Belarus Waives Visa Requirements for 35 European Nationalities
Belarus has announced a new visa exemption policy allowing citizens from 35 European countries, including France, Germany, and the UK, to stay visa-free for up to 90 days annually starting July 19, 2024.
Following in the footsteps of the Baltic states and Poland, Belarus has announced a new visa-exemption policy for citizens of 35 European countries.
The new regulations allow passport holders from these nations to visit Belarus without a visa for a maximum of 90 days per calendar year.
Eligible Countries
Nationals from the following 35 countries may now enter Belarus without a visa for stays of up to 90 days a year: Andorra, Austria, Belgium, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, Malta, Monaco, Netherlands, North Macedonia, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, San Marino, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, United Kingdom, Vatican City (Holy See), and Greece. This policy took effect on 19 July 2024.
Entry Requirements
To qualify for the visa exemption, travelers must meet the following conditions:
A passport valid for at least three months beyond the planned departure date from Belarus.
Proof of comprehensive travel health insurance and repatriation coverage of at least €10,000.
Sufficient financial means equivalent to 46 Belarusian rubles per day of stay (€14.22).
Entry and exit via authorized checkpoints, specifically the international airports of Minsk, Brest, Gomel, Grodno, Mogilev and Vitebsk.
This exemption does not apply to travelers arriving from Russia or intending to travel on to Russia. Holders of diplomatic, service or special passports are also not eligible.
Criteria | Details |
|---|---|
Eligible Countries | Andorra, Austria, Belgium, Bosnia & Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, Malta, Monaco, Netherlands, North Macedonia, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, San Marino, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, United Kingdom, Vatican City (Holy See). |
Maximum Stay | 90 days per calendar year |
Effective Date | 19 July 2024 |
Entry Requirements | Valid passport, medical insurance, sufficient funds |
Authorized Entry Points | Minsk, Brest, Gomel, Grodno, Mogilev and Vitebsk airports |
Restrictions | No entry from or travel to Russia, no diplomatic/service passports |
The move comes amid ongoing tensions between Belarus and Western nations, fueled by sanctions imposed since the disputed 2020 presidential elections and Belarus’s alignment with Russia over the war in Ukraine. By easing visa restrictions, President Lukashenko appears to be seeking improved relations with the West and reduced dependence on Moscow.
Analysts interpret the policy shift as a calculated effort to bolster his international image ahead of the 2025 presidential elections, though skepticism remains about the sincerity and longevity of the gesture’s potential to foster lasting détente with Europe.