4. LOCAL TRAVEL
Roads are generally in good condition. Many roads may be impassable in winter. Drivers tend to ignore traffic regulations. Horse-drawn carts are a common road hazard in rural areas. Radar traps are widespread.Since January 2005 a system of fees for drivers of foreign vehicles wishing to use Belarus' highways has been implemented. Payments are collected at border checkpoints and will vary according to the length of stay.
Passports should always be carried to prove date of entry into the country, in the event of being stopped by police. When travelling by private vehicle, ownership documents or a letter of "power of attorney" must be shown at border crossings. These documents must be translated into Belarusian and certified at a Belarusian embassy. Third-party car insurance is mandatory and can only be purchased upon entry into Belarus. Vehicles are required to have their lights on at all times from November 1st to March 31st.
Only use officially marked taxis and do not share them with strangers. Fares vary greatly, and vehicles are often poorly maintained. Buses and trolleys are poorly maintained and are usually crowded and unheated. Exercise caution when travelling by train, especially on sleeper trains to Warsaw and Moscow. Store valuables in a safe place and do not leave the compartment unattended. Ensure that the door is secured from the inside.
An International Driving Permit (IDP) is required.
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5. NATURAL DISASTERS AND CLIMATE
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6. LOCAL LAWS AND CUSTOMS
You are subject to local laws. A serious violation may lead to a jail sentence. The sentence will be served in local prisons.
Canadians arrested or detained have the right to contact the responsible Canadian government office (embassy, high commission, etc.) listed in Section 7 below. Arresting officials have a responsibility to assist you in doing so. Canadian consular officials can provide a list of local lawyers upon request.
The Department publishes A Guide for Canadians Imprisoned Abroad, specifically targeted at incarcerated Canadians. Its prime objective is to inform Canadian detainees, their families, and friends about available assistance and advice.
There is zero tolerance for driving under the influence of alcohol. Criminal convictions for possession or trafficking of drugs will result in strict penalties and often lengthy prison sentences.
Homosexual activity is legal but is not widely accepted in Belarusian society.
Photography of military installations, public buildings, and monuments may be result in a penalty. Travellers should seek permission from local authorities before taking photographs.
The Belarusian government may enforce a requirement for special permits to travel in “protected border zones.” Information defining the parameters of those zones has not been provided. Travelers should be alert for warning signs, road barriers, and/or border guard posts, and are advised not to cross into such areas without permission.
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7. ASSISTANCE FOR CANADIANS ABROAD
There is no resident Canadian government office in Belarus. You can obtain consular assistance and further consular information at the following address:
Poland - WARSAW, Embassy of Canada
Address: ul. Jana Matejki 1/5, 00-481 Warsaw, Poland
Tel.: 48 (22) 584-3343; 584-3344 or 584-3345
Fax: 48 (22) 584-3101 or 48 (22) 584-3192
E-mail: wsaw-cs@international.gc.ca
Internet: http://www.canada.pl
For emergency assistance after hours, call the Embassy of Canada in Warsaw and follow the instructions. You may also make a collect call to the Department in Ottawa at 613-996-8885 or use the services offered by Canada Direct.
Canada Direct, offered by Canada's major telecommunications companies, provides travellers with toll-free and hassle-free access to the Canadian telephone network. The Canada Direct access number from Brest, Gomel, Grodno, Minsk, Moghilev, and Vitebsk is 8 (dial tone) 800-111, where a Canadian operator is always available. For more information, call 1 800 561-8868 or visit the Canada Direct Web site (www.infocanadadirect.com).
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8. ENTRY/EXIT REQUIREMENTS
The following information on entry and exit requirements has been confirmed with the authorities of Belarus and, to the best of our knowledge, was valid on July 6, 2006. However, entry and exit requirements are subject to change.
It is the sole prerogative of each country to determine who is allowed to enter. All countries have special requirements for persons intending to reside for extended periods (usually more than 90 days) or who plan to work, study, or engage in non-tourist activities. To obtain information on specific entry requirements, contact the nearest diplomatic or consular office of the country or countries to be visited. Violations of entry and exit requirements may result in serious penalties.
