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• Risk level
• Safety and security
• Entry and exit requirements
• Health
• Laws and culture
• Natural disasters and climate
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Risk level

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Safety and security

Impacts of the armed conflict in Ukraine

In February 2022, Russia launched a military invasion of Ukraine. Russian forces conduct military operations from Belarus. Security conditions are unpredictable and could deteriorate without notice.

Projectiles from the armed conflict in Ukraine have landed in the Brest region near the Ukrainian border. Be aware of your surroundings.

The ability of the Embassy of Canada to Poland to provide consular services in Belarus is extremely limited. If you are in Belarus, you should leave by commercial means.

If you decide to remain in Belarus despite this advisory, be aware that:

• you may have to stay in Belarus longer than expected
• you may not be able to access your funds in Canadian or most international financial institutions
• you should not depend on the Government of Canada to help you leave the country

If you plan to leave Belarus:

• ensure that your travel documents and those of your family are up-to-date and secure at all times

• communicate your travel plans to family and friends
• register and update your contact information through the Registration of Canadians Abroad service and encourage other Canadian citizens in Belarus to do so

Political situation

Belarusian authorities may enforce local laws in an arbitrary manner. The Belarusian government and security forces actively target political opposition, journalists, and individuals perceived to be critical of the government. This includes activities that have taken place in the past or outside of Belarus.

Journalists face considerable risks. Local and foreign journalists could face intimidation, harassment and violence. Some have been detained or had their equipment confiscated. The political situation remains fluid and unpredictable. Authorities could enforce security restrictions without notice.

If you are in Belarus:

• expect a heightened security presence and security checks

• avoid expressions of dissent or making statements critical of or sensitive to the government
• monitor local media for the latest information

Surveillance

You could experience surveillance by the authorities simply because you are a foreigner. They may:

• monitor your telecommunications and your location at all times
• review the content stored on your electronic devices
• search your personal possessions or accommodations without your knowledge or consent
• subject you to intense scrutiny at the airport or border crossings, including searches of your personal possessions and telecommunications devices.

Local authorities in Belarus block access to several:

• websites
• social networks
• search engines
• online services

Don’t assume that your internet connection or past internet activity is private. Foreigners have been expelled from the country for working with Belarusian civil-society groups.

Crime

Petty crime, such as pickpocketing and purse snatching, occurs, particularly in particularly in crowded public areas and places frequented by foreigners, such as:

• popular tourist areas, including lookouts
• buses, trains, bus and train stations, and airports
• hotel lobbies
• restaurants, including outdoor seating areas
• beaches

During your trip:

• keep your personal belongings, including your passport and other travel documents, in a secure place and out of sight
• do not show signs of affluence or wear expensive jewellery
• avoid deserted streets at night
• avoid isolated areas

Terrorism

There is a threat of terrorism in Europe. Terrorist attacks have occurred in several European cities. There is a potential for other violent incidents.

Targets could include:

• government buildings, including police stations
• schools, including universities
• places of worship
• airports and transportation hubs
• public areas such as tourist attractions, restaurants, bars, coffee shops, shopping centres, markets, hotels and other sites frequented by foreigners
• cultural venues

Always be aware of your surroundings when in public places.

Be particularly vigilant during:

• sporting events
• religious holidays
• public celebrations
• major political events, such as elections

Terrorists may use such occasions to mount attacks.

Demonstrations

Demonstrations can occur. Local authorities have used force and arrested demonstrators in the past. If you are close to a demonstration, you may be detained by the Belarusian authorities for questioning. Even peaceful demonstrations can turn violent at any time. They can also lead to disruptions to traffic and public transportation.

• Avoid areas where demonstrations and large gatherings are taking place
• Follow the instructions of local authorities
• Monitor local media for information on ongoing demonstrations

Mass gatherings (large-scale events)

Fraud

Credit card, debit card and ATM fraud

Credit and debit card as well as ATM fraud occurs.

When using your debit or credit card:

• cover the keypad with one hand when entering your PIN
• pay careful attention when others are handling your cards
• avoid using card readers with an irregular or unusual feature
• use ATMs located in public areas or inside a bank or business
• check for any unauthorized transactions on your account statements

Overseas fraud

Spiked food, drinks and other items.

Never leave your food or drinks unattended or in the care of strangers. Avoid accepting snacks, beverages, gum or cigarettes from new acquaintances, as these items may contain drugs that could put you at risk of sexual assault and robbery.

2SLGBTQI+ persons

2SLGBTQI+ persons, as well as their allies, have been harassed, and verbally and physically abused.

Belarusian law does not prohibit sexual acts between individuals of the same sex. Homosexuality, however, is not widely accepted in Belarus.

Media and artistic depictions of same-sex relationships and transgender people are considered “pornography” under Belarusian law. You could face arrest and detention for public displays of 2SLGBTQI+ relationships, themes, or identities.

2SLGBTQI+ travellers should carefully consider the risks of travelling to Belarus.

Travel and your sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression and sex characteristics

Roads

Road conditions

Road conditions vary considerably across the country. Many roads are impassable in winter. In rural areas, horse-drawn carts are a common road hazard.

