UNWTO applouds 5-day visa-free policy by Belarus, visa free travel for 80 countries

UNWTO has expressed its full support to the decision of the Government of Belarus to launch the 5-day visa-free policy that will be applicable to travelers from 80 countries. The measure aims at advancing seamless travel and attracting visitors, particularly those on business trips.

The Government of Belarus has recently decided to advance visa facilitation as a means to stimulate tourism development. The decision introduces visa-free entry at the Minsk National Airport and visa-free stay in Belarus for up to five days for the citizens of 80 states. Among those, there are 39 countries of Europe, including the entire European Union, Brazil, Indonesia, the USA and Japan.

“Visa facilitation is among the most effective strategies to induce tourism development in a region or in a country, so we are sure that the tourism sector will experience a positive shift in Belarus,” said UNWTO Secretary General, Taleb Rifai.

The promotion of seamless travel is one of UNWTO’s priorities, considering the proven capacity of visa facilitation to stimulate economic growth and job creation through tourism.

Belarus started policies to simplify the visa process in April 2016. 

The five-day visa-free regime will enter into force in Belarus on 12 February 2017.

List of countries whose citizens are exempt from visa requirements for five-day visits to Belarus

1. Albania
2. Andorra
3. Antigua and Barbuda
4. Argentina
5. Australia
6. Austria
7. Bahrain
8. Barbados
9. Belgium
10. Bosnia and Herzegovina
11. Brazil
12. Bulgaria
13. Canada
14. Chile
15. Croatia
16. Cyprus
17. Czech Republic
18. Denmark
19. Dominica
20. El Salvador
21. Estonia****
22. Federated States of Micronesia
23. Finland
24. France
25. Gambia*
26. Germany
27. Greece
28. Haiti*
29. Honduras*
30. Hong Kong - Special Administrative Region of China**
31. Hungary
32. Iceland
33. India*
34. Indonesia
35. Ireland
36. Italy
37. Japan
38. Korea (Republic)
39. Kuwait
40. Latvia***
41. Lebanon*
42. Liechtenstein
43. Lithuania
44. Luxembourg
45. Macao (Macau) - Special Administrative Region of China**
46. Macedonia
47. Malaysia
48. Malta
49. Monaco
50. Namibia*
51. Netherlands
52. New Zealand
53. Nicaragua
54. Norway
55. Oman
56. Order of Malta**
57. Panama
58. People's Republic of China*
59. Peru
60. Poland
61. Portugal
62. Romania
63. Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
64. Samoa*
65. San Marino
66. Saudi Arabia
67. Seychelles
68. Singapore
69. Slovakia
70. Slovenia
71. Spain
72. Sweden
73. Switzerland
74. United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland
75. United Mexican States
76. United States of America
77. Uruguay
78. Vanuatu
79. Vatican
80. Vietnam*

* A traveler must have a valid document for traveling abroad with a valid multiple-entry visa of one of the European Union member states or the Schengen Area member states bearing a European Union or Schengen Area entry stamp, and also tickets with a return date from Minsk National Airport.
*** Including persons who have "non-citizen" status in the Republic of Latvia.
**** Including stateless persons permanently residing in the Republic of Estonia.