Belarus Health Care and Vaccinations

Health Care

Visitors can expect to pay for prescribed medicines. Medical insurance is compulsory for all travellers to Belarus and if you buy this outside of Belarus, you will be required to prove that you are covered by showing policy documents. If you arrive without insurance, you will be required to buy state medical insurance starting from $1 per day. It is also advisable to carry an adequate supply of prescribed medicines which may be unobtainable in Belarus. Comprehensive travel insurance is advised for all nationals.

Food and Drink

In terms of food and drink, Belarus does not pose much in the way of risks. However, tap water should be filtered and boiled before drinking. Alternatively you may want to drink bottled water. While the risk of contamination from radiation is low, certain foods should be avoided, especially dairy produce, wild mushrooms and fruits of the forest, as they may contain high levels of radiation as a long-term legacy of the Chernobyl disaster.

Other Risks

There may be some risk of tick-borne encephalitis if you visit rural or forested areas in spring and summer. Vaccination against hepatitis A & B, as well as tuberculosis is also sometimes advised. Rabies is present. For those at high risk, vaccination before arrival should be considered. If you are bitten, seek medical advice without delay. Take care to protect yourself from the sun during Belarus' long hot summers.