Belarus Announces 90-Day Visa-Free Entry for European States

Belarus has announced a significant policy shift by introducing a 90-day visa-free regime for citizens from 35 European countries. This change, set to take effect this Friday as announced by the national border service, marks a substantial revision of Belarusian visa regulations. Previously, citizens of these European countries were limited to a 30-day stay and required to enter Belarus through Minsk airport.

The decision to extend the visa-free period to 90 days per year appears to be a strategic move by Belarus aimed at improving relations with Western nations. This gesture could be interpreted as a diplomatic effort to reduce tensions, particularly amidst ongoing sanctions imposed by Western countries following Belarus’s controversial actions, including its support for Russia during the Ukraine conflict.

President Alexander Lukashenko’s recent decision to withdraw troops from the Ukrainian border may also indicate a broader effort to ease tensions with neighboring countries and Western allies. By expanding visa-free access to a broader group of European nations, Belarus may seek to stimulate tourism and strengthen economic ties with European Union member states.

In summary, this policy revision is not only significant for its potential impact on tourism and economic relations but also for its broader geopolitical implications, suggesting that Belarus is possibly attempting to recalibrate its international relationships, particularly with Western nations.