Belarus Custom Tour Packages

We'll make no bones about it, Belarus is not politically free. President Lukashenko took office in July 1994 when he was just 40 years old, and has not allowed open opposition since. Following the much-criticised and obviously rigged elections in 2020, Belarus has become harder for Americans to visit, with the cancellation of the visa waiver program. So what's so fascinating about the place?

Europe’s Last Dictatorship

We have many former communist countries on our map. But for us and anyone who has already visited those countries, Belarus still provides a unique opportunity. Rather than being a “time warp” like Transnistria in Moldova, Belarus represents an alternate reality. It's a “what if” for all those countries around it that fought either physically or politically for freedom and democracy. Belarus had a window of opportunity after declaring independence from the USSR in 1990. In the 1994 elections, a large majority voted for Lukashenko. From then on he cemented his position, seizing parliamentary power and replacing representatives with his own allies.

It’s Very Clean...

Visiting Belarus nowadays, you'll notice a few things. Firstly it's very clean. It seems that litter is either not tolerated, or is tidied up very quickly. Secondly, you'll notice that everyone in Belarus seems to have a good word to say about the President and the government. In public at least. This deference and the presence of large-brimmed military hats can give the impression that stepping out of line is frowned upon. Personal safety in Belarus is definitely not a concern. The locals range from being a little cold to being friendly and curious as to why you're visiting.

Belarus Beyond Minsk

Beyond the sizable capital of Minsk, you'll find flat, green countryside and a number of castles that make for great day trips. For a long time Belarus was a part of the Grand Duchy of Lithuania and the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth. Around 1800 it became part of the Russian Empire.

Suggested Combinations

Many expect the Belarusian government to soon expand the visa waiver program to cover other border crossings. Until then, it is still easier to arrive in Belarus by air. There are direct trains from Vilnius to Minsk if you don't mind the administrative hassle and cost of applying for a visa. Though inexpensive regular direct flights negate the advantage of travel by train. Belarus makes for an interesting combination with its neighbors: Lithuania, Poland, and Ukraine. Many other countries in the region have direct flight links to Minsk too.