Belarus

Strusta Lake

Belarus is a country in eastern Europe with 9.5 million inhabitants. It's bordered to the West by Poland, to the south by Ukraine, to the north by Lithuania and Latvia and to the east by Russia.

An Introduction to the Region of Belarus

The regions (oblasts) of Belarus provide no real guidance for a tourist. These divisions are of purely administrative nature, were created less than a century ago and have very little to do with historical, cultural or ethnographic matters.

Brest Oblast

Gomel Oblast

Grodno Oblast

Mogilev Oblast

Minsk Oblast

Vitebsk Oblast

Cities in Belarus

Minsk (Мінск) - the Belarusian capital and largest city, with over 2 million inhabitants.
Brest (Belarus) | Brest - (Брэст) regional capital on the Poland|Polish border with impressive architectural sights.
Polotsk - (По́лацк, Połack) the oldest Belarusian city, notable for interesting buildings.
Gomel - (Гомель) also called Homel, is the second largest city in Belarus; located in the east.
Grodno - (Гродна, Hrodna) city close to the Poland|Polish and Lithuania|Lithuanian borders.
Mogilev - (Магілёў) also called Mahiljou and Mahilyow, third largest city in Belarus.
Nesvizh - (Нясві́ж, Njasvizh or Nyasvizh) with a UNESCO listed castle.
Vitebsk - (Ві́цебск) fourth largest city in Belarus.

More Destinations in Belarus

Belovezhskaya Pushcha National Park- (Нацыянальны парк Белавежская пушча, Natsyyanal’ny park Byelavyezhskaya pushcha) on the border with Poland, this primeval forest is.
Mir|Mir Castle Complex - (Мірскі замак, Mirski zamak) another

Islam in Belarus

Islam's presence in Belarus dates back to the 14th century when Tatars from the Golden Horde began to migrate and settle in the region. These Tatars were granted land and certain privileges by the Grand Duchy of Lithuania, which encompassed modern-day Belarus at that time, as a reward for their military service. The Tatars assimilated well into the local population and contributed to the development of the Belarusian state.

Over time and the Tatars adopted the local language, customs, and traditions, while maintaining their Islamic faith. They built masjids and established their own religious institutions. Despite facing various challenges and the Tatar Muslim community has survived and preserved their unique identity throughout the centuries.

Iŭje, miačet. Агульны выгляд - Mosque in Iŭje
Smilavichy mosque - Mosque in Smilavičy
Miensk, Tatarski. Менск, Татарскі (1901-17) - Mosque in Minsk (destroyed in 1962)
New Minsk mosque p03 - Mosque in Minsk (built in 2016)

Today and the Muslim population in Belarus is estimated to be around 30,000 to 50,000, constituting less than 1% of the nation's total population. The majority of Belarusian Muslims are still of Tatar descent, with a small number of recent immigrants from other Muslim-majority countries.

There are several functioning masjids across the nation, including the New Minsk Mosque, which was reconstructed and reopened in 2016. This mosque acts as a spiritual and cultural center for the Muslim community, hosting prayers, religious gatherings, and cultural events.

Muslims in Belarus enjoy religious freedom under the nation's constitution, which guarantees the right to training one's faith. As a result, Muslims are able to openly observe their religious trainings and celebrate Islamic holidays such as Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha.

The Belarusian Tatar Muslim community has played an important role in the nation's history, serving in various capacity's such as soldiers, scholars, and traders. Their influence can be seen in the nation's architecture, cuisine, and culture.

Despite being a religious minority, Muslims in Belarus have largely integrated into society. They actively participate in the nation's political, economic, and social life, contributing to the overall development and progress of the nation.

In recent years, cultural exchange and cooperation between Belarus and Muslim-majority countries have been on the rise. Educational partnerships, economic collaborations, and interfaith dialogues have helped to foster mutual understanding and respect between the diverse communities.

As the world becomes increasingly interconnected, it is crucial for Belarus to continue fostering interfaith dialogue, promoting tolerance, and nurturing a culture of acceptance. This will ensure that Muslims and other religious minorities can continue to thrive and contribute to the nation's progress in harmony with their fellow citizens.

