ALL YOU NEED TO KNOW • POPULATION (2023): 9,498,238 • CAPITAL: Minsk • MAIN CITIES: Gomel, Mogilev, Vitebsk, Brest, Grodno, Babruysk • VISA: Passport must be valid for at least three months beyond departure date and have two blank pages. No visa required for stays up to 30 days that enter and exit via Minsk National Airport • HEALTH: No vaccinations are required, however, standard U.S. insurance isn’t accepted. Visitors must purchase local insurance or show evidence of an international policy that includes Belarus. The purchasing of medical evacuation insurance is strongly advised
• CURRENCY: Belarusian ruble (BYN). U.S. credit card use restricted as of 2023 • TIPPING: 5-10 percent recommended for good service • TIME: GMT +3 • ELECTRICITY: 220 volts. Adapter required • DRIVING: On the right. International Driving Permit required • PUBLIC HOLIDAYS (2024): Jan 1, 2, 7; Mar 8; May 1, 9, 14; Jul 3; Nov 7; Dec 25 • LANGUAGE: Belarusian, Russian • RELIGION: Christian • COUNTRY DIAL CODE: +375
CLIMATE In January, temperatures average 40-46F. In July, they average 63- 65F. Some regions are subzero for more than a third of the year. Most rain falls April through October
GETTING THERE • MAJOR GATEWAY: Minsk National Airport (MSQ), Minsk • TYPICAL FLYING TIME: From New York, 15h; from Los Angeles 17.5h • TRANSFERS: Minsk (27 miles/44km), 45 miles/72km by road