 Roads may be poorly maintained and dangerous due to:

• large potholes
• malfunctioning or absence of traffic lights
• insufficient lighting
• uneven surfaces
• bad road markings and signage

Driving habits

Drivers don’t always respect traffic laws. Speeding is common, and drivers can be aggressive and reckless.

Public transportation

Taxis

Only use officially marked taxis from reputable taxi companies. Never share a taxi with strangers.

Arrange your pickup with your hotel before arrival when travelling by air.

Trains

Thieves are active on trains. Store valuables in a safe place and do not leave your compartment unattended. Lock the door from the inside.

Air travel

We don't make assessments on the compliance of foreign domestic airlines with international safety standards.

Information about foreign domestic airlines

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Entry and exit requirements

Some countries have imposed measures in response to the Ebola disease outbreak. These can include restrictions on entry and health screening measures for travellers having recently visited an affected country. If you are suspected of having symptoms, you may be subject to isolation, quarantine and/or travel restrictions. Contact the authorities of the country you are travelling to for more details.

The authorities of a country or territory decide who can enter or exit through its borders. The Government of Canada cannot intervene on your behalf if you do not meet your destination’s entry or exit requirements.

We have obtained the information on this page from local authorities. It can, however, change at any time.

Verify this information with the Foreign Representatives in Canada.

Heightened scrutiny

You may face added scrutiny at the border or be denied entry to Belarus with no reason provided. Even if you meet entry requirements, local authorities may deny you entry to Belarus if they consider your travel to be non-essential. 

Before you travel:

• confirm the entry and exit requirements with the regional migration office
• confirm the status of the border checkpoints
• monitor local media for the latest information

Information portal – State Border Committee of the Republic of Belarus

Passport

Entry requirements vary depending on the type of passport you're travelling with.

Before you travel, check with your transportation company about passport requirements. Its rules on passport validity may be more stringent than the country's entry rules.

Regular Canadian passport

Your passport must be valid for at least 90 days beyond the date you expect to leave from Belarus.

Passport for official travel

Different entry rules may apply.

Official travel

Passport with “X” gender identifier

While the Government of Canada issues passports with an “X” gender identifier, it cannot guarantee your entry or transit through other countries. You might face entry restrictions in countries that do not recognize the “X” gender identifier. Before you leave, verify this information with the closest foreign representative for your destination.

You should also be aware that current systems used by some countries and travel companies may not recognize the “X” gender identifier. You may still be asked to provide your sex/gender information as either male or female when travelling.

Other travel documents

Different entry rules may apply when travelling with a temporary passport or an emergency travel document. Before you leave, verify this information with the closest foreign representative for your destination.

Useful links

• Travel and your sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression and sex characteristics
• Foreign Representatives in Canada
• Canadian passports and other travel documents

Visas

Tourist visa: not required for stays of up to 30 days

Private visa: not required for stays of up to 30 days

Business visa: not required for stays of up to 30 days

Student visa: required

Transit visa: not required

Visa-free entry

You can enter Belarus without a visa for a period of up to 30 days if you enter the country by flying into certain airports, including Minsk National Airport. This visa-free period cannot be extended. You must also meet the following conditions:

• You must have a regular passport valid for at least 90 days beyond the date you expect to leave Belarus
• You must show a proof of sufficient funds to cover your stay in Belarus (Br 49,000 (approx. CAD$30) for each day of stay)
• You must  have a medical insurance coverage of at least €10,000

Those conditions don’t apply if you are flying in from or to Russia as these flights are considered internal flights with no border control.

Useful links

• Obtaining a visa for Belarus– Belarus Ministry of Foreign Affairs
• Information on visa-free travel – Belarus Ministry of Foreign Affairs

Land border crossings

Local authorities in Poland, Latvia and Lithuania have shut down certain border crossings with Belarus and may close additional border crossings with little or no warning. If you intend to travel to Poland from Belarus, you must apply for a humanitarian reasons permit.

If you plan to cross from Belarus into Poland, Lithuania or Latvia, only the following border crossings remain open to cars and buses:

• Poland:
• Brest/Terespol
• Lithuania:
• Medininkai/Kamienny
• Šalčininkai /Beniakoni
• Latvia:
• Paternieki/Grigorovshchina

Entering Belarus by car

If you enter Belarus with a private vehicle, you must fill out a customs card and show proof of ownership documents or a power of attorney letter at the border crossing.

These documents must be translated into Belarusian and certified at a Belarusian embassy. You must also have third-party car insurance that can only be purchased in Belarus.

Registration

If you’re staying in Belarus for more than 10 business days, you must register with the Citizenship and Migration Department of the Ministry of Interior (formerly OVIR) office in the district in which you are staying. You must register within three working days after arriving in Belarus.

Your hotel usually arranges your registration on your behalf. If you are not staying in a hotel, contact your host to ensure that they register your stay.

You could be fined or face difficulty at the border when you leave if you are not registered.

Health insurance

You must present proof of valid medical insurance translated into Belarussian or Russian to enter Belarus. In addition, you will be required to purchase mandatory state insurance at the port of entry.

Children and travel

Learn about travelling with children.

Yellow fever

Learn about potential entry requirements related to yellow fever (vaccines section).

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Natural disasters and climate

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