Foreign Affairs Canada’s Office of Protocol provides contact details for the Embassy of the Republic of Belarus and its consulates, where you can obtain further information on entry and exit requirements.
A valid Canadian passport is required for Canadians intending to visit Belarus. The passport must be valid for at least six months beyond the date of your expected departure from Belarus. Canadians must be in possession of a visa to stay or transit through the Republic of Belarus. Canadians are also required to have proof of sufficient funds for the length of their stay.
Tourist Visa: Required
Visitor's Visa (private visit): Required
Business Visa: Required
Student Visa: Required
Transit Visa: Required
Tourist visas must be obtained prior to arrival in Belarus. Other types of visas (emergencies) may be issued at the Minsk-2 International Airport, provided that an original letter of invitation is presented, or the inviting party is present upon arrival. However, travellers are strongly advised to obtain visas from the Embassy of the Republic of Belarus prior to travel.
Visa requirements for the Republic of Belarus are available on-line at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Belarus Web site at http://www.mfa.gov.by/eng/index.php?id=1&d=consul.
Canadians transiting through Belarus must be in possession of a valid transit visa, which should be obtained prior to arrival. Travellers arriving without a transit visa have been denied entry and forcibly removed from trains. Local border and train authorities have been known to threaten passengers lacking valid transit visas with jail or "fines". Travellers should not pay border or train officials for transit visas as they do not have the authority to issue such visas.
All foreigners, including Canadian citizens, must complete a migration card upon arrival in Belarus. Migration cards are usually distributed on flights and trains entering Belarus or at points of entry. It is the traveller's responsibility to obtain a migration card and fill it out. Holders of multiple-entry visas must fill out a new card every time they enter the country. Part "A" of the card is deposited with immigration officials upon arrival. Part "B" is held throughout the stay and should be shown to the police, together with the passport and registered visa, upon request and must be submitted to border officials upon departure. The migration card is also necessary to register at hotels. Loss of cards can result in fines or departure delays.
All visitors must complete a currency and goods declaration form upon arrival and have it stamped by a customs officer. The form should be retained for the duration of the visit. Upon departure, travellers are required to complete a new form but should have the original form on hand. Non-compliance can result in delays and fines.
All foreigners must register with the local Ministry of the Interior (OVIR) within three days of arrival. Failure to do so can result in fines. Hotel guests are normally registered by their hotel when they check in. The registration must be stamped on the visitor's visa. Visitors will be charged the equivalent of approximately C$1.50 for each day of their stay, plus a small processing fee payable upon registration.
Information concerning the District OVIR offices can be found at: www.belarusconsul.org/rus/links_rus_mia.htm. District OVIR offices where visitors can register include:
Minsk - 7a Grushevskaya St., tel. (+375-17) 229 72 36;
Minsk - 48B Skoryny St., tel. (+375-17) 231 91 74;
Minsk - 29 Kalvariskaya St., tel. (+375-17) 259 15 35;
Brest - 12 Ostrovskovo St., tel. (+375-162) 27 56 86;
Gomel - 3 Kommunarov St., tel. (+375-232) 55 53 19;
Grodno - 4 Telmana St., tel. (+375-152) 79 73 13;
Moguilev - 25 K. Marksa St., tel. (+375-222) 39 52 96;
Vitebsk - 41a Frunze St., tel. (+375-212) 24 04 77.
Foreigners must have valid medical insurance, purchased either from a Belarusian insurance company at a port of entry or from a foreign insurance company, as long as it is valid in Belarus. To avoid extra costs and bureaucratic burdens, have your travel agent or insurance broker print "Valid in the Republic of Belarus" directly on the policy. Proof of medical insurance is often required to check into a hotel.
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There are three categories of legal presence for foreign citizens in Belarus temporary stay (up to 90 days within a chronological year), temporary residence (up to one year), or permanent residence.
