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Belarus.
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Travelling to Belarus: what to know before you go

Belarus is a landlocked country in Eastern Europe of forests, lakes, wetlands and farmland, bordered by Poland, Lithuania, Latvia, Russia and Ukraine. Its capital, Minsk, was rebuilt after the Second World War on a monumental scale, while the countryside holds castles, old churches and one of Europe's last primeval forests. Visitor numbers are low, and anyone considering a trip should first read their own government's current travel advice.

Where to go

• Minsk. The capital's broad Independence Avenue is lined with post-war Soviet architecture in a grand neoclassical style.
• Mir Castle. A sixteenth-century red-brick castle with towers and a moat, mixing Gothic, Renaissance and baroque styles.
• Nesvizh Palace. The former residence of the powerful Radziwiłł family, a palace and fortress surrounded by ponds and landscaped parkland.
• Białowieża Forest. A vast ancient woodland shared with Poland and known as Belovezhskaya Pushcha in Belarus.

Best time to visit

Late spring and summer, from May to September, are the most pleasant times, with long days and warm weather for lakes and forests. Autumn brings colourful foliage and mushroom-picking season.

Staying online in Belarus

Mobile coverage is good in Minsk and other cities, and along main roads, with 4G widely available in urban areas. Coverage becomes thinner in rural areas, forests and wetlands, including parts of the national parks. Wi-Fi is available in most hotels and many cafés in Minsk. Some websites and online services may not be available, and internet access has at times been restricted. Payment cards issued abroad may not work, so check before you travel. Download offline maps, install an eSIM before you fly and switch it on when you land.