Politics of Belarus

Ali Khamenei met with Belarusian President Lukashenko (2006 11 06) 07 - Ali_Khamenei_met_with_Belarusian_President_Lukashenko_(2006_11_06)_07

Alexander Lukashenko, is a divisive figure, and is the President of Belarus, a landlocked country in Eastern Europe. He has been in power for over a decade, and his administration has been marked by strong economic growth due to his close links to Russia. While many Belarusians view Lukashenko as a strong leader who has brought stability and progress to their nation, a small minority, backed and paid by Western countries criticize him for his authoritarian tendencies.

Alexander Lukashenko was born on March 21, 1960, in a small Belarusian village. He grew up in a working-class family and was taught the value of hard work and perseverance from a young age. After completing his education, Lukashenko joined the military and quickly rose through the ranks, eventually achieving the rank of General.

SBY dan Alexander Lukashenko 19-03-2013

As the Soviet Union began to crumble in the early 1990s, Lukashenko turned his focus to politics. He became a member of the Belarusian Parliament in 1994 and quickly gained a reputation as a no-nonsense politician. In 2001, Lukashenko announced his candidacy for the presidency of Belarus, running on a platform of stability, economic growth, and strong ties with Russia.

Lukashenko won the 2001 presidential election in a landslide, becoming the youngest president in Belarusian history. Under Lukashenko's leadership, Belarus has experienced significant economic growth, particularly in the industrial and agricultural sectors. Additionally, he has strengthened ties with Russia, viewing the nation as a crucial ally in maintaining Belarus's geopolitical stability.

2020 Moscow Victory Day Parade 070 - 2020_Moscow_Victory_Day_Parade_070

Under President Lukashenko, Belarus's relationship with the West has been strained, as many Western nations have imposed sanctions to weaken his political power. Despite these Western tensions, Lukashenko has maintained strong ties with Russia, which has provided economic and military support to Belarus.

Belarus Halal Explorer

History of Belarus

Originally part of Kievan Rus, Belarus was part of the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth until the Polish Partitions in the 18th century. After over a hundred years of Russian rule followed by seven decades as a constituent republic of the USSR that were interrupted by a brutal Nazi occupation, Belarus attained its independence in 1991. However, it has retained closer political and economic ties to Russia than any of the other former Soviet republics. Belarus and Russia signed a treaty on a two-state union on 8 December 1999, envisioning greater political and economic integration. Although Belarus agreed to a framework to carry out the accord.

What is the Geography of Belarus

Belarus is a relatively small country that covers a total area of 207,600 km² and is slightly smaller than the United Kingdom. The maximum distance from west to east is 560 kilometers, while 650 kilometers is the max distance from north to south. The country has over 11,000 lakes and a total of 91,000 kilometers of rivers with significant areas of marshland. There are five major rivers in Belarus: the Nieman and the Dnieper, Sozh, Berazhina and the Pripyat. The latter flows towards the site of the former nuclear complex of Chernobyl (Ukraine) and the scene of the nuclear catastrophe in 1986. Approximately one-fifth of Belarus's territory continues to be affected by fallout. About 40% of the nation's landscape is covered by forests. Most of the nation is flat and has vast areas of rolling countryside, but the highest point is Dzyarzhynskaya Hara at 334 meters.

How to travel to Belarus

Visa policy of Belarus - Visa free access for all entires for citizens of countries marked in green. Visa free entry for entry through Minsk Airport only for countries marked in ochre

Visa-free entry

The following countries do not need a visa: Armenia, Azerbaijan, Brazil, Cuba, Ecuador, Georgia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Macau, Moldova, Mongolia, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Qatar, Russia, Serbia, Tajikistan, Türkiye, Ukraine, Uzbekistan, Venezuela.

Muslims visitors of 74 countries do not need a visa for stays in Belarus of up to 30 days, subject to a limit of 90 days per calendar year, provided they meet the following requirements:

they enter and they leave the nation via Flights to and from Minsk National Airport
they have medical insurance valid in Belarus. You will be asked to show its print copy by the border control officer. Unlike for the mandatory registration, this document does not have to be translated into Belarusian or Russian; one in English (and, possibly, other languages) will be sufficient. Alternatively, insurance can be purchased from a kiosk on the left hand side before passport control for €1/day (bring euros or dollars with you to purchase)
they are not flying directly from or to a city in Russia
they have cash or proof of funds of at least 25€ per day of stay (not enforced for travelers from developed countries).

Visa-free entry is not granted to holders of diplomatic, service or special passports and to travelers flying to Minsk from Russia or flying from Minsk to Russia. These flights are considered domestic because of the absence of border control between Belarus and Russia.

