Belarus
About
| Previously known by the name Belorussia (White Russia) it is a welcome change from the crowded tourist trail. Enjoy its beauty and renowned friendly hospitality. The cultural scene in Minsk is very diverse with the Belarusian Ballet and good museums such as the National Museum of Belarusian History and Culture, the National Arts Museum, the Museum of History of the Great Patriotic War and the Museum of Old Belarusian Culture. The Museum of Folk Architecture is situated in Ozerto (15km southwest of Minsk), and features original pieces of century-old buildings from different regions in Belarus. Belavezha Wood is one of the last sites where rare animals such as bisons, bears and wolves can still be seen living in their natural habitat. Long scenic hiking trails are scattered throughout the Nature Reserve of Berezinsky, stretching from the source of the Berezina to Palik Lake. |
|
| Official Name: | Republic of Belarus |
| Capital: | Minsk (MSQ) |
| Currency: | Belarusian Ruble (BYR) |
| Language: | Belarusian and Russian. Ukrainian and Polish are widely spoken. |
| Dialling code from SA: | + 375 |
| Time Zones: | UTC / GMT +3 (1 hour ahead of South Africa) |
| Side of the Road: | Right |
| Best Time to Go: | April – May, September |
| Best for: | UNESCO World Heritage Sites, National Parks, Historical Sites, Architecture |
| Plugs: | 220V, 50Hz. European two-pin plugs are used |
| Drinking Water: | All water should be regarded as being potentially contaminated. Bottled water is available. |
| Health: | Medical insurance is required for all foreign citizens traveling to the Republic of Belarus. If you require any medication on your travels it is best to bring it with you, in the original packaging, with a signed and dated letter from your doctor detailing exactly what it is and why you need it. Minsk has good private clinics, but medical facilities in the rest of the country may be limited. |
| Customs: | Belarus is a religious and conservative society. It is considered bad luck to whistle inside a building. The “thumbs up” gesture is considered rude. Homosexuality is legal, but public displays of affection should be avoided. |
| Local Offences / Laws: | Do not photograph military personnel or installations, and government buildings. Jaywalkers are heavily fined.Smoking is banned in public areas. |
| Travel Tips / Warnings: | Medical insurance is required for all foreign citizens traveling to the Republic of Belarus. If you arrive without insurance, you will be required to buy state medical insurance. Certain foods should be avoided, such as dairy produce, mushrooms and forest fruits, as they may contain high levels of radiation. |
| Duty Free: | The following goods may be imported into Belarus by travellers over 18 years of age without incurring customs duty: • 200 cigarettes or 50 cigars or 250g of tobacco or an assortment of these weighing up to 250g • 3L of alcoholic beverages • Goods for personal use up to a value of €1,500 and weighing no more than 50kg. On entering the country, you must complete a customs declaration form which you need to retain until departure. This records the import of articles intended for personal use, including currency and valuables. Customs inspection can be long and detailed. |
| Prohibited Imports: | Weapons and ammunition of any kind, narcotics, and printed and audio-visual material banned by Belarus. |
| Prohibited Exports: | Weapons and ammunition, narcotics, raw precious metals, minerals, wild herbs, wild animals and some wild plants. Items of cultural value require authorisation. |
Issuing Authorities
Embassy of the Republic of Belarus
164 Orion Avenue, Sterrewag, Pretoria, 0181
Tel: 012 430 7709
Email: rsa@mfa.gov.by
Web: rsa.mfa.gov.by
Hours are by appointment only.
To make an appointment
Email: consul.rsa@mfa.gov.by
Tel: 012 430 7664
Public Holidays 2025: Jan 1-2, 7; Mar 8; May 1, 9; Jul 3; Nov 7; Dec 25
Public Holidays 2026: Jan 1-2, 7; Mar 8; Apr 20-21; May 1, 9; Jul 3; Nov 7; Dec 25
Visa Requirements
Visas are required by South African passport holders.
If you have a valid Schengen visa, then you do not need to apply for a visa to Belarus (for stays of up to 30 days). However, you will need to meet certain entry requirements.
REQUIREMENTS:
All documents must be submitted with a copy.
- Completed application form
- One photograph (35x45 mm., made not earlier than 6 months prior to submitting, full face, with size of face nearly 70-80 percent of the size of photo)
- Valid passport with 2 blank pages. Must be valid for at least 90 days after date of departure from Belarus.
- Medical Insurance of no less than EUR10000. The document must contain the name of a foreign insurance company and its location, phone numbers or international assistance services, as well as the surname, first name, patronym (if any) of the foreign citizen. Validity period and validity area must be specified. [read more]
- Payment of visa fee
- Copy of airticket / itinerary showing return dates
- Proof of financial means to support the stay
- Additional supporting documents may be applicable
For Business :
An original application of a legal entity, issued on the company letterhead with the full name of the entity, its location and telephone number, as well as the commitment of the legal entity that the foreigner shall comply with the rules of stay in Belarus, sealed by the legal entity.
For tourism:
An application of a Belarusian tourist company, issued on the letterhead with full name of the tourist company, its location, contact details as well as the commitment of the tourist company that the foreigner shall comply with the rules of stay in Belarus, sealed by the tourist company. Contact the Embassy for further information.
Transit (up to 48 hours):
A visa of the country of main destination. If a trip to that country does not require a visa, you should submit any other supporting documents proving that you need to transit through Belarus (copy of a ticket, itinerary from your travel agency etc).
ENTRY REQUIREMENTS:
- The passport must be valid at least 90 days beyond intended date of departure from the Republic of Belarus.
- Proof of financial means
- Medical insurance policy with coverage for at least 10 000 euros, valid in Belarus during the whole duration of stay.
- When staying in Belarus for more than 10 working days, foreign citizens need to register with the divisions on citizenship and migration of the territorial bodies of internal affairs or via the unified portal for electronic services portal.gov.by. When staying in hotels, hostels, sanatoriums and other collective accommodation facilities the registration of foreign citizens is carried out by the administrations of such facilities by default upon check-in.
Visa Validity
Transit (B): 2 days
Short-term (C): 90 days
Long-term (D): dependant on circumstances
Visa Cost
EUR60 - paid in rands (contact embassy for exchange rate)
Minors under 12: free
No visa application will be processed without payment.
Payment must be made into the below bank account:
Account name: Embassy of Belarus
Bank name: FNB
Account number: 62388186085
Branch name: Brooklyn
Branch code: 251345
Once the consular fee is paid, send the proof of payment (with reference to the surname) on the e-mail consul.rsa@mfa.gov.by.
SA Representative
Representation accredited from Moscow, Russia
Travel Health
| Compulsory: | None |
| Recommended Travel Vaccines: | Hepatitis A & B , Tick-Borne Encephalitis (Not available in SA), Rabies, Tetanus, Polio |
