Key Takeaways
- Belarus’s visa-waiver program attracted over 15,000 European tourists in January 2025, signaling its growing popularity since 2022.
- Extended until December 2025, the program supports short-stay tourism, boosting Belarus’s economy and cultural connections with 38 European nations.
- An upcoming e-Visa system in March 2025 will expand access, enhancing Belarus’s appeal to travelers from 67 additional countries.
Belarus 🇧🇾 has experienced a remarkable rise in European visitors using its visa-waiver program since the start of 2025. During just the first few weeks of the year, over 15,000 tourists from 38 European countries arrived in Belarus without the need for a visa, showing how successful and popular the program has become. This early-year surge adds to the program’s proven track record of success since it was first introduced in 2022. By the end of 2024, the country had already welcomed more than one million European visitors as part of this initiative, reinforcing its role as a key tool for promoting travel and economic growth.
The visa-waiver program, recently extended until December 31, 2025, allows eligible citizens from 38 European countries to enter Belarus visa-free for short stays. Visitors can remain in the country for up to 30 consecutive days per trip, with a maximum of 90 days per calendar year. Belarusian authorities announced this extension in late 2024, ensuring that European travelers can continue to enjoy this simplified travel arrangement throughout 2025.
Rapid Growth in Visitor Numbers
Belarus’s growing appeal among European tourists is evident in the sharp rise in visitor numbers. In the first week of January 2025, the country welcomed 2,459 travelers under the visa-waiver program. Three weeks later, this figure had soared to 11,535. By the end of January, over 15,000 visitors had arrived, indicating steady and widespread interest in Belarus as a destination.
This quick growth underscores the positive impact of visa-free travel, making Belarus more accessible to tourists. These numbers demonstrate that visitors from Europe are increasingly recognizing the opportunities offered by the program and the unique attractions of Belarus.
Where Visitors Are Coming From
While travelers originate from all 38 eligible countries, some nations stand out for their larger contribution to the influx of tourists. The program has proven particularly popular among residents of neighboring countries like Lithuania 🇱🇹, Latvia 🇱🇻, and Poland 🇵🇱. These countries consistently top the list of visa-waiver visitors to Belarus, following similar trends prior to the program’s establishment. Other significant contributors include Germany 🇩🇪, Estonia 🇪🇪, Italy 🇮🇹, France 🇫🇷, and the United Kingdom 🇬🇧.
Neighboring countries naturally see higher visitor numbers due to their cultural and economic ties with Belarus, as well as greater geographical proximity. However, the visa-waiver initiative has also attracted interest from a broader range of European nations, enabling Belarus to gain visibility among travelers further afield.
Entry Points and Documents
Travelers participating in the visa-waiver program can enter Belarus via a variety of international land and air checkpoints. Major entry points include Minsk National Airport and key land border crossings. This flexibility in entry options further contributes to the program’s growing success.
To qualify for visa-free entry, visitors must present a valid passport that remains valid for at least 90 days after the planned date of departure from Belarus. This ensures that all travelers have proper documentation for their trip. However, the visa-waiver program excludes holders of diplomatic, service, or special passports. Individuals traveling with these types of passports must still apply for a visa through traditional procedures.
Duration and Limits for Visa-Free Visits
Eligible European citizens generally enjoy a maximum stay of 30 consecutive days per visit under the visa-waiver program. However, there are exceptions for travelers from three neighboring countries—Lithuania, Latvia, and Poland—who are permitted to stay up to 90 days per trip. This flexibility reflects Belarus’s close connections with these nations.
Regardless of the number of visits over the year, European travelers may not exceed a total of 90 visa-free days in Belarus within a calendar year. The program allows unlimited entries until December 31, 2025, as long as this cap of 90 days is not surpassed. These straightforward rules make it easy for travelers to plan their stays while ensuring compliance.
Facilitating Transit Travel
Beyond encouraging tourism, the visa-waiver program also benefits travelers who need to transit through Belarus on their way to other destinations, including those traveling by air. This makes Belarus an attractive option for European tourists heading to third countries. However, it’s important to note that transit via Belarus to Russia is not covered by the visa-waiver program.
For individuals traveling inside or outside Europe, Belarus offers a convenient and hassle-free stopover point. This feature enhances the program’s versatility and appeal, particularly for frequent travelers who might combine tourism with transit.
Economic and Tourism Boost
The arrival of over 15,000 European visitors in early 2025 is a clear indicator of the program’s impact on Belarus’s tourism and broader economy. Although detailed financial figures for 2025 are not yet available, the consistent rise in visitor numbers strongly suggests positive economic and commercial effects. Sectors such as hotels, restaurants, shops, and transportation benefit directly from increased tourism traffic.
Popular cities like Minsk, Grodno, and Brest are likely experiencing heightened demand from the current influx of visitors. Moreover, higher tourism-related activity leads to job creation across various industries and drives economic growth in regions traditionally reliant on travel and trade.
Extension of the Program Until 2025
Acknowledging the program’s continuing popularity and positive outcomes, President Alexander Lukashenko extended the visa-waiver initiative to run through the end of 2025. This decision adds a sense of stability for European tourists planning their trips to Belarus in the coming months. It also allows Belarus to capitalize further on the program’s benefits and build upon the momentum established since its 2022 launch.
Introducing the Electronic Visa System
In addition to the visa-waiver system, Belarus plans to modernize its immigration processes with the introduction of an electronic visa (e-Visa) system starting March 20, 2025. This innovation will open doors for tourists from 67 countries not currently included in the visa-waiver program, giving a broader range of travelers simplified access to Belarus. The e-Visa will permit a stay of up to 30 days and streamline the application process through the Unified Electronic Services Portal.
The e-Visa program will complement the visa-waiver scheme, catering to countries not covered by existing policies. The mix of visa-free and electronic options reflects Belarus’s efforts to make its borders more accessible while also keeping pace with international travel standards.
Continued Success and Broader Impacts
The steady increase in visitor numbers under the visa-waiver program over the past three years has cemented Belarus’s position as an appealing destination for European tourists. Having welcomed over one million travelers by the end of 2024 and already hosting over 15,000 visitors in early 2025, the program has clearly exceeded expectations.
In addition to boosting tourism, the visa-waiver program promotes better cultural exchange, creating opportunities for visitors to experience Belarus’s rich history, traditions, and modern attractions. By simplifying travel from 38 European countries, Belarus fosters closer connections with its neighbors and encourages broader regional engagement.
The recently extended timeline for the visa-waiver program, along with the introduction of the e-Visa system, highlights Belarus’s commitment to maintaining and expanding its status as an accessible travel destination. As reported by VisaVerge.com, Belarus’s proactive approach is likely to lead to continued growth in tourism and greater awareness of what the country has to offer. For more details on official entry requirements and policies, readers can visit the State Border Committee of Belarus’s site at http://gpk.gov.by/en/.
With visitor numbers expected to continue climbing, Belarus’s tourism industry stands to gain even further. The benefits to the economy, coupled with strengthened ties with European nations, suggest the visa-waiver program will remain a cornerstone of Belarus’s travel policies moving forward. The strategic mix of visa-free travel and electronic visa options not only simplifies processes but also showcases the country’s investment in its long-term growth as a destination for European visitors.
Belarus has welcomed over 15,000 visa-waiver visitors from Europe in the opening weeks of 2025, marking a strong start for its extended visa-free travel program. The initiative, active since 2022, allows citizens from 38 European countries to visit Belarus without a visa.
Why it matters:
The program’s popularity signals growing interest in Belarus as a travel destination and is boosting the country’s tourism industry. This influx also contributes to economic growth through increased spending in hospitality, retail, and transportation.
The big picture:
Belarus’s visa-waiver program has been instrumental in opening the country to European travelers.
– Over 1 million Europeans visited Belarus visa-free by the end of 2024.
– The program has been extended until December 31, 2025, ensuring continued simplified access.
By the numbers:
- 15,000+ European visitors entered Belarus visa-free in January 2025.
- 2,459 visitors arrived during the first week of January.
- The number grew to 11,535 by January 27, 2025, demonstrating steady growth.
Popular source countries:
Travelers from neighboring EU nations lead the pack, especially:
– Lithuania
– Latvia
– Poland
Other notable contributors include Germany, Estonia, Italy, France, and the UK.
Between the lines:
Neighboring countries have historically been key travel partners for Belarus. The visa-waiver program has strengthened these flows while attracting newer participants from across Europe.
State of play:
European citizens can stay for up to 30 consecutive days per entry under the visa-waiver policy, with a total cap of 90 days within a calendar year. Exceptions apply:
– Citizens of Poland, Lithuania, and Latvia can stay up to 90 days from the date of first entry.
Visitors can opt for unlimited entries until the program’s end.
Yes, but:
The visa-free option is not available for holders of diplomatic, service, or special passports, who must still obtain visas via conventional processes.
Future developments:
Starting March 20, 2025, Belarus plans to launch an e-Visa system for 67 countries, complementing existing programs.
– The e-Visa will allow a 30-day stay for single entry.
– Applications will be processed in seven calendar days.
The bottom line:
Belarus’s visa-waiver program continues to attract European travelers in growing numbers, signaling a boost for its tourism and economy. The program, extended through 2025 and paired with new e-Visa options, positions Belarus as an increasingly accessible European travel destination.
Learn Today
Visa-Waiver Program: A travel policy allowing eligible citizens to enter a country without a visa for a specified short duration.
E-Visa System: An electronic visa application platform enabling travelers to apply online for entry permissions to a country.
Diplomatic Passport: A special passport issued to government representatives conducting official international business, typically excluding them from visa-waivers.
Transit Travel: Travel through a country en route to another destination, sometimes requiring specific permits or accommodations.
Unified Electronic Services Portal: An online platform centralizing governmental services, such as e-Visa applications, for easier and faster access.
This Article in a Nutshell
Belarus’s visa-waiver program is reshaping European tourism. Since 2022, over one million European visitors have explored its rich culture visa-free. Extended through 2025, travelers from 38 countries enjoy stays of up to 30 days. Surging numbers highlight growing allure, boosting Belarus’s economy and positioning it as a prime destination for effortless exploration.
— By VisaVerge.com
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