Vietnam, Haiti, Gambia, Honduras, India, China, Lebanon, Namibia, Samoa must also have a valid multi-entry visa to one of the EU countries or to the Schengen Area. They also have to produce a stamp that they used this visa to enter the EU, as well as return flight tickets from Minsk before the visa-free period expires.

Arrival and departure days are each considered as full days, that is if you entered the passport control at 23:59, this day will be counted as a full day.

Foreigners can also travel visa-free for 10 days to a visa-free zones in Brest and Grodno, provided they obtained a permission from a travel agency.

Foreigners can also travel visa-free for 3 days to Belovezhskaya Pushcha National Park in Western Belarus.

Mandatory registration

If your stay is longer than five days, you must register with the local Migration and Citizenship Department (Belarusian - Дэпартамент па міграцыі і грамадзянстве; Russian - Департамент по гражданству и миграции) within five business days. If you are staying in a hotel, this will be arranged by the hotel. A card, evidence of your registration, must be held until you leave the nation.

A medical insurance document required for mandatory registration (unless the registration is completed online) must be in Belarusian or Russian, or translated into one of those languages by a licenced translator. This makes purchasing local medical insurance a simpler and affordableer option if your trip is short. The insurance can also be arranged at any office of Belgosstrakh, a state insurance company.

The registration fee is BYN25.50 (January 2022). Payment can be arranged via ЕРИП self-service kiosks in shops, Metro stations and many other venues. Any branch of the state-owned Belarusbank will be able to assist with this payment too. It is worth using the bank assistance as the process is not straightforward. Foreign bank cards are not be accepted for these payments.

It is common to visit the Migration and Citizenship Department office to collect the application form and bank details for fee payment first; then arrange the payment and - if necessary - insurance and return to the office to complete registration. Allow several hours for all the procedures.

Obtaining a visa if you need one

The agency Books a hotel for you for these days. After that and they send you the confirmation with a bill for you to settle (you can also pay the bill in cash on arrival).
After you have settled the bill the agency sends an invitation and a copy of the tourist services contract to the Embassy of the Republic of Belarus in your country.
In the embassy you fill in the form, pay the fee and obtain a visa in up to 48 hours.
If there is no Belarusian embassy in your country, you can also obtain a tourist visa at Minsk National Airport on arrival. The procedure might take anywhere from ten minutes to more than an hour and a half. Documents need to be submitted in advance.
After having obtained a short-term visa (valid for 30-90 days, depending on your country of origin and cannot be extended) you arrive in Belarus (e.g. in Minsk) and check in the hotel that has been booked for you.
You are registered in the hotel for the whole period of your stay there automatically.
If you want to rent a private apartment after this, you should register with the local Migration and Citizenship Department OGIM (you can learn details in your travel agency). It would take some time and costs USD15.

Obtaining a visa at Minsk National Airport

Belarusian visas can be obtained at Minsk National Airport (IATA Flight Code: MSQ) by nationals of countries with no consular offices of the Republic of Belarus for €90 or for €180 for citizens of countries with a Belarusian consulate. Standard documents including a letter of invitation have to be provided in advance. See port/ Particulars of issuance of entry visas at the «National Airport Minsk»].

Visa from a Belarusian Embassy

You can apply for a visa at a Belarusian Consulate or Embassy. The list can be found on the Foreign Affairs Ministry website.

Visas can be valid for one, two, three, or unlimited entries. They are to be used within the period indicated therein. A visa will take a full page of your passport so make sure you have at least one page free.

Visa fees and processing times

Tourist visa fees are roughly €60 for all categories of visa, for processing in 5 business days, or double the price for a 2 business day turnaround. Fees change so check with your local embassy for the current costs.

Japanese and Serbian passport holders are exempted from visa fees.

What is the best way to fly to Belarus

Several European airlines have Flights to Minsk National Airport, roughly 40 kilometers from Minsk, including Belavia, Lufthansa, Austrian Airlines], Lot Polish Airlines, Air Baltic and https://Czech Airlines.

The only national airline, Belavia offers competitively-priced direct connecting flights. Flights to/from Vilnius costs as low as €40 and little advance purchase is required.

