Is wild camping allowed in Belarus?

No Tolerated! Yes

Yes, wild camping, also known as boondocking, dry camping, or dispersed camping, is officially allowed in Belarus. Despite the general permission to camp wild and stand freely, there are a few rules you should follow.

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Last researched: 2023

The right to camp wild in Belarus is anchored in the constitution. Although it is not a directly written law like the right of public access in Norway, it is derived from the country's constitution and the regulations for forest areas. However, there are rules and exceptions that you should be aware of.

Areas where wild camping is not permitted include

  • Agriculturally used areas
  • Private land (except with the permission of the owner)
  • 50 meters radius from residential or government buildings

The right to camp in the wild refers mainly to forest areas. In order not to get into trouble with the authorities, you should avoid open fires.

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Wild camping in Belarus: The legal situation

Here we have selected for you the two extracts from the legal texts of Belarus, which legalize wild camping and free standing. Please note that these are translations.

Wild camping in Belarus
Wild camping in Belarus
Quiet place in the forest
Quiet place in the forest

Tips and tricks for wild camping in Belarus

Wild camping is officially permitted in the forests of Belarus. As about 40% of the country is covered with forests, there are enough places where you can set up camp and enjoy nature. But there's more than just forests, Belarus also has over 10,000 lakes where you can cool off, especially in the summer months. To make your camping experience a complete success we have put together a few tips and tricks for you.

Toll
There is a high number of toll roads in Belarus. The toll is paid electronically through a device that you can rent at most petrol stations just across the border. If you do not pay the toll, your car can be detained by customs authorities on departure until you have paid.

Entry
When entering the country, there are some points to consider. You need a valid visa, a certified translation of your driving license, and, if you are staying for more than five days, you must register with the Department of Citizenship and Migration Affairs (OGIM). If you are staying in a hotel at the beginning of your trip, this will usually take care of the registration for you.

Animals
Besides smaller forest inhabitants like the weasel or beaver, you can also meet bison (also known as European bison), wild boars, and occasionally wolves in Belarus. So take a good look around before you set up camp, so as not to disturb the animals and not to put yourself in unnecessary danger.

Radioactivity
Due to the nuclear disaster of Chernobyl, you should refrain from eating wild fruits, berries, nuts, mushrooms, and other foods in the southwest of the country, even if it would be allowed by law. You should also not drink the tap water here. In the meantime, however, staying in the area is harmless.

10 interesting, bizarre and funny facts about Belarus

What do you know about Belarus, apart from its capital, and the fact that it is the largest landlocked country in Europe? Did you know how high the highest "mountain" is? Or what is special about the summertime in Belarus? We have put together some facts for you so that you can learn a little more about this beautiful country.

Fact #1 - Superstition
In Belarus, you should rather not whistle in a house, because the Belarusians believe that you don't care about all your money.

Fact #2 - Belarusian
Belarusian is spoken very little. Most people speak Russian and in more rural areas Trasyanka, a mixture of Belarusian and other languages.

Fact #3 - Potatoes
Potatoes are the favorite food of the Belarusian population. To avoid boredom, there are over 300 different potato dishes.

Fact #4 - Treasure hunt
On average more treasures are found in Belarus than in any other country in Europe. The reason is that many rulers hid their treasures in the forests.

Fact #5 - No daylight saving time
Compared to most countries, Belarus does not have summertime and keeps its clock set to winter time all year round.

Fact #6 - Independence Boulevard
Independence Boulevard is the longest street in Minsk with a total length of 15 km and runs from the northeast to the city center.

Fact #7 - The unemployment rate
Belarus has a very low unemployment rate. In 2018 it was just 0.4 percent, and according to forecasts, it will be just 1.13 percent by 2024.

Fact #8 - BelAZ-75710
The BelAZ-75710 is the heaviest series-produced truck in the world and comes from Belarus. Its tires alone weigh 5.3 tons each.

Fact #9 - The death penalty
Belarus is the last country in Europe where the death penalty is still in use. In a 1996 vote, over 80% of the population was in favor of the death penalty.

Fact #10 - Highest poll
The Dsjarschynskaja Hara is the highest elevation in Belarus. It lies west of the city of Minsk and reaches a height of 345 m above zero.

Everything you need to know for your trip

Equipment

  • Warning triangle Yes
  • Safety vest Yes
  • First aid kit Yes
  • Replacement lamp set No
  • Spare tyre / repair set No
  • Fire extinguisher Yes
  • Tow rope No
  • Tear rope for all trailers No

Driving

  • Do I need a vignette, or are there tolls? Yes, for vehicles from 3.5t & motorhomes.
  • Right hand trafficTo avoid dazzling other road users, you need to readjust or mask your headlights if they have asymmetrical light and are right-hand drive
  • Is it compulsory to drive with lights on during the day? No

Information

  • Is the tap water potable? Yes
  • Socket type: C+F
  • Energency numbers: 03
  • Currency: Weißrussischer Rubel (BYN)
  • Official Languages: Belarusian, Russian
  • Country licence plate code: BY

Average prices, in €

  • Price coffee rounded: 1.00
  • Price beer rounded: 1.50

Entry conditions for animals

  • You need a valid EU pet passport in which your animal is clearly identified (microchip or tattoo), as well as a rabies vaccination valid on entry. The rabies vaccination must be at least 21 days old, but not older than 6 months. Yes
  • If your entry is from a non-EU country with a reduced rabies status, you must have a rabies antibody test carried out approximately four weeks before you enter the country and have it entered on your EU pet passport. No
  • Your dog must be treated for tapeworms 24 to 120 hours before entry. No
  • In addition to a valid EU pet passport with all the required entries, you also need an official veterinary health certificate (max. 10 days old). Yes
  • The import of fighting dogs or breeds classified as dangerous is not permitted. No
  • Special features: The documents must be translated into the local language and certified by a notary public.
We try our best to keep the information up to date. Even so, we can always make mistakes. Have you found an error? Send us an email to moc.aynavarac@ofnullni!

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