Opinions & Interviews

MINSK, 6 August (BelTA) – The visa waiver will strengthen friendly ties between the peoples of Belarus and China, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of China to Belarus Cui Qiming said as he visited the Border Guard Service Institute of Belarus on 6 August, BelTA has learned.

The diplomat noted that the visa-free travel program will make travels between the two countries more convenient. “People in China have great interest in visiting Belarus. When the visa waiver becomes operational, it will be easier to do that. I would like to thank the Belarusian government and the border guard service for their support and their efforts to make travels to Belarus easier. After 10 August when the visa exemption enters into force, our peoples will be able to travel more often and learn more about each other. This will strengthen our all-weather friendship,” the ambassador said.

As BelTA reported earlier, the Belarusian-Chinese intergovernmental agreement on visa-free travel for holders of ordinary passports enters into force on 10 August. In line with the document, Belarusians will be able to stay in China visa free for up to 30 days during one trip, but not more than 90 days a year. The same rule will apply to Chinese citizens. If a person wants to stay in the country for more than 30 days or engage in educational and professional activities, he or she will need a special visa. Visa-free travel covers private trips, business trips, and tourist trips.