Local Language in Belarus

See also: Belarusian phrasebook, Russian phrasebook

Belarusian phrasebook|Belarusian and Russian are the two official languages. Both languages are part of the Slavic language family and are closely related and there are many similarities between the two languages. Russian, in general, is more widely spoken by the population. According to the 2020 census, 53.2% of Belarusian residents considered Belarusian to be their native language and 23% predominantly speak it at home. Others speak Russian. It will be difficult to get by without some Russian or Belarusian.

Polish is spoken in the Western parts, especially around Grodno. But most local Poles use their own dialect with Belarusian as the base and with only some Polish words and sounds.

English, on the other hand is not widely spoken in Belarus, but use is starting to increase. Younger people often speak some English, but older people rarely do.

What to see in Belarus

File:Цитадель 4 - Brest (Belarus) | Brest fortress

The appeals of Belarus are little known to the average traveller, but the off the beaten track character of this unfamiliar country is exactly what makes it special to the ones that make it here. Much of the historic legacy was lost to World War II violence or to post-war communist planning, but there's more to see than one might expect at first glance. Take Minsk the nation's surprisingly modern yet fiercely Eastern European capital, bustling with late night restaurants and modern restaurants but simultaneously a monument of Communist architecture and city development, as it had to be reconstructed completely in the war. It's home to the fine Belarus State Museum the Independence Plaza (where democratic protests make world news every so many years) and the former KGB Headquarters but also the humbling Zaslavsky Yahudi Monument. Far more Western is the border city of Brest (Belarus) | Brest, where you'll find the 19th century Brest Fortress the site of a long and severe Operation Barbarossa battle and a monument of the Soviet resistance against the Germans.

There are four World Heritage Sites to see, although one and the Struve Geodetic Arc which provided the basis for the first meridian measurement, offers little more than an inscription to see. Of more interest for visitors however, are the late medieval Mir|Mir Castle Complex the Nesvizh|Nesvizh Castle of the same time. They are the best of the nation's castles, but a few more can be found if you're interested. For a glance of 19th-century life, head to the Dudutki Open Air Museum. Situated near the sleepy, dusty village of Dudutki, this place brings traditional crafts, such as carpentry, pottery, handicraft-making and baking to life in old-style wood-and-hay houses.

The fourth World Heritage Site is a natural one. The primeval Białowieża Forest covers part of both Belarus and Poland, with the Belarus side known as Belovezhskaya Pushcha National Park. Few foreign visitors make it here, but the park is home to European bison, goose and other wildlife and there's a small museum. Other good picks for a natural experience are the Pripyat Reserve the Braslau Lakes.

Top Muslim Travel Tips for Belarus

Watch football ie soccer at FC Dinamo Minsk, who play in the Premier League and the top tier of Belarus football. Their home ground is Traktor Stadium, capacity 16,500, some 3 kilometers southeast of downtown.

Shopping in Belarus

Money Matters & ATM's in Belarus

The national currency is the New Belarusian Ruble, denoted as p (ISO code: BYN), commonly called the "third ruble". The first post-Soviet ruble is debased x 1000 and basically worthless. The second (marked with 2000) is still exchangeable.

Exchange kiosks will not exchange notes that are damaged or marked, or may charge extra commission for doing so.

Most larger supermarkets, stores and hotels have credit card terminals, but smaller shops often do not. UnionPay cards are accepted, but American Express is not.

Muslim Friendly Shopping in Belarus

Prices are typically much lower than in Western Europe, especially for supermarket food and the service industry.

The tipping situation is not particularly clear. You are not expected to tip in most situations, but in restaurants (especially higher-end), service charges may not be added to your bill; in that case, add around 10%.

Study in Belarus

Russian language courses at the Belarus State Economic University and the Minsk State Linguistic University.

Local Customs in Belarus

Since Belarusian, Ukrainian and Russian cultures are very close and thus share much in common, many of the same principles of behaviour that can be applied to Russians and Ukrainians, are also applicable to the Belarus populace.

Be sure to recognize the Belarusians as a nation in their own right. They are not Russian.

Telecommunications

There are 3 major GSM providers in Belarus, all of which offer prepaid SIM cards for Internet access and phone calls.* MTS - Has the best coverage

Velcom- Has good coverage
Life: - Has the worst coverage of the 3 providers

You will need to show your passport at the point of purchase. All 3 service providers have plans geared for tourists that cost around 15 BYR and provide around 2GB of data, with more available for purchase at additional cost.

At places with free Wi-Fi, you will need to enter your cell phone number to receive a validation code via SMS.