Belarus

Belarushttps://wng-kosmos-wn-cms-uat.kaos.nibit.com.au:443/travel-safety/eastern-europe/belarusBelarushttps://public-web-wn.uat.wng.me/travel-safety/eastern-europe/belarus/health-and-safety-in-belarusOur safety expert shares his tips on hygiene and staying healthy while traveling this landlocked country in Eastern Europe.2019-08-15T10:00:00Z https://wng-kosmos-wn-cms-uat.kaos.nibit.com.au:443/travel-safety/eastern-europe/belarus/health-and-safety-in-belarushttps://www.worldnomads.com<p>So, you've survived the border checks, random identification checks, the potential threat of terrorism, and driving in Belarus's countryside. But what about radiation and tuberculosis?</p> <h2>Radiation in Belarus</h2> <p>The <a href="/travel-safety/eastern-europe/ukraine/ukraine-is-it-safe-to-travel-to-chernobyl" title="Is it Safe to Go to Chernobyl?">Chernobyl nuclear disaster</a> of 1986 on the Ukraine/Belarus border still has serious effects on the local population. Rising rates of cancer and birth defects are some of the more obvious effects seen today. Some 70% of the radiation fallout from the disaster landed on Belarus, affecting farmland, some river and lake systems and food sourced from forests.</p> <p>However, these days most food in Belarus is considered to have safe levels of radiation, due to regular testing. However, it's best to avoid all local dairy products, forest mushrooms, forest fruit or any farm food from market or street side stalls, as well as water from village wells.</p> <p>In cities it's a good idea (but not mandatory) to boil, then filter tap water before drinking it. Alternatively, bottled water is widely available – <a href="/travel-safety/worldwide/bottled-vs-filtered-water">but the impact on the environment isn't ideal</a>.</p> <h2>Other Health Issues in Belarus</h2> <p>The other major threats to health in Belarus are tick-borne encephalitis and Lyme disease in heavily wooded areas and more generally Tuberculosis is on the rise.</p> <p>To protect against Encephalitis take the following measures in forest areas:</p> <ul> <li>Cover any exposed skin in dense undergrowth</li> <li>Use and frequently reapply an insect repellent that contains DEET</li> <li>Check yourself for ticks during and after walking in forested areas</li> <li>The incubation period for tick-borne encephalitis is 7-14 days, so if you experience any flu like symptoms in this time, seek medical attention as a matter of urgency.</li> </ul> <p>Tuberculosis (TB) is a very serous bacterial infection that primarily targets the lungs. It is contagious, however you are unlikely to be infected by casual passers by. Infection is caused when you are in consistent, close contact with someone suffering from TB. You can mitigate the risks of infection by a few simple means:</p> <ul> <li>Avoid any prolonged contact with anyone who has a persistent cough</li> <li>Eat well and get plenty of exercise</li> <li>Sunlight kills the TB bacteria, so spend plenty of time in the outdoors.</li> </ul> <h2>Recommended Vaccinations for Belarus</h2> <p>See your travel doctor before you go for the best advice that is right for you. But, here are a few recommended immunisations for Belarus:</p> <ul> <li>Hepatitis A and B</li> <li>Rabies (which is on the increase in Belarus)</li> <li>Typhoid</li> <li>Tetanus</li> <li>Diphtheria</li> <li>Polio</li> </ul> <p>The healthcare system in Belarus can be extremely limited in rural areas, and not always up to scratch in the cities. If you fall seriously sick or are badly injured, contact your consular department for assistance, or <a href="https://pp.worldnomads.com/contact-us" title="Contact World Nomads">your travel insurance provider</a>.</p>Getty Images/Andrei Bortnikau / EyeEm 1688931965 Getty Images A deer stands in the countryside of Belarus

https://public-web-wn.uat.wng.me/travel-safety/eastern-europe/belarus/getting-around-in-belarusFrom visas to local transport tips, here's what you need to know about getting in and out of Belarus.2019-08-15T10:00:00Z https://wng-kosmos-wn-cms-uat.kaos.nibit.com.au:443/travel-safety/eastern-europe/belarus/getting-around-in-belarushttps://www.worldnomads.com<h2>Visas in Belarus</h2> <p>Recently introduced visa-free travel regulations have made entering the country much easier than before.</p> <p>Previously, all foreigners, whether transiting through or entering the country, required a visa. Now, there is an opportunity to travel to Belarus for 30-days visa-free. To find out if you're one of the 74 countries eligible, <a href="https://www.belarus.by/rel_image/6400" title="Visiting Belarus Without a Visa">click here</a>.