Press releases

MINSK, 11 June (BelTA) – Belarus and China will introduce a visa-free entry for tour groups, BelTA learnt from Director of the Department of Tourism of the Sport and Tourism Ministry Vadim Karmazin.

“It is expected that on 18 June a protocol to the agreement on visa-free group travel will be signed in China. The Chinese tourism market has been rapidly developing. I think that the decision will contribute greatly to the mutual exchange of tourists,” Vadim Karmazin said.

“We have been following the policy of gradual liberalization of the visa regime, first of all, with the countries with the low migration risk level,” said the director of the Department of Tourism. In his words, the experience gained from hosting the 2014 IIHF World Championship in Minsk proved the soundness of such position. “This year following the initiative of the Sport and Tourism Ministry the Belarusian government approved a list of more than 30 international sport competitions in Belarus which participants will be exempted from consular fees which means free visas. It is convenient, first of all, for athletes,” Vadim Karmazin said.