Press releases

MINSK, 27 August (BelTA) – Germany has been Belarus’ most valuable tourism source market since the launch of the 30-day visa-free travel program, the Belarusian State Border Committee told BelTA.

A total of 1,658 German citizens visited Belarus without visas via the Minsk National Airport from 27 July to 26 August. It was approximately 500 people more, or 35.4% up as against the same period of last year. The United States was second in terms of the number of visits to Belarus. Since the launch of the 30-day visa-free travel Belarus welcomed 969 visits from the United States, which was up 48.2% from the same period a year earlier. Italy came in third with 946 visits (up 52.6%).

The number of visits from the UK rose by 49.7%, those from France by 53.4%. The number of arrivals from the Netherlands surged by 120.8%. The number of visits from other countries increased as well. Since the launch of the 30-day visa-free travel Belarus has welcomed almost 12,000 visits. There has been a 35% rise in the number of visa-free visitors on the same period a year prior.

As it was reported earlier, foreign citizens are allowed to stay in Belarus for up to 30 days without visas, provided they cross the border at the Minsk National Airport. Belarus President Alexander Lukashenko signed the relevant decree on 24 July 2018. Citizens of 74 states can visit Belarus without a visa for 30 days (including arrival and departure days). Foreign nationals must fly in and out of Minsk National Airport (the visa waiver does not apply to persons flying in Minsk and out from/to Russia). A visitor must carry: a valid passport; medical insurance in the amount of at least €10,000 (can be purchased on site); assets equivalent to at least two base amounts for each day of stay (one base amount equals Br24.5).