Genvisec advises that all business and leisure travel should continue.

 

Crime

 

There is little crime in Belarus but, you should be alert at all times to the possibility of mugging, pickpocketing and theft from vehicles or hotel rooms. Take extra care when travelling by train; there have been instances of theft from travellers, especially on sleeper trains to Warsaw and Moscow.

 

Road travel

 

You must have a valid International Driving Permit to drive legally in Belarus. You must be able to produce ownership documents or a letter of ‘power of attorney’ at border crossings. Only originals of these documents are accepted. You must have third party car insurance or you may get an on-the-spot fine. You can only buy this when entering Belarus. Ask at Customs’ border offices for further information.

 

Buses may require permits for picking up passengers in Belarus, or for transiting. These permits are free. Find out when a permit is required and how to get one.

 

Don’t overstay the temporary import terms for your vehicle. Violation of the exit deadline may result in confiscation of your vehicle at the Belarusian border or if stopped at an in-country police checkpoint.

 

There may be long queues at borders. Customs and immigration can be lengthy and bureaucratic. You should ignore any private facilitators who offer to help you pass through checkpoints and border crossings.

 

Drivers of foreign vehicles must pay a fee to use toll roads. There are fines for non-compliance. On 1 August 2013, an electronic toll collection system was introduced. Information about the system of toll roads can be found here, including a map of toll roads and guidance on payment.

 

The quality of driving in Belarus is erratic. A-class highways are in reasonable condition. The condition of B-class roads varies considerably and some are impassable for periods in winter. Road works and potholes are usually poorly marked. Pony and trap combinations are a specific hazard for drivers in rural unlit areas.

 

You should observe the speed limit at all times. The standard speed limit is 60 km/h (37 mph) in built up areas; 90 km/h (55 mph) outside built up areas; and 100 km/h (62 mph) on motorways (Brest-Moscow). Visiting motorists who have held a driving licence for under 2 years must not exceed 70 km/h (43 mph).

 

There is a zero-tolerance policy towards drink-driving.

 

There are police checkpoints on routes throughout the country. You should stop when instructed and have vehicle documentation to hand.

 

See the AA and RAC guides on driving in Belarus.

 

Air travel

 

Some local airlines may not observe proper maintenance procedures. For your safety, where possible, you should fly directly to your destination on an international flight originating outside the former Soviet Union.

 

Political situation

 

Belarus is governed by a strong Presidential system with security forces loyal to it. The authorities show little tolerance for their opposition counterparts. The security forces have used force to disperse or intimidate opposition events. Be vigilant and avoid any demonstrations or rallies.

 

Health

 

Contact your doctor around 8 weeks before your trip to check whether you need any vaccinations or other preventive measures. 

 

The standard of health care is below that of Western Europe. You should bring essential personal medications, as the availability of local supplies can’t be guaranteed. Make sure you have adequate travel health insurance and accessible funds to cover the cost of any medical treatment abroad and repatriation.

 

Avoid certain foodstuffs including local dairy produce, forest mushrooms and fruits of the forest, which can carry high levels of radiation as a result of contamination from the 1986 accident at Chernobyl in Ukraine.

 

Otherwise the risk of radioactive contamination from the Chernobyl site is insignificant. There is an exclusion zone immediately around the Chernobyl site, which includes the area close to the border with Ukraine in the south east of Belarus. You may find access to this part of the country is limited.

 

Don’t drink village well water as it is usually heavily contaminated with impurities. In cities, you should first boil, then filter tap water before drinking. Bottled water is widely available in shops.

 

If you need emergency medical assistance during your trip, dial 103 and ask for an ambulance. You should contact your insurance/medical assistance company promptly if you are referred to a medical facility for treatment. Most people in Belarus only speak the Russian or Belarusian languages. You may need to find someone who speaks English to interpret for you.  

 

101 - Fire

 

102 - Police

 

103 - Ambulance

 

104 - Gas leak

 

105, 151, 155 - Railroad station

 

106 - National airport Minsk-2

 

107, 116 - Towing services

 

Money

 

Sterling is not widely accepted for exchange into Belarusian Roubels (BYR). We advise that you carry US Dollars. Euros are also widely accepted. Ensure you have enough money for the duration of your stay. It is only possible to exchange BYR back into other foreign currency, most commonly US Dollars, in Belarus and only at some exchange outlets on the on the presentation of a valid passport. It is not possible to exchange BYR into other currencies outside of Belarus.

 

There are plenty of ATMs in major cities. Credit cards are not widely used but can be used to withdraw cash at major hotels and banks. Usually only BYR can be withdrawn from ATMs. A small number of ATM’s issue US Dollars but the supply is not reliable. Some large stores and restaurants will accept credit cards. It is advisable to inform your UK bank of your intended travel to Belarus before you depart to ensure that they do not block your card because of suspicion of fraudulent use in a foreign country.

 

You should only exchange foreign currency at Government licensed booths. These can be found in or near major stores, hotels, banks and shopping centres. Non-compliance can result in fines and/or arrest and the currency involved in the deal will be confiscated. There are proposals by the Belarusian Ministry of Interior to further toughen penalties for illegal foreign currency transactions.

 

Local laws and customs

 

There are severe penalties for drug-related crime. Penalties for possession of drugs range from fines to up to 5 years in prison. Large-scale drug-related offences can result in sentences of 7 to 15 years.

 

Homosexual relationships are permitted under Belarusian law. However, Belarus remains a conservative society and the gay/lesbian scene is very low profile. Very few homosexuals are open about their sexuality.

 

You should avoid taking photographs of all government buildings, military installations and uniformed officials. You could be fined for jaywalking.

 

If you wish to import goods or services for charitable purposes, consult the Belarus Embassy in London for advice about local procedures and tariffs. If you think your goods will be exempt from Belarusian taxation, you should get written confirmation from the Belarus Embassy in London, confirming this.