Opinions & Interviews

MINSK, 27 October (BelTA) – Belarus and China are holding talks on the abolition of visas for organized groups of tourists, Belarusian Deputy Sports and Tourism Minister Mikhail Portnoi said during a roundtable at the House of Representatives on 27 October, BelTA has learned.

“At present, we are holding negotiations with the Chinese government on the abolition of visas for organized groups of tourists. I hope the relevant agreement will be signed in December,” Mikhail Portnoi noted. He reminded the participants of the roundtable that Chinese nationals holding a Schengen visa are allowed to stay on the territory of Belarus for up to 72 hours (three days).

Mikhail Portnoi stressed that, in general, it is important to continue working towards simplification of the visa regime with other countries. “We receive assistance in this matter from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. However, here we should cooperate with such countries that will not bring migration-related problems to Belarus,” Mikhail Portnoi pointed out.

He recalled that today Belarusians can enter Turkey visa-free. The same applies to Turkish nationals coming to Belarus. “This already brings results. Despite the economic crisis, the flow of tourists from Turkey to Belarus has increased by 20%,” Mikhail Portnoi noted. He said that the number of Belarusian nationals travelling to Turkey has fallen.