Europe

Is Belarus safe?

Capital: MinskBelarusian, RussianUpdated October 2026

L4Do not travel

Is Belarus safe?

Street crime is low, but foreigners risk arrest for past protests, donations or online posts, and phones are searched. Russian military activity and restricted zones add risk.

Key facts

US travel advisory: Level 4: Do not travel, updated 2025-12-28.
Homicide rate: 2.4 per 100,000 people (2019, UNODC via World Bank).
Road deaths: 7.6 per 100,000 people a year (2019, WHO).
Emergency numbers: Police 102 · Ambulance 103 · Fire 101.
Solo women: Minsk streets feel safe at night and harassment is uncommon. Political and border-search risks apply to everyone.

Risks, scams and laws

Main risks

Arrest for political activity, even past, abroad or online
Phones searched at the border and on the street
Russian military activity; restricted zones near bases
Foreign cards rarely work; running out of cash

Common scams

Unofficial money changers: illegal, and money gets confiscated

Laws visitors break by accident

Reading, following or sharing 'extremist' media, including opposition Telegram channels, is an offence.
Photographing police, soldiers, government buildings or infrastructure is illegal.
Jaywalking fines are enforced, and refusing metro bag checks can lead to arrest.

Safety by place in Belarus

Place	Safety
Minsk	2/5 · High risk

Quick answers

Is Belarus safe for tourists?

Street crime is low, but foreigners risk arrest for past protests, donations or online posts, and phones are searched. Russian military activity and restricted zones add risk.

Is Belarus safe for solo female travelers?

Minsk streets feel safe at night and harassment is uncommon. Political and border-search risks apply to everyone.

What is the emergency number in Belarus?

Police 102 · Ambulance 103 · Fire 101.

Safety by place

MinskSafety

Sources

Compiled and reviewed by SoloSquare. How we compile and score this. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.