Belarus Grants 30-Day Visa Exemption to Citizens of 35 European Countries. Belarus has introduced a 30-day visa exemption for citizens of 35 European countries, effective until December 31, 2024. This new policy allows travelers from these nations to enter Belarus by air or land without the need for a visa, marking a significant step in promoting the country’s openness and commitment to good-neighborly relations.
Visa-Free Entry for European Travelers
As of July 19, 2024, citizens from 35 European countries and territories can travel to Belarus without a visa, regardless of their mode of entry—whether by air or land. This move is part of a broader effort by Belarus to enhance freedom of movement and foster stronger inter-human contacts. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Belarus announced that this policy reflects the country’s dedication to peaceful relations and its willingness to facilitate travel for its neighbors.
The Ministry emphasized that the visa exemption is intended to demonstrate Belarus’s openness and peaceful nature, aligning with the principles of good-neighborliness. The policy allows citizens of the designated countries to enter, exit, and stay in Belarus for up to 30 days through all road and railway checkpoints, as well as international airports.
Key Details of the Visa Exemption
The visa-free travel measure will be in effect until December 31, 2024. To benefit from this exemption, citizens of the eligible countries must present a travel document that is valid for at least 90 days beyond their planned date of departure from Belarus. This requirement applies to standard travel documents, excluding diplomatic, official, special, or equivalent passports.
Visitors can enter Belarus without a visa an unlimited number of times during the validity of this exemption, but they are only allowed to stay in the country for a total of 90 days per calendar year. This policy also permits transit through Belarus, including via air checkpoints, for travelers heading to third countries, with the exception of Russia.
Belarus Grants 30-Day Visa Exemption to Citizens of 35 European Countries
The visa exemption applies to nationals from the following 35 European countries and territories:
- Andorra
- Austria
- Belgium
- Bosnia-Herzegovina
- Bulgaria
- Croatia
- Cyprus
- Czech Republic
- Denmark
- Estonia
- Finland
- France
- Germany
- Greece
- Hungary
- Iceland
- Ireland
- Italy
- Liechtenstein
- Luxembourg
- Malta
- Monaco
- Netherlands
- North Macedonia
- Norway
- Portugal
- Romania
- San Marino
- Slovakia
- Slovenia
- Spain
- Sweden
- Switzerland
- United Kingdom
- Vatican City
This exemption is an extension of a policy Belarus has had in place since 2017, which grants a 30-day visa exemption to citizens of 76 countries arriving at its international airports, including Minsk, Brest, Vitebsk, Gomel, Grodno, and Mogilev.
Registration Requirements for Longer Stays
Foreign visitors who plan to stay in Belarus for more than 10 days must complete temporary registration. This can be done either in person at the Department of Citizenship and Migration (OGIM) at their place of residence or online via the Unified Electronic Services Portal: www.portal.gov.by.
Conclusion
This 30-day visa exemption underscores Belarus’s commitment to enhancing international relations and facilitating travel for European citizens. By simplifying entry requirements, Belarus aims to strengthen cultural and economic ties with its European neighbors, promoting tourism and fostering goodwill.
