More districts in western Belarus open up for visa-free visits

Belarus President Aliaksandr Lukashenka has signed his decree "On establishing visa-free entry and exit procedures for foreign citizens," expanding the borders of the visa-free zone in the west of the country, TUT.by reports quoting the press office of the head of state.

Previously, Belarus had two separate visa-free zones, which included the cities of Brest and Hrodna, and their vicinities. The latest edict unites them one visa-free "Brest - Hrodna" territory. Now, five more districts of the Hrodna region have been added to become available for visa-free visits: Bierastavica, Vaŭkavýsk, Voranava, Lida and Ščučyn.

Citizens of 73 countries will be able to stay on this territory without a visa for up to 15 days. In addition, they will be able to get into the visa-free zone through two additional checkpoints on the ground border.

Foreigners will be able to travel without visas throughout the western regions in organized tourist groups, following the designated tourism routes within the visa-free area.

The decree comes into force three months after its official publication.

The edict confirms that visa-free travel for citizens of the European Union member states, the United States and several dozens other countries remain available through the main aerial gateway, the National Airport of Minsk. When arriving and exiting Belarus visa this international aiport, foreigners of those countries can stay in our country without a visa for up to 30 days.