Belarus is an Eastern European country that was formerly part of the Soviet Union, and while it has emerged as a tourist destination, it is still influenced by its Soviet past and link to Russia.
Belarus is an interesting place to visit because of its national pride and ability to showcase its history while building a future.
However, many people wonder if it is safe to visit Belarus and what cities are best to visit.
One of the most common crimes in Belarus is petty theft, which often occurs on public transportation and near tourist destinations.
Thus, you should always be careful with your belongings and be aware of what’s happening around you.
Other, less common, issues include civil unrest and drink spiking.
Belarus is ranked 10th based on its crime rate, and its crime levels are 14.29, which is 4 times less than the United States.
The official website of Belarus reports that crimes against foreigners are rare and that the crime rate at large is fairly low.
However, the current conflict in Ukraine makes traveling to Belarus risky, even in the safest cities.
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10 Safest Areas in Belarus
While there is usually more crime in cities versus small towns, it is important to know the nature of each city and town and how safe it is for visitors.
Across Belarus, the National Statistical Committee suggests that there are 139 crimes per 10,000.
There are six regions in Belarus, each containing several cities or towns: Minsk, Brest, Gomel, Grodno, Mogilev, and Vitebsk.
Ivanovsky
Ivanosky is another more peaceful area in Belarus, with a crime rate of 71 crimes per 10,000 people.
It is a district of the Mogilev region.
While this area is very safe, it’s also very tiny, so there might not be a whole lot for you to do here!
Mogilev
The namesake of the Mogilev region, Mogilev, is very safe.
Mogilev has 99 crimes per 10,000 people.
This area is close to the Russian border, and it has fewer than 400,000 people but is still vibrant.
It is an industrial center of Belarus, and in the 1950s, it established itself in the tanning industry and traded lots of leather, salt, fish, and timber.
Nesvizh
Nesvizh is located in the Minsk region of Belarus and has a population of close to 15,000.
One of the most popular destinations in this safe area of Belarus is the Nesvizh Castle, which was built starting in the 16th century.
This castle is an important place, and it is on the UNESCO World Heritage List.
It was a foundational model for Central European and Russian castles.
Thus, Nesvich is an exciting place to visit that doesn’t make travelers feel like they have to take a lot of risks.
Gomel
As the second-largest city in Belarus, with over 500,000 people, Gomel is a significant place in Belarus.
It became a scientific center after it was contaminated by the Chornobyl radioactive disaster, and scientists had to overcome those challenges to create a healthy and safe city.
It also has a significant Jewish population.
Gomel has 101 crimes per 10,000 people, so the crime rates are fairly low for a city of its size and importance.
Brest
Brest is the namesake of the Brest region, and it is a historical hub in Belarus.
It is near the border of Poland.
It is home to many cultures, so there are lots of different cultural traditions to explore in this city.
Brest is a great place to visit if you are looking for low crime rates.
It has a crime rate of 108 per 10,000 people.
Grodno
Grodno is the main city of its region. Located in Western Belarus by the Neman river, it is pretty close to both Poland and Lithuania.
With around 400,000 people, it is a pretty sizable city with lots of amazing buildings and landmarks to see.
It is influenced by Polish culture, and it has a high concentration of Catholics compared to other areas in Belarus.
It has fascinating architecture, and it is home to a number of styles, such as baroque and medieval.
Grodno has 111 crimes per 10,000 people, so its crime is fairly low.
Drogichin
Drogichin, also written as Drahichyn, is a city in the Brest region, located towards the southern border of Belarus.
With a population of only 13,000, it isn’t a massive area, but that doesn’t mean it isn’t a great one to visit.
It has a deep Jewish history, which is still present in the area.
Plus, it is one of the safest areas in all of Belarus, so that’s a major win.
Bobruisk
Bobruisk is in the Mogilev region of Belarus, and it has a population of a little over 200,000.
It is home to Belarus’ largest timber mill, and it is known for metalworking, machine building, and chemical industries.
As one of the oldest areas in Belarus, it’s a great spot for those who love old European history.
Relics suggest that people have lived in Bobruisk since the Stone Age.
Braslav
Braslav is in the Vitebsk region of Belarus, and it is home to around 10,000 people.
During WWII, it was occupied by the Nazis, and at the time, Jewish people accounted for more than half the population of the town.
One of the coolest events in this region is Viva Braslev, which is an important music festival in Belarus.
