Travel Vaccines and Advice for Belarus
Belarus is situated in northeastern Europe bordering Russia, Ukraine, Poland, Lithuania, and Latvia. This country recently won its independence from the USSR in August 1991. But, Belarus has had a very diverse culture independent from Russia for much longer than that.
Belarusians are known for their hands-on approach to the many works they produce. This includes woodworking and glass blowing. The country also embraces the art and literary side of their culture by sponsoring annual cultural festivals.
Do I Need Vaccines for Belarus?
Yes, some vaccines are recommended or required for Belarus. The PHAC and WHO recommend the following vaccinations for Belarus: hepatitis A, hepatitis B, rabies, meningitis, polio, measles, mumps and rubella (MMR), Tdap (tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis), chickenpox, shingles, pneumonia and influenza.
See the bullets below to learn more about some of these key immunizations:
- Hepatitis A –
Food & Water –
Recommended for most travellers - Hepatitis B –
Blood & Body Fluids –
Accelerated schedule available - Rabies –
Saliva of Infected Animals –
High risk country. Vaccine recommended for long-term travellers and those who may come in contact with animals. - Measles Mumps Rubella (MMR) –
Various Vectors –
Given to anyone unvaccinated and/or born after 1957. One time adult booster recommended. - TDAP (Tetanus, Diphtheria & Pertussis) –
Wounds & Airborne –
Only one adult booster of pertussis required. - Chickenpox –
Direct Contact & Airborne –
Given to those unvaccinated that did not have chickenpox. - Shingles –
Direct Contact –
Vaccine can still be given if you have had shingles. - Pneumonia –
Airborne –
Two vaccines given seperately. All 65+ or immunocompromised should receive both. - Influenza –
Airborne –
Vaccine components change annually. - Meningitis –
Airborne & Direct Contact –
Given to anyone unvaccinated or at an increased risk, especially students. - Polio –
Food & Water –
Considered a routine vaccination for most travel itineraries. Single adult booster recommended.
See the tables below for more information:
Recommended Travel Vaccinations for Belarus |
||
| VACCINE | HOW DISEASE SPREADS | DETAILS |
|---|---|---|
| Hepatitis A | Food & Water | Recommended for most travellers |
| Hepatitis B | Blood & Body Fluids | Accelerated schedule available |
| Rabies | Saliva of Infected Animals | High risk country. Vaccine recommended for long-term travellers and those who may come in contact with animals. |
Routine Vaccinations for Belarus |
||
| VACCINE | HOW DISEASE SPREADS | DETAILS |
|---|---|---|
| Measles Mumps Rubella (MMR) | Various Vectors | Given to anyone unvaccinated and/or born after 1957. One time adult booster recommended. |
| TDAP (Tetanus, Diphtheria & Pertussis) | Wounds & Airborne | Only one adult booster of pertussis required. |
| Chickenpox | Direct Contact & Airborne | Given to those unvaccinated that did not have chickenpox. |
| Shingles | Direct Contact | Vaccine can still be given if you have had shingles. |
| Pneumonia | Airborne | Two vaccines given seperately. All 65+ or immunocompromised should receive both. |
| Influenza | Airborne | Vaccine components change annually. |
| Meningitis | Airborne & Direct Contact | Given to anyone unvaccinated or at an increased risk, especially students. |
| Polio | Food & Water | Considered a routine vaccination for most travel itineraries. Single adult booster recommended. |
See our vaccinations page to learn more about these infections and vaccines. Ready to protect yourself? Book your travel health appointment today by calling or schedule online now.
Customer Reviews
Passport Health – Travel Vaccines for Belarus
“Knowledgeable, friendly and very professional service. We felt really well taken care of for our trip to Belarus. Thank you!”
“Very clean and comfortable setting with knowledgeable staff. Very good first experience with before travelling to Belarus.”
Do I Need a Visa or Passport for Belarus?
All citizens must be in possession of a passport which is valid for 3 months from the expected departure date. You also must have proof of valid medical insurance to enter and will be forced to purchase state insurance at the port of entry. A visa is required for all business and tourism purposes. Visas are also required for private visits. These visas should be obtained from the embassy in Ottawa prior departure. A transit visa is also required when travelling through Belarus to another country. Travellers without a transit visa may be forcefully removed from their mode of transportation.
Belarus Entry Requirements |
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| Do I Need A… | For My Trip to Belarus? | |
|---|---|---|
| Passport |  |
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| Tourist Visa | |
|
| Business Visa | |
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| Vaccinations | ||
Sources: Embassy of Belarus and Canadian Travel and Tourism
Visit the Canadian Travel and Tourism website for more information on entry and exit requirements.
What is the Climate Like in Belarus?
Belarus has a moderate continental climate. It experiences cool, humid winters and warm summers. The country receives lots of rain and snowfall.
Peak summer temperatures in Belarus only reach the sixties. Winters are in the 20’s. There are areas of the country that spend more than a third of the year in sub-zero temperatures.
How Safe is Belarus?
Belarus has little street crime, but instances of mugging and pickpocketing do occur. It’s best to avoid poorly lit areas and public transportation when alone as this makes you an easier target.
A traveller’s biggest threats in Belarus are organized crime and cybercrime.
Cybercrime in Belarus includes credit card skimming, hacking and identity theft. Consider using IR-shielded jackets or materials.
Vehicle theft is common in Belarus. Sport-utility and luxury vehicles tend to be the most sought-after.
Belovezhskaya Pushcha
Belovezhskaya Pushcha is the largest ancient forest in Europe. It is even mentioned in several ancient texts and scriptures, some dating back as far as fifth century B.C.
Nearly 800 bison of the largest bison population in the world call this forest home. Visitors to the forest can spend their day hiking or biking while spotting creatures along the way.
If roughing it in the wilderness isn’t for you, Belovezhskaya Pushcha still has a lot to offer. You can visit the nature museum and zoo or peruse the souvenir and food stands that can be found in this area.
What Should I Take to Belarus?
Here are some essential items to consider bringing on your trip to Belarus:
- Warm clothing
- Hiking boots
- Language conversion book for Belarusian and/or Russian
Canadian Embassy in Belarus
Canada currently has no residential government office in Belarus. The embassy in Poland handles all consular responsibilities for travellers in Belarus.
Canadian Embassy in Warsaw, Poland
ul. J. Matejki 1/5
00-481 Warsaw
Poland
(+48) 22 584 31 00
Ready to start your next journey? Call us at or book online now!
On This Page:
Do I Need Vaccines for Belarus?
Do I Need a Visa or Passport for Belarus?
What is the Climate Like in Belarus?
How Safe is Belarus?
Belovezhskaya Pushcha
What Should I Take to Belarus?
Canadian Embassy in Belarus
