After the Baltic States and PolandBelarus has announced a new visa-free policy for citizens of 35 European countries.
The new regulations allow nationals of these countries to enter Belarus without a visa for one year. maximum duration of 90 days per calendar year.
Eligible countries
The 35 countries covered by the visa waiver include Germany, the UK, France, Norway, Switzerland and several Balkan countries. Nationals of these nations can now enter Belarus visa-free for stays of up to 90 days a year. This measure took effect on July 19, 2024..
Entry requirements
To benefit from this visa exemption, travellers must meet certain conditions :
- A passport valid for at least 3 months beyond the date of departure from Belarus.
- Proof of medical and repatriation insurance with minimum coverage of 10,000 euros.
- Sufficient financial means, equivalent to 46 Belarusian rubles per day of stay (46 €).
- Arriving in and leaving Belarus via authorized entry points, including international airports in Minsk, Brest, Gomel, Grodno, Mogilev and Vitebsk.
This visa exemption does not apply to people arriving in Belarus from Russia or intending to visit Russia.. In addition, holders of diplomatic, service or special passports are not eligible for this exemption.
| Criteria | Detail |
|---|---|
| Eligible countries | Andorra, Austria, Belgium, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Greece, Holy See (Vatican), Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, Malta, Monaco, Netherlands, Norway, Northern Macedonia, Poland, Portugal, Romania, San Marino, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, United Kingdom. |
| Maximum length of stay | 90 days a year |
| Effective date | July 19, 2024 |
| Entry requirements | Valid passport, medical insurance, sufficient financial means |
| Authorized entry points | Airports of Minsk, Brest, Gomel, Grodno, Mogilev, Vitebsk |
| Restrictions | No entry from or to Russia, no diplomatic or service passports |
The move comes against a backdrop of tensions between Belarus and Western countries, exacerbated by sanctions imposed following the controversial 2020 presidential elections and Lukashenko's support for Russia in the Ukrainian conflict. By easing visa restrictions, Lukashenko appears to be seeking to improve relations with the West and reduce his dependence on Moscow.
Some analysts see this as a strategic attempt by Lukashenko to improve his international image ahead of the 2025 presidential elections. Others believe that this measure could indeed help to ease relations with European countries, although doubts remain as to the sincerity and sustainability of this opening.
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