Longer Visa-free stay for foreigners will be considered at the end of 2017
It is necessary to consider making visa-free stay in Belarus longer, Minister of Sport and Tourism Alexander Shamko said on 3 April, TUT.BY reports.
In his opinion, the procedure should be more flexible and the duration of stay should not be limited to 5 days.
“There are sports events, business forums that last longer (than 5 days – note). Many people would like to stay (in the country – note) after those events and see Belarus,” the minister said.
“Let’s say, a week would be enough to spend time at a historical event but with medical tourism, for example, two weeks of stay may be needed”.
The official added that the ministry plans to suggest amendments to the existing visa-free decree by the end of the year.
About 8,000 tourists have visited Belarus without a visa since February. Other 7,000 travelers enjoyed trips to Grodno region, where the visa-free zone was established 5 months ago. A working group is now analyzing this experience to see if a similar zone could be created in Brest.
Alexander Shamko added that the authorities will lobby visa-free entry for the guests of the European Games that will take place in Belarus in 2019.
In his opinion, the procedure should be more flexible and the duration of stay should not be limited to 5 days.
“There are sports events, business forums that last longer (than 5 days – note). Many people would like to stay (in the country – note) after those events and see Belarus,” the minister said.
“Let’s say, a week would be enough to spend time at a historical event but with medical tourism, for example, two weeks of stay may be needed”.
The official added that the ministry plans to suggest amendments to the existing visa-free decree by the end of the year.
About 8,000 tourists have visited Belarus without a visa since February. Other 7,000 travelers enjoyed trips to Grodno region, where the visa-free zone was established 5 months ago. A working group is now analyzing this experience to see if a similar zone could be created in Brest.
Alexander Shamko added that the authorities will lobby visa-free entry for the guests of the European Games that will take place in Belarus in 2019.