Minsk
While the crime rates are highest in Minsk, that doesn’t mean it’s an unsafe place to visit, especially if you take reasonable precautions.
Minsk is the largest city in Belarus, with a population of around 2 million, and it is also the capital of the country, so it has a special status.
Minsk is a common tourist destination, so there is a lot to do here, and you don’t have to worry about high levels of crime or lots of violent crime.
5 Safety Tips for Traveling in Belarus
Traveling safely is the best way to ensure you get home safely.
Following these safety tips will give you peace of mind and protection.
1. Be Vigilant of Cybercrime
Cybercrime is something you need to be mindful of while you are in Belarus.
Be careful about where you use your credit cards because you could end up being scammed.
Thus, using your cards only at ATMs in major banks is preferable because other areas could result in your information being stolen.
2. Remember 101, 102, and 103
These numbers are the emergency numbers in Belarus. 101 is for fire or rescue, 102 is for police, and 103 is for medical emergencies.
If you don’t think you can remember these numbers, write them down on your phone or a slip of paper, so you have them handy.
Fortunately, you can always ask people around you if you forget this information in a panic!
3. Keep a Copy of Your Passport
If someone steals your belongings, they may also steal your passport in the process.
Therefore, it is always good to have a copy of your passport in a separate location from your passport.
Taking this extra step can save you a lot of headaches if you lose your passport or it gets stolen.
Your embassy can help you work out your passport issues.
4. Register with Your Embassy
The U.S. Embassy is in Minsk, and being aware of this can help you if something is to go wrong.
The embassy is essentially a piece of U.S. land in Belarus, so if you have problems and can get to the embassy, that is a wise choice.
When you register with your embassy, you put information about your trip on the record with your country.
Registration helps you prepare in case something goes wrong and gives you resources ready.
You can usually register online.
Make sure you keep the telephone number and emergency telephone number of the embassy with you.
5. Women Should Take Extra Precautions
Just as women must be extra careful in their home countries, the Republic of Belarus recommends that women should not be out alone late at night, whenever possible.
Additionally, they should avoid accepting drinks or rides from people they do not know.
They should also be sure to keep people updated about where they are going and when they plan to return.
Women should also be mindful that when traveling alone on overnight trains, they often share a cabin with a man, which can be intimidating for some women, but most men will be polite.
Traveling can be extra scary for a woman, but with some common-sense precautions, it doesn’t have to be.
Belarus Safety Overview
READ THE FULL REPORT: Belarus Safety Review
Safety Index:
- OVERALL RISK: LOW
- TRANSPORT & TAXIS RISK: LOW
- PICKPOCKETS RISK: MEDIUM
- NATURAL DISASTERS RISK: MEDIUM
- MUGGING RISK: LOW
- TERRORISM RISK: LOW
- SCAMS RISK: LOW
- WOMEN TRAVELERS RISK: LOW
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the most dangerous city to visit in Belarus?
Based on the crime rates, Minsk is the most dangerous city in Belarus, and it has a crime rate of 193.5 crimes per 10,000 people.
However, the crime rate alone does not signify how dangerous a city is, and the main way to stay safe is to be vigilant and aware of what is happening around you.
Most places in Belarus are very safe, and while petty crimes occur, violent crimes are not overly prevalent.
What are the most common dangers in Belarus?
Currently, the most prevalent danger is Belarus’ association with the Russian war on Ukraine.
Is Belarus a safe place to visit?
The United States Department of State currently has Belarus listed as the Level 4 advisory level of “Do Not Travel.”
Other countries, like Australia, Canada, and the U.K., have also suggested not traveling to Belarus right now.
The suggestions not to travel stem from Belarus having a Russian military presence due to the war in Ukraine.
Travelers in Belarus are at risk of detention, Russian military attack, arbitrary enforcement of laws, and political disruption.
Exploring the streets of Mogilev, I couldn’t help but appreciate the calm and secure environment. The low crime rates and well-maintained public spaces make it a top choice for those seeking a laid-back and safe city experience in Belarus.
I had the opportunity to spend time in Brest, one of the safest cities in Belarus, and I was pleasantly surprised by the cleanliness and orderliness of the city. It’s evident that safety is a top priority, making it an ideal destination for anyone looking for a worry-free travel experience.
“Grodno truly lives up to its reputation as one of the safest cities in Belarus. Walking around the city center at night felt completely safe, and the locals were warm and welcoming.
Having explored Vitebsk, listed as one of the safest cities, I was impressed by the friendly atmosphere and overall sense of security.