Second European Games in Belarus
Belarus' customs service explains border crossing rules for European Games participants, fans
MINSK, 11 June (BelTA) - Andrei Bolshakov, Head of the Central Office for Customs Control Organization of the State Customs Committee of Belarus, met with the media on 11 June to explain the simplified border crossing procedures for the participants and fans of the 2nd European Games, BelTA has learned.
“The preparations for the 2nd European Games are almost complete. The customs bodies are fully ready to ensure border security during the games. The focus was on easing maximally the border crossing rules for the guests and participants of the games, for transportation of their sports equipment and personal things. Fans will use separate corridors designated for the participants of the games, with customs clearance to be held first place,” Andrei Bolshakov said.
Owners of vehicles registered in other states will not need to fill in the passenger customs declaration. The document will be filled in by a customs official. The driver will need to present the technical passport and sign the declaration. “It is also possible to make use of the Belarusian customs service website to submit preliminary information. This will reduce time spent by foreign citizens to cross the border. The website enjoys high popularity,” Andrei Bolshakov said.
Close attention was paid to ease the rules for athletes to carry sports equipment across the border. “All the goods for the organization of the games will be exempted from customs duties,” Andrei Bolshakov added.
A lot has been done to develop necessary border crossing infrastructure. The number of border crossing corridors at the Bruzgi checkpoint has been increased as part of the recent upgrading project. “We did our best to create the most favorable conditions for fans and participants of the games to spend as little time on the border as possible,” he stressed.
The State Customs Committee of Belarus has signed memoranda with the customs services of all the neighboring countries on matters regulating cooperation during the 2nd European Games. Azerbaijan’s experience in hosting the 1st European Games has been studied as well.
In the run-up to the 2nd European Games the Belarusian customs received technical and engineering assistance from the Chinese government. The Belarusian customs expanded its range of equipment with a mobile X-ray cargo inspection system, nine X-ray baggage scanners automatically detecting drugs and explosives, 33 portable and six desktop drugs and explosives trace detectors. Such devices help conduct customs clearance procedures fast and qualitatively, ensure maximum security.
An operations and information center of the customs service established in Belarus for the duration of the 2nd European Games Minsk 2019 will be operating round-the-clock through 7 July. Both individuals and legal entities will be able to contact the call center for up-to-date and competent consultations. The call service will offer information about matters relating to bringing personal belongings, sport gear, and vehicles across the border. Consultations will be available in Russian and English via the multichannel phone number +375 (17) 218 94 26. Every customs house will also have their operations and information groups. Phone numbers for consultations are available on the customs service website.
Andrei Bolshakov also provided information on the customs operations at Minsk National Airport, canine service, technical devices for customs clearance. The customs bodies are also actively preparing for the 2021 IIHF World Championship.
print version
make home page
add to bookmarks
