Visa Liberalization for Citizens of 80 States Comes Into Force in Belarus

Belarus has abolished short-term visa requirements for the citizens of 80 countries; 39 of the countries are in Europe and others include Australia, Japan, India and the United States. The rule comes into effect on February 12 and applies to visits which last five days or less.

MOSCOW (Sputnik) — On January 9, Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko signed a decree dubbed "On the introduction of the visa-free entry and departure for foreign citizens," abolishing visa requirements for a period of up to five days. Notably, the visa relaxation only applies to those who arrive and leave via Minsk National Airport. The decree was expected to enter into force a month after its official publication  on January 11.

On February 3, Belarusian Foreign Minister Vladimir Makei said that Minsk could increase the period foreigners were permitted to stay without a visa, if the format proved effective.