Belarus

Despite being landlocked, Belarus is a country apart from its continental neighbours, having stoutly resisted the integration into Europe and embrace of capitalism shown by other former Eastern bloc countries. While such isolationism has its negative side - the tyrannical rule of its president and its stringent visa requirements foremost among them - Belarus' Soviet-era atmosphere is also its primary attraction.

Not many visitors include Belarus in their summer vacation plans, but those that do get to experience a portion of Europe entirely free of consumerist trappings, litter and advertising. There is no doubt that life in Belarus is hard for the populace, and the country has suffered more than its fair share of misery in its history, including losing 2.2 million of its people (particularly Jews) during the Nazi occupation of World War II. More recently (1986) it suffered the fall-out from the Chernobyl nuclear power plant accident just across its border in neighbouring Ukraine. Moreover foreign investment is discouraged, and private enterprise is virtually non-existent. The result is a country that has evolved little in the last 20 years, providing visitors a sense of time standing still.

And yet there is much that is bright and beautiful in the culture and natural attractions of Belarus. Beyond the clean lines of its capital, Minsk, the tiny towns and villages of Belarus are living museums of medieval life, and the national parks contain mysterious forests, murky bogs and swamps, thousands of smooth lakes and a fascinating array of unspoilt eco-systems, fauna and flora.

Visitors are encouraged to enjoy the great outdoors in the Vitebsk Region, where there are almost 50 designated tourist routes involving hiking, cycling, boating and plenty of chances for hunting and fishing. Hotels and health spas offer rest and relaxation, and there is even a calendar of art and music festivals in the region.

Belarus is a destination that rewards those seeking an original travel experience, with genuinely welcoming people, pristine nature and traditional villages, all spiced up with interesting glimpses into a Soviet past that appears to live on in the country's isolated present.

Climate

Belarus has a temperate continental climate, with cold, snowy winters and warm, pleasant summers. Humidity and precipitation is generally high all year round. Expect rain in summer, or snow in winter, every couple of days. In the north of the country winters are more extreme, the temperature often plummeting well below zero.

Money

The currency is the Belarussian ruble (BYR), which is equal to 100 kopeks. There are no coins in circulation (plastic cards and tokens are used for the metro and public telephones). Currency and travellers cheques can be exchanged at banks and official bureaux de changes in Minsk and the larger towns. US Dollars and Euros are preferred and some currencies may not be accepted. Exchange offices may reject old/damaged notes and it is advisable to keep all receipts for exchange transactions as these may be required on departure, or when re-converting your leftover rubles. Mastercard and Visa are accepted at the larger hotels and tourist restaurants, but American Express and Discovery cards are not accepted at all. ATMs are widely accessible in major towns and banking hours are weekdays from 9am to 5pm.

Passport Visa

Visitors from countries where there is no Belarussian consulate or embassy may obtain a tourist visa on arrival at Minsk-2 Airport at a cost of US$80, but it is strongly recommended that an effort is made to obtain a visa prior to arrival. Visas are only issued on the basis of invitation from hotels, tour companies or Belarussian citizens. All visitors have to buy health insurance on arrival; US$4 for a stay of seven days or US$15 for one month. Foreigners not staying at a hotel must register with the authorities on arrival and such registration must be entered on their visa. Hotels automatically register their guests.

Entry Requirements

• United States citizens need a passport and a visa to enter Belarus.
• British citizens need a passport and a visa to enter Belarus.
• Canadian citizens need a passport and a visa to enter Belarus.
• Australian citizens need a passport and a visa to enter Belarus.
• South African citizens need a passport and a visa to enter Belarus.
• Irish citizens need a passport and a visa to enter Belarus.
• New Zealand citizens need a passport and a visa to enter Belarus.

Health

The main health risks associated with visiting Belarus are tick-borne encephalitis (for those who intend foot-slogging through the forests), measles (outbreaks occur) and diphtheria, so travellers should ensure they are vaccinated against these diseases. There have also been recent cases of human rabies infection in the rural areas, identified as originating with bites from foxes, raccoon, dogs and cats. Visitors should not drink unpurified tap water, unpasteurised milk or consume undercooked food. Medical care is limited and essential medications are frequently not available. Medical facilities lack modern equipment. The best equipped are private clinics, which are available in Minsk. Doctors and hospitals expect payment in cash. Travel health insurance with air evacuation cover is highly recommended.

Embassy Consulates

• Embassy of Belarus, Washington DC, United States: +1 202 986 1604.
• Embassy of Belarus, London, United Kingdom (also responsible for Ireland): +44 (0)20 7937 3288.
• Embassy of Belarus, Ottawa, Canada: +1 613 233 9994.
• Embassy of Belarus, Pretoria, South Africa: +27 (0)12 430 7664.

Foreign Embassies

• United States Embassy, Minsk: +375 17 210 1283.
• British Embassy, Minsk: +375 17 210 5920/1.
• Canadian Embassy, Moscow, Russia (also responsible for Belarus): + 7 (495) 925-6000.
• Australian Embassy, Moscow, Russia (also responsible for Belarus): +7 495 956 6070.
• South African Embassy, Moscow, Russia (also responsible for Belarus): +7 495 926 1177.
• Irish Embassy, Vilnius, Lithuania (also responsible for Belarus): +370 5 2629460.
• New Zealand Embassy, Moscow, Russia (also responsible for Belarus): +7 495 956 3579.