Belarusian Embassies and Consulates will issue visas for temporary stays. A temporary stay visa will allow the bearer to be present physically in Belarus for a maximum of 90 days within the 365-day period for which the visa is issued. Once an individual has spent 90 days in Belarus, at one time or through a combination of visits, he or she will not be eligible to receive another visa until the original 365-day period has passed.
Individuals who receive a visa for a temporary stay, but wish to remain in Belarus for longer than 90 days, will need to apply for temporary or permanent residence with the Ministry of Interior in Belarus. Individuals must apply in Belarus and within the 90 days allotted for a temporary stay. Permission for temporary residence can be granted to students, spouses or close relatives of Belarusian citizens, or for “work, business, or other activities.”
New legislation introduced a migration card that will be filled out by foreign citizens upon entry into Belarus. Foreign citizens will be required to retain this card and present it to the border authorities when exiting Belarus.
Foreign citizens visiting and transiting Belarus should be prepared to demonstrate sufficient financial means to support their stay. For stays less than one month, this amount is equal to approximately USD 15/day/person. For those staying for longer than one month, the amount is equal to approximately USD 375/person/month. Belarusian officials may request this proof of funds at the time of visa application, at the border, or during registration. According to the Ministry of Interior, cash, credit cards, paid hotel reservations, or a letter from an inviting party pledging full financial support are sufficient means to demonstrate this.
Since August 15, 2002, naturalized Canadians originally from Belarus do not automatically lose Belarusian citizenship upon naturalization. Such individuals retain Belarusian citizenship unless they take specific steps to renounce it. The Belarusian authorities will allow naturalized Canadians from Belarus without a valid Belarusian passport to enter the country on a “certificate of return” issued by Belarusian Embassies and Consulates abroad, but a valid Belarusian passport will be required to leave the country. It can take between two to four weeks to receive a new Belarusian passport.
For additional information please consult with the Embassy of Belarus (http://ca.geocities.com/belembcanada/consular.html)
Children born to Belarusian parent(s) before August 15, 2002, even if born in Canada, and in possession of a Canadian passport, may not be issued a Belarusian visa for travel to Belarus. The Belarusian government considers these children to be Belarusian citizens until age 16, when they may choose to accept or reject that claim to citizenship. Instead of a visa, a "certificate of return" is issued that will allow the child to enter Belarus. It is imperative that parents of such children understand that, in order to leave the country, the child will be required to have a Belarusian passport if he/she does not already have one. (Note: if the parent left on a series PP passport, given to Belarusians who reside abroad and have cancelled their local registration, then Belarus would not require the child to reject his/her claim to citizenship). After 2002, if one parent is Belarusian and the other parent is a foreigner, the parents must consent mutually to Belarusian citizenship for the child, regardless of place of birth. If the parents cannot agree, Belarus would only force Belarusian citizenship on a child in cases where the child would be left stateless.
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Special and diplomatic passport holders should verify visa requirements for this and other countries, as they may differ from those that apply to regular passport holders.
Selling, altering, or allowing another person to use your passport is a criminal offence. It could lead to the laying of charges and imprisonment if convicted. It could also lead to the denial of future passport services.
Although same-sex marriages are legal in Canada, many countries do not recognize them. Attempting to enter as a same-sex married couple may result in refusal by local officials. For more information, contact the foreign government office accredited to Canada.
Any adult travelling with children may be required to show evidence of parental/custodial and/or access rights. Foreign and Canadian authorities may also require evidence that the adult has the consent of the parents, legal guardian, and/or the court to travel with the children. Some countries may not permit children to enter or, in some cases, leave the country without proper documentation such as a letter of consent or a court order.
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9. MONEY
The currency is the Belarusian rouble (BYB/BYR). Traveller's cheques and credit cards are not widely accepted. ATMs are limited in Minsk. Cash is the only recognized method of payment outside Minsk. The use of foreign currency in cash transactions is prohibited. Foreign currency should be exchanged at government-licensed booths only. A valid passport must be presented in order to purchase foreign currency (including Russian roubles). Belarusian roubles can be purchased without a passport.