</p> <p>It's important to note that you must arrive and leave the country only through Minsk National Airport. If you enter via any other border checkpoint or airport in the country, the visa-free entry rules will not apply.</p> <p>Do not pay any border or railway officials for transit visas or transit visa fines, as they are not authorized to issue such visas. If you do find yourself in Belarus without a transit visa and you are confronted by border or train personnel, you should request to be put in contact with your consular officials in Minsk.</p> <h2>Getting Around Belarus</h2> <p>Potholes, poor or non-existent street lighting and an almost complete disregard of traffic rules are just some of the hazards you will face on the roads here. In the countryside the risks to your safety are heightened by the prevalence of pony and trap combinations.</p> <p>That's right, in rural areas where street lighting is not common, be aware that pony and trap combinations are regularly used on the back-roads, and if you are driving you may not see or hear them coming.</p> <p>If you are brave enough to drive there are a few things to be aware of. First, driving in Belarus is erratic at best and basic road rules seem optional rather than mandatory. Throughout Belarus A class Highways are in fair condition but the condition of B Class Highways varies considerably, and due to snow and ice they may be impassable during winter. It's best to check with locals on the state of back roads.</p> <p>Drink driving is not tolerated; authorities operate a nil-tolerance policy.</p> <p>There are police checkpoints throughout the country, stop where instructed and ensure that you have all documentation required, here's what you need in original form:</p> <ul> <li>Ownership documents or letter of Power of Attorney</li> <li>Third Party Car Insurance (to be purchased at Customs on entry to Belarus)</li> </ul> <p>Drivers of foreign vehicles must pay a fee to use Belarus Highways, and payments are collected at border checkpoints, and vary according to the length of your stay. Finally, don't violate the temporary import terms of your car, doing so may result in confiscation of the car at border or police checkpoints.</p>Getty Images/Egor Kunovsky / EyeEm 11147261515 Getty Images Minsk during winter, covered in snow

https://public-web-wn.uat.wng.me/travel-safety/eastern-europe/belarus/crime-in-belarusHow safe is Belarus for travelers? Everything you need to know about crime, scams, civil unrest and the potential threat of terrorism in Belarus.2020-10-22T11:00:00Z https://wng-kosmos-wn-cms-uat.kaos.nibit.com.au:443/travel-safety/eastern-europe/belarus/crime-in-belarushttps://www.worldnomads.com<p><strong>Coronavirus (COVID-19) travel restrictions in Belarus – updated 18 January 2022: </strong>e<span>ntry into Belarus a land border for foreign citizens has been suspended. There is a narrow list of concessions, and you can check the<span> </span></span><a rel="external" href="https://gpk.gov.by/en/">State Border Committee website</a><span><span> </span>for details.<span> <span>Flights continue to operate in and out of Minsk and regional airports as normal. </span></span></span>Travelers arriving from countries where COVID-19 cases have been reported (check for the latest updates on the <a href="https://www.belarus.by/en/travel/travel-visas/visa-free-travel-program-belarus">Belarus Government website</a>) must self-isolate for 10 days. Foreign travelers must have a negative PCR COVID-19 test result taken within 48 hours of arrival. Check to see if you require a visa. Foreign travelers must have <a href="https://www.belarus.by/en/travel/insurance">valid medical insurance</a> to cover their stay.</p> <p><em>Before you buy a travel insurance policy, check your government travel warnings and health advice – there may be no travel insurance cover for locations with a government travel ban or health advice against travel.</em></p> <p><strong><a href="/help/insurance/recent-events/coronavirus-faqs" title="Coronavirus FAQs">Wondering how your travel insurance might be affected by the COVID-19 outbreak? Find answers to some of our common questions about COVID-19</a>.</strong></p> <ul> <li><a href="#crime"> Crime in Belarus </a></li> <li><a href="#unrest"> Civil unrest in Belarus </a></li> <li><a href="#drugs"> Drink spiking and drugs in Belarus </a></li> <li><a href="#punishment"> Capital punishment </a></li> <li><a href="#terrorism"> Terrorism in Belarus </a></li> </ul> <h2 id="crime">Crime in Belarus</h2> <p>Belarus is generally a safe place for travelers, police and security services are loyal to the government and opposition can result in an immediate crackdown. Violent crimes against travelers are rare, however you should always exercise common sense. If you find yourself in a dangerous situation, don't be a hero – hand over whatever it is the perpetrator is asking for, or try to walk away and find a safe place. Avoid public demonstrations and protests as they are likely to be confrontational with force being used against those taking part.</p> <p>The biggest threat to travelers in Belarus is petty theft, particularly on public transport, sleeper trains, and in popular tourist destinations around Minsk.</p> <ul> <li>Be cautious, alert and aware of your surroundings and belongings at all times</li> <li>Keep your wallet, bag or backpack zipped shut and in front of you</li> <li>Men should try to keep their wallets in the front rather than the back pocket</li> <li>Don't carry large sums of money with you, or draw attention to yourself</li> <li>Wealthy tourists represent rich pickings for Belarusian thieves, so don't make it obvious by wearing flashy jewelry or super fancy clothing.</li> </ul> <p>Another target for thieves in Belarus is European, Japanese and American-made SUV and luxury cars. Car jacking is rare, but car theft and theft of car parts is common here. Again, inconspicuousness is the key: park in secure overnight parking areas, and don't leave valuables on the back seat of the car – hide your belongings in the boot or beneath seats if you absolutely have to keep them in the car.</p> <h2 id="unrest">Civil unrest in Belarus</h2> <p>Following elections held in August 2020, a wave of anti-government protests began after its authoritarian president since 1994, Alexander Lukashenko, claimed to have won an 80% victory. The election outcome was widely contested, and media outlets have reported protestors being detained and injured on the streets. The opposition leader, Svetlana Tikhanouskaya, <a href="https://www.euronews.com/2020/08/25/belarus-opposition-leader-sviatlana-tsikhanouskaya-to-address-leaders-at-emergency-eu-summ">fled Belarus for her safety a few days after the election</a>.</p> <p>Belarus is an authoritarian state. <a href="/travel-safety/worldwide/safety-advice-civil-unrest">Political unrest or dissention</a> is not tolerated, and foreign travelers should stay well away from any political demonstrations, marches or large public gatherings.</p> <p>If you participate in any kind of rally or demonstration, particularly if you are caught holding a banner, expect to be detained. Avoid any political demonstrations at all costs.</p> <h2 id="drugs">Drink spiking and drugs in Belarus</h2> <p>While there are strong penalties for possession or use of drugs in Belarus (convicted offenders can expect long jail sentences and heavy fines), there have been reports of <a href="/travel-safety/worldwide/drink-spiking" title="How to Avoid Drink Spiking">drugged travelers by drink spiking in nightclubs</a>. It can be very difficult to tell if your drink has been spiked, so here are a few ways to avoid it:</p> <ul> <li>Never accept a drink from a stranger</li> <li>Don't leave your drink unattended</li> <li>Try to keep your hand over your drink if you are walking through nightclubs or bars</li> <li>Don't drink anything you didn't open yourself, see it be opened or poured by a bar tender</li> <li>If you think your drink has been spiked, if you feel dizzy or sick, ask someone you trust to take you to a safe place or a hospital, and report it to the authorities.</li> </ul> <p>Prostitution is fairy common in Belarus, and it's not unheard of for sex-workers to try to enter hotels in search of customers. This really only happens at smaller, local hotels.</p> <h2 id="punishment">Capital punishment</h2> <p>As of 2020, Belarus is the only country in Europe which still has capital punishment. Execution is the punishment for murder, terrorism, treason, conspiracy and sabotage. If you are arrested for a crime in Belarus, you may not have automatic access to your consular official and you may be summarily expelled, arrested or imprisoned.</p> <h2 id="terrorism">Terrorism in Belarus</h2> <p>Terrorist attacks have not occurred in Belarus in recent years, however terrorism can occur anywhere and the threat cannot be ruled out entirely. Before you travel, check your government travel advisory.</p> <p>Bombings have occurred in 2005, 2008 and 2011. In the 2011 Minsk Metro bombing, 14 people were killed and more than two hundred were injured in an explosion.</p> <p>Be alert, but not alarmed. Always register your trip with consular officials.<br /><br /></p> <h2 id="terrorism">LGBTQ+ safety in Belarus</h2> <p>While same-sex relationships are permitted in Belarus, the LGBTQ+ scene is very low-key and few members of the LGBTQ+ community are open about their sexuality.</p>Getty Images/Frans Sellies 1963842686 Getty Images Belarus, Memorial Church of All Saints in Memory of Innocent Victims in our Fatherland