Belarus Extends Visa Waiver for Citizens. Belarus has officially extended its visa-free entry policy for citizens of 38 European countries until 31 December 2026. The decision was announced by the press service of the Belarusian President, confirming that the current visa-free entry rules will continue without any changes.
This move signals Belarus’ ongoing effort to promote tourism, business travel, cultural exchanges, and stronger international ties.
What Does the Visa Waiver Extension Mean?
The extension allows eligible travelers to visit Belarus without applying for a visa as long as they follow the country’s entry rules. The goal is to make travel easier, faster, and more accessible for tourists, business visitors, and transit passengers.
Belarus has emphasized that it remains open and ready to welcome foreign guests with improved safety, comfort, and hospitality.
Who Can Enter Belarus Visa-Free?
Citizens of 38 European states qualify for visa-free entry. These travelers can enter Belarus through:
- All international road border crossings
- All rail border checkpoints
- Airports offering visa-free arrival services
They must carry valid travel documents when crossing the Belarusian border.
Duration of Stay for Visa-Free Travelers
The allowed stay depends on nationality:
Standard Stay
Most citizens from the 38 eligible countries can remain in Belarus for up to:
- 30 days per entry
- Multiple entries allowed
Extended Stay for Specific Countries
Citizens of the following countries can stay for up to 90 days:
- Poland
- Lithuania
- Latvia
- Latvian non-citizens (with alien passport)
Yearly Limit
Even though multiple entries are allowed, visa-free visitors cannot exceed:
- 90 total days of stay per calendar year
Visa-Free Entry Through Airports
The existing airport visa-free entry procedure also stays active.
Foreign nationals may:
- Arrive in Belarus without a visa
- Transit through Belarusian airports
- Continue traveling to third countries
However, this does not apply to travelers heading to Russia, since border controls between Belarus and Russia are not designed for international transit.
Important Restrictions for Certain Passport Holders
The visa-free policy does not apply to:
- Holders of diplomatic passports
- Service passports
- Special passports
- Other equivalent travel documents
Exception for EU Biometric Diplomatic Passports
Persons holding biometric diplomatic passports from EU member states may still enter Belarus without a visa under the EU–Belarus visa facilitation agreement