- Ensure your visa is valid for your entire stay with a buffer period
- Familiarize yourself with restricted areas and photography prohibitions
- Avoid any involvement in political activities, demonstrations, or discussions critical of the government
Communication
- Learn basic Russian phrases - English is not widely spoken outside tourist areas in Minsk
- Download offline translation apps and maps before arrival
- Keep your embassy's contact information readily accessible
- Be cautious about discussing politics or sensitive topics, even in private settings
- Consider purchasing a local SIM card for reliable communication
- Save important addresses written in Cyrillic script
Money and Valuables
- Use ATMs inside banks during business hours when possible
- Notify your bank of travel plans to Belarus to avoid card blocks
- Carry some cash in US dollars or euros as backup (exchange at official locations)
- Use hotel safes for valuables and extra cash
- Be discreet with money and avoid displaying wealth
- Keep emergency cash separate from your main wallet
Transportation
- Use official taxis or ride-hailing apps rather than unmarked vehicles
- Metro in Minsk is safe, efficient, and inexpensive
- Avoid hitchhiking or accepting rides from strangers
- If renting a car, ensure you have proper insurance and documentation
- Be aware that traffic police may conduct random vehicle checks
- Keep vehicle doors locked and valuables out of sight when driving
Accommodation
- Stay in registered hotels or officially licensed accommodations to ensure proper registration
- Verify that your accommodation will handle migration registration
- Keep your hotel business card or address in Cyrillic for taxi drivers
- Use room safes and don't leave valuables visible
- Be aware of who you allow into your room - verify hotel staff identity
- Check that doors and windows lock securely
Technology and Privacy
- Be aware that internet activity may be monitored
- Use VPN services for sensitive communications (but note that some VPNs may be blocked)
- Avoid accessing or discussing politically sensitive content
- Be cautious about what you post on social media while in the country
- Keep devices password-protected and don't leave them unattended
- Back up important data before traveling
Information for Specific Travelers
Safety considerations for different traveler groups.
Women Travelers
Belarus is generally safe for women travelers, with low rates of violent crime. Women traveling alone are not uncommon in cities, and harassment is less frequent than in many other countries. However, standard precautions should be observed, particularly regarding unwanted attention in nightlife areas and when traveling alone at night. Traditional gender roles remain prevalent in Belarusian society.
- Dress modestly to avoid unwanted attention; Belarusian women typically dress more formally than in Western countries
- Avoid walking alone late at night, particularly in poorly lit areas or parks
- Use official taxis or ride-hailing apps rather than hailing cabs on the street, especially at night
- Be cautious about accepting drinks from strangers in bars or clubs
- Trust your instincts - if a situation feels uncomfortable, remove yourself
- Keep your hotel room number private and verify staff identity before opening your door
- Learn basic Russian phrases for seeking help: 'Помогите!' (Pomogite - Help!)
- Consider joining group tours for visits to more remote areas
- Be aware that solo women may receive more attention from men, particularly in bars or restaurants
- Carry a charged phone with emergency contacts programmed in
- Avoid displaying expensive jewelry or designer items that may attract attention
LGBTQ+ Travelers
Homosexuality is legal in Belarus (decriminalized in 1994), and the age of consent is equal for same-sex and opposite-sex relationships. However, there are no anti-discrimination laws protecting LGBTQ+ individuals, same-sex marriage is not recognized, and same-sex couples have no legal recognition or rights.
- Avoid public displays of affection with same-sex partners to prevent harassment or unwanted attention
- Exercise discretion when discussing sexual orientation or gender identity, particularly in public spaces
- Be aware that LGBTQ+ topics are considered sensitive and may be viewed negatively by many locals
- Research LGBTQ+-friendly accommodations in advance, though openly LGBTQ+-friendly establishments are rare
- Do not expect to find LGBTQ+ venues, bars, or community spaces as they are largely underground or non-existent
- Be cautious about using LGBTQ+ dating apps, as there have been reports of harassment and entrapment
- Consider traveling as 'friends' or 'colleagues' rather than as a couple to avoid complications
- Be prepared for questions about marital status or relationships that may feel intrusive
- Keep emergency contact information for your embassy readily available
- Understand that legal protections are minimal if you experience discrimination or harassment
Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is essential for visiting Belarus due to the differences in healthcare standards, potential for medical evacuation needs, and the complex political situation. Medical costs for foreigners can be high, and medical evacuation to Western Europe can cost tens of thousands of dollars. Insurance may also be required for visa issuance.