Updated at 17:53,27-03-2024

Belarus set to become visa-free for 80 countries

Ales Pilecki, Euroradio

Belarus may become visa-free for tourists from 80 countries if they enter the country via the Minsk international airport, Deputy Minister for Sports and Tourism Mikhail Partny said at a meeting with officials from the Ministry of Nature.

The draft resolution, being reviewed at the Council of Ministers, proposes visa-free entry for nationals of the countries that have no problems in the field of migration policy. It is noteworthy that if approved, the document will apply to only tourists travelling via the Minsk international airport. Visa will not be required for them if they plan to stay in Belarus up to five days.

"Visa regime is one of the obstacles that hinder the development of tourism in Belarus. Progress is patchy. Visas were abolished for visiting the Bielawieza Forest National Park. Just several days ago, visas were canceled for visits to Augustow Canal. The visa-free regime is already in place for nationals of Israel, Quatar, UAE and China. These are small fragments that help finetune the whole system. A draft is being reviewed at the Council of Ministers proposing to cancel visas for citizens from 80 countries with a successful migration policy. I hope the document will be signed within the next several months," Mikhail Partny is quoted as saying by traveling.by.