Introduced in July 2024 and originally set to expire on December 31, 2024, Belarus’s visa-free entry program for citizens of 38 European countries was first extended through December 31, 2025.
A new presidential decree has now prolonged the measure once again, this time through December 31, 2026.
The program allows eligible travelers to enter Belarus through all international road and rail checkpoints, as well as via the country’s airports, using a valid travel document.
The maximum stay remains capped at 30 days per entry, starting from the date of arrival. An exception applies to Polish, Lithuanian, and Latvian citizens, as well as individuals holding Latvia’s non-citizen status, who may stay for up to 90 days.
There is no limit on the number of entries, but total visa-free time in Belarus may not exceed 90 days per calendar year. Transit to third countries is permitted, except for the Russian Federation.
The program does not apply to holders of diplomatic, service, or equivalent passports, except for biometric diplomatic passports issued by EU member states, which are already covered under the EU–Belarus visa facilitation agreement.
Over 1.2 million European visitors to Belarus since 2024
According to the State Border Committee, the visa-free regime has significantly boosted cross-border travel. Since the program took effect, more than 1,243,000 European citizens have visited Belarus.
Neighboring countries account for the bulk of arrivals:
- Latvia: 399,842 visitors
- Lithuania: 658,575 visitors
- Poland: 130,089 visitors
Among citizens of the 35 other European countries also eligible for visa-free entry, 54,845 visits have been recorded. More than 22,000 German nationals were among them, the border authority noted.
So far this year alone, more than 210,000 foreign nationals from the 38 eligible countries are estimated to have traveled to Belarus.
E-Visa program gains momentum
In addition to the visa-free regime, since March 2025 Belarus has been offering an electronic visa (e-Visa) to travelers from 67 countries, including European countries.
Svetlana Karanevich, head of the e-commerce department at the National Center for Electronic Services (NCES), recently reported steady growth in the program.
“Since its launch on March 20, around 1,500 e-visas have been issued,” she said. Applications have come from a diverse list of countries, the United States, Germany, Japan, Canada, Italy, France, Australia, the United Kingdom, and Spain, reflecting what she described as “broad geographical reach.”
Belarusian authorities continue to emphasize their commitment to maintaining a welcoming environment for foreign visitors and economic partners. They state that they are creating “all the conditions necessary for a comfortable and safe stay, demonstrating the hospitality and friendliness that are an integral part of Belarusian society.”
