ALL YOU NEED TO KNOW • POPULATION (2020 EST.): 9,379,952 • CAPITAL: Minsk • MAIN CITIES: Gomel, Mogilev, Vitebsk, Brest, Grodno • VISA: U.S. passport holders traveling to Belarus via Minsk International Airport from countries other than the Russian Federation may enter visa-free for up to 30 days, including arrival and departure days. They must register with the local offi ce of the Citizenship and Migration Department of the Ministry of Interior within fi ve business days of arrival for stays longer than fi ve business days. A valid passport, proof of funds and medical insurance are also necessary
• HEALTH: Medical insurance required, PCR is not required • CURRENCY: Belarusian rouble (BYN). U.S. dollars suitable to exchange money. Bank cards used • EXCHANGE RATE (APPROX.): BYR2.50= $1 • TIPPING: Discretionary. Leave 5-10 percent in restaurants • TIME: GMT +3 • ELECTRICITY: 220 volts. Adaptor required • DRIVING: Drive on the right. International license required • PUBLIC HOLIDAYS (2023): Jan 1, 2, 7; Mar 8; Apr 25; May 1, 9, 14; Jul 3; Nov 7; Dec 25 • LANGUAGE: Belarusian, Russian. English widely spoken • RELIGION: Orthodox • COUNTRY DIAL CODE: +375
CLIMATE Continental, variable. Heavy rain in late summer and autumn
GETTING THERE • MAJOR GATEWAY: Minsk National Airport (MSQ) • TYPICAL FLYING TIME: From New York, 12h via Iceland • TRANSFERS: Minsk (27 miles/ 43km) bus and taxi 60 mins