Belarusian authorities have announced that the agreement on mutual visa recognition between Belarus and Russia is nearing completion and is expected to be fully operational by the end of the year.

This long-awaited agreement, which has already been ratified by both countries, aims to facilitate the free movement of citizens and foreign nationals between Russia and Belarus, thereby strengthening economic and diplomatic ties between Minsk and Moscow. Andreichik, a key official in the discussions, reiterated the principles behind this upcoming visa recognition, emphasizing its significance for both nations.

Until the agreement is finalized, citizens from 35 European countries can enter Belarus visa-free by air or land for stays of up to 30 days. This provision enhances Belarus’s appeal as a travel destination for European tourists. Additionally, Russia offers an electronic visa (e-Visa) to citizens from 56 countries, allowing them to stay in the country for up to 16 days. This electronic visa system simplifies the entry process, making it more accessible for foreign visitors.

The idea of mutual visa recognition between Belarus and Russia was first discussed in 2017, as part of broader discussions on integrating the two countries within the Eurasian Economic Union and the State Union. This agreement seeks to harmonize their legislative and economic systems, marking a significant step toward achieving deeper cooperation between the two nations.

Previously, while citizens of both Belarus and Russia could travel freely between the two countries due to a bilateral agreement on free movement, foreign travelers were still required to navigate separate visa processes for each country. This created challenges for tourists and businesspeople wishing to visit Russia after obtaining a Belarusian visa, and vice versa, resulting in delays and additional costs.

The upcoming agreement is expected to eliminate these obstacles, allowing foreign tourists and investors to enter both Belarus and Russia without needing separate visas. This streamlined process is anticipated to boost tourism and business opportunities between the two countries.

However, officials noted that the implementation of the agreement is currently hindered by certain technical aspects, including the integration of visa systems and coordination between immigration authorities.

Further details on how this mutual recognition system will operate, including specific procedures for third-country citizens, are anticipated to be announced in the coming weeks. These details will clarify how foreign nationals can benefit from the new visa recognition and what documentation may be required for entry into Belarus and Russia under the new agreement.

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