Belarus Travel Safety

Road safety

Drivers generally have little regard for traffic regulations and do not follow safe-driving practices. Horse-drawn carts are a common road hazard in rural areas. Radar traps are widespread. Traffic is much lighter in Belarus than in most other countries in Europe. Roads are generally in good condition, however, many may be impassable in winter.

Identification

Always carry originals of your passport, visa and migration card, as you may be asked to prove your identity and date of entry into the country. Failure to provide internationally recognized identification could result in detention.

Taxis

Use only officially marked taxis and do not share them with strangers. Fares vary greatly and vehicles are often poorly maintained.

Public transportation

Buses and trolleys are poorly maintained and are usually crowded and unheated. Exercise caution when travelling by train, especially on sleeper trains to Warsaw and Moscow. Ensure that the door is secured from the inside. Store valuables in a safe place and do not leave your compartment unattended.

Women's safety

Based on the crime situation of the Belarus, women should be vigilant all the time and aware of the surroundings. Avoid dark or non-tourist areas at night. Instead try to be around larger crowds, whether they are fellow tourists or local citizens. Females should be cautious while dealing with strangers and acquaintances. Women may be subject to unpleasant male attention, sexual harassment and verbal abuse. Avoid flash of money or valuables in public. Exercise a high degree of precaution during travel.

Fraud

Debit- and credit-card fraud is common. Use these cards only at automated teller machines (ATMs) located inside major banks. If you use a credit card for payment, pay careful attention when it is handled by others during payment processing and check your statement frequently for fraudulent use.

Crime

In the cities of Brest, Gomel, Grodno, Minsk, Mogilev and Vitebsk, petty crimes such as pick pocketing and purse snatching occur. Such crimes are especially common after dark in and around hotels and hostels frequented by foreigners. Theft of luxury cars is common. Park your vehicle in a secure location or guarded lot and always keep valuables out of sight. Be vigilant when crossing the border with Poland at Brest due to the risk of mugging.

Terrorism

There is a threat of terrorism in Europe. Terrorist attacks have occurred in a number of European cities and there is a potential for other violent incidents, which could target areas frequented by expatriates and foreign travellers. Continue to exercise normal security precautions.

Spiked food and drinks

Be wary of accepting snacks, beverages, gum or cigarettes from new acquaintances, as the items may contain drugs that could put you at risk of sexual assault and robbery. Never leave food or drinks unattended or in the care of strangers. Many adult clubs are managed by organized crime in Belarus.

LGBT

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

Illegal drugs

Penalties for possession, use or trafficking of illegal drugs are strict. Convicted offenders can expect lengthy jail sentences. These include prison sentences of up to 5 years for drug possession and up to 25 years for serious drug-related offences.

Illegal or restricted activities

Photography of military installations, public buildings and monuments may result in a penalty. Seek permission from local authorities before taking photographs.

Driving

An International Driving Permit is required. Traffic safety in the Belarus is controlled by uniformed police officers known as DAI in Belarusian and GAI in Russian. If a traffic police officer waves a striped wand or shows you a red retro-reflector at you, you must pull over and be ready to present driving and insurance documents. Drivers of foreign vehicles must pay a fee to use Belarusian highways. Belarus uses a digital road toll system, BelToll, to collect tolls along motorways. The use of hand-held devices while driving is prohibited. The alcohol limit for drivers is 0%. The speed limit in urban areas is 60 km/h, unless specified otherwise, outside urban areas it is 90 km/h and on highways, 110 km/h. Speed limits are strictly enforced. The Belarusian government may enforce a requirement for special permits to travel in "protected border zones". Be alert for warning signs, road barriers or border-guard posts. Do not cross into such areas without permission. Most traffic signs are in Cyrillic script only (not Latin).