Belarus is a republic in Eastern Europe, bordering both Russia and Poland to its east. It is bordered to the east by Russia to the north, west, and south, Ukraine to the southwest, Poland to the northwest, and Lithuania and Estonia to the north west. In terms of population, Belarus has around 5 million citizens. The country is known for the widespread use of the English language in everyday life. It is also a member of the Commonwealth of Nations and has good relations with most other countries. This is why you will find that when most people travel to Belarus they tend to speak English.
There are several ways to travel throughout this beautiful country of Belarus. You could begin your journey by landing at Minsk (Belarus' capital) and then travel by rail, or take the cab to your hotel. If you're interested in visiting the Belarus monuments and places on the border with Poland, you may want to consider train travel. However, if you are interested in visiting Europe's biggest city Minsk, you will want to look into travel insurance and a Belarus travel guide to help you obtain an entry visa and become a legal resident of Belarus.
The first part of your journey to Belarus should be determining your immigration status. As you might already know, Belarusians who wish to visit other European countries (including Germany, Italy, or Austria) must apply for a visa. This visa allows them to live and work in those countries for a set period of time. If you have a visa, but do not have a passport in Belarus, you will need a Soviet union card, which will also serve as your passport once you reach Europe.
Your next step in the process of travelling into Belarus should be determining whether you can enter the country with a visa or not. For citizens of the United Kingdom, Canada, or Australia, a visa is usually not required when entering Belarus. However, you may want to bring your passport, as traveling without it may be illegal. For those traveling to Belarus from a country within the European Union, a visa will be required. You will need a Soviet union card, which will serve as your visa once you reach Europe.
The third aspect of your journey should be deciding whether or not you will get a tourist visa and, if so, how long you will need to stay in Belarus. There are several ways to get a tourist visa when traveling to Belarus. Citizens of certain countries, including the United Kingdom, can visit Belarus without a visa for up to three months. Citizens of the United States, Australia, Canada, or Germany can only enter Belarus with a visa for up to six months.
Your fourth aspect to consider when planning your way through Belarus is the way you can get from one point to another within the country. A good way to see many of the interesting sites is by taking a minsk out. Minsk buses offer a great way to experience much of the European culture and history in Belarus while traveling on Russian soil. Tourists who are interested in more than just visiting the monuments can opt to drive their way through town, taking in the nightlife, shopping, and art galleries. A Soviet union card is required if you plan to drive, so be sure to take this part of your Belarus travel guide before you leave.
One last aspect to consider when planning your route through Belarus is your lodging. Depending on where you stay, your transportation options may become limited. For example, tourists staying at a minsk resort will have access to a minsk railway. However, you may not find so much entertainment there, and access to international flights and so forth may be affected. As such, it is important to make sure that your Belarus travel guide includes lodging information specific to minsk resorts. If you do happen to stay at a minsk resort during your stay in Belarus, be sure to book some time in advance of your arrival to enjoy the many opportunities that come with staying in a resort town.
By understanding these four key aspects to consider when planning your route through Belarus, you will ensure that your holiday is both enjoyable and stress free. Your Belarus travel guide should include not only detailed maps but also so you can plan the type of accommodations that you will have the most convenient access to. Fortunately for visitors who do plan to drive or take the train, they can choose from a wide variety of accommodation options. Staying at a luxury minsk hotel or a real minsk can provide you with everything you need to relax and have a wonderful time in Belarus. On the other hand, you may choose to stay in one of the charming countryside residences if you prefer to stay closer to the city life. Whatever you decide, you will have an opportunity to experience the unique culture of Belarus along with all the delights that come with Soviet Union.
Up to date information for vaccinations before you travel to Belarus are available from the NHS Fit for Travel website.
Review the latest FCDO Travel Advice before travelling to or from Belarus
The best time to go to Belarus is from mid May to mid September, when it's comfortably warm. June, July and August are peak months for temps as well as tourists.
All British national passport holders (except those entering on a diplomatic or official passport) can now enter Belarus for a maximum of 30 days without a visa (the day you arrive counts as day one, regardless of arrival time)
See which forms you may need for entry into Belarus.
The official currency of Belarus is the Belarusian Ruble (BYN). If you're looking to transfer or spend money in Belarus you can grab amazing Belarusian Ruble deals via Wise.com (GBP to BYN).
Still unknown, but Belarus is one of the best countries in Europe for wildlife spotting. Wolves, bears, moose, lynx, deer, badger, beaver, bison, otters and many bird species live in primeval forests and marshes. Go on a nature trip through Belarus.
Belarusian food? Draniki (potato pancakes) is the most typical dish found in Belarus cuisine and the most popular. Draniki's main ingredients are grated potatoes and onions though some recipes also include meat, bacon, mushrooms and cheese. They're generally served with sour cream.
You can typically expect to pay around £1.41p for an equivalent pint of lager or beer.
Languages of Belarus are equally Belarusian and Russian. You can learn some basic Belarusian before you travel to Belarus and really impress the locals!
The currency in Belarus is the Belarusian Ruble (Tipping is entirely discretionary in Belarus and service charges are not automatically added to the bill. If you want to tip in a restaurant or café, give about 5% of the total amount. Taxi drivers and hotel staff don't generally expect tips, although they are always gratefully received!).
The GMT time difference is 2 hours