Press releases

MINSK, 6 April (BelTA) – Belarus is considering the idea of issuing free visas for the duration of tourist festivals, BelTA learned from Belarusian Sports and Tourism Minister Alexander Shamko during the international tourism services fair Leisure 2016 on 6 April.

Alexander Shamko reminded that Belarus already waives consular fees for participants of sport competitions. “At present athletes can get visas at the airport within 5-7 minutes. For instance, a world junior ice hockey championship will begin in Minsk soon. All the matters concerning visas have been addressed already,” he remarked. Work is now in progress to prepare a calendar of tourism events, during which foreigners may be granted free visas.

The Sports and Tourism Minister said that once the tourism calendar is ready, anyone will be able to attend such events by getting Belarusian visas in the home country or at an airport in Belarus after buying the tickets and booking a hotel room. No consular fees will be collected.

According to Alexander Shamko, the government supports the initiative and the liberalization of visa regulations for tourists will continue.