Minsk

As of 2017, visa-free entry via the Minsk National Airport has been introduced for citizens of multiple world countries. The visa-free period has recently been extended from 5 days to 30; if your stay will last longer than 5 working days, you will also need to register with local authorities and pay a small registration fee. In order to make use of visa-free entry, travelers must arrive and exit solely through the Minsk National Airport (no border crossing by car or train allowed). This does not apply to flights to and from Russia: those crossing the border from or into Russia will need to obtain a visa in advance. Those eligible for the 30-days visa include all nationals of the European Union and further European countries, as well as the United States, Canada, Australia, Japan, and many others. For longer stays a visa will most definitely be required. To learn more about different types of visas and supporting documents for each type, visit: http://mfa.gov.by/en/visa/typesofvisa

Belarus' continental climate, with warm summers and cold winters, makes late spring through early fall the best times to visit the country weather-wise. The months of June, July and August are normally very warm but not uncomfortably so, and these also see the Belarusian capital come alive with outdoor events and festivals, residents pouring out into the city's parks and outdoor cafes.

You can get around Minsk by using the bus, tram, or the metro. All three are cheap and reliable. The two-line metro is an interesting way of getting around as each station's decor is dedicated to a specific theme (the October Square station commemorates the 1917 revolution, for example). Public transport operates from about 05.30 to 01.00 daily and serves all parts of the city. Trolleybuses 1, 2 and 18 pass through Minsk’s main street, Pr Francysk Skaryna The metro closes at 24.30 every night. Remember to validate your ticket on board buses and trams by punching it on one of the red punching machines. Ten-day or monthly passes are available for all modes of transport.

Yellow cabs are the state run taxis that are best used. Prices depend on distance. Taxis can be hired at short numbers 152, 135, 157 and 107 (upper-range).

220V AC, 50Hz Standard European two-pin plugs