Check with your bank for information on ATM services in other countries. You can also check the VISA ATM locator page or the MasterCard ATM locator page for the addresses of ATMs around the world. Your bank can advise if you need a new personal identification number (PIN) for overseas access to your account. Credit cards and debit cards should be used with caution due to the potential for fraud and other criminal activity. ATMs should be used during business hours inside a bank, supermarket, or large commercial building. Leave copies of your card numbers with a family member in case of emergency.
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10. GENERAL INFORMATION
Belarus (capital: Minsk) is located in Eastern Europe, bordered by the Russian Federation, Ukraine, Poland, Lithuania, and Latvia. The official language is Belarusian. Russian is widely spoken. Tourist facilities are limited and only available in the larger cities.
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11. TRAVEL MEDICINE PROGRAM
The Public Health Agency of Canada and the World Health Organization (WHO) report on disease outbreaks that occur throughout the world. For the latest travel health advisories and related information, visit the Public Health Agency of Canada’s Travel Medicine Program Web site.
The Public Health Agency of Canada strongly recommends that your travel plans include contacting a travel medicine clinic or physician six to eight weeks before departure. Based on your individual risk assessment, a health care professional can determine your need for immunizations and/or preventive medication and advise you on precautions to avoid disease. Travellers are reminded to ensure that their routine (childhood) immunizations (e.g., tetanus, diphtheria, polio, and measles) are up to date.
Standards of medical care may differ from those in Canada. Treatment may be expensive, and payment in advance may be required. Travellers are advised to arrange for medical insurance prior to departure. Prescription medications should be kept in the original container and packed in carry-on luggage.
The Public Health Agency of Canada also recommends that travellers who become sick or feel unwell on their return to Canada seek a medical assessment with their personal physician. Travellers should inform their physician that they have been travelling or living outside of Canada.
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12. ADDITIONAL HEALTH INFORMATION
Medical care is limited. Carry a sufficient supply of medications, as shortages of basic medical supplies are common. Private medical and dental offices can be found in larger cities.
Many parts of Belarus were contaminated by the Chernobyl nuclear accident, particularly the south valley of the Prypec River and near Gomel and Moghilev in the east. Foods, such as dairy products and locally grown fruit and vegetables, may still carry high levels of radiation and should be avoided. Visitors should only drink bottled or filtered water.
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13. RETURNING TO CANADA
Please consult the Current Issue on returning to Canada.
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14. INTERNATIONAL ADOPTIONS
Provincial and territorial authorities in Canada are responsible for authorizing international adoptions. If you are thinking of adopting a child from another country, you must first obtain information about the adoption regulations of the province or territory in which the child will reside. While adoption is a provincial/territorial responsibility, Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC) is responsible for allowing an adopted child entry into Canada. Entry can be refused if the child does not hold the appropriate immigrant visa. A visa may be denied, even if the adoption has already been completed. For more information contact CIC at 1 888 242-2100 (in Canada only), check the CIC Web site or contact your provincial or territorial government.
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15. TRAVEL TIPS
Please consult our Traveller's Checklist.
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16. HEALTH AND TRAVEL INSURANCE
Do not rely on your provincial health plan to cover all expenses if you get sick or are injured while abroad. It may cover nothing or only a portion of the costs. Understand the terms of your supplementary insurance policy. Some credit cards offer their holders health and travel insurance. Do not assume the card alone provides adequate coverage. Carry details of your insurance with you. Also, tell your travel agent, a friend or relative, and/or travelling companion how to contact your insurer. Get a detailed invoice from the doctor or hospital before you return to Canada. Always submit original receipts for any medical services or prescriptions received abroad. Most insurance companies will not accept copies or faxes.
Cancelling a scheduled trip abroad could cost you money. Before cancelling a scheduled trip, you should discuss the matter with your travel agent, your travel insurer, or the airline. The decision to travel is the sole responsibility of the traveller.
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17. FOR MORE INFORMATION
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18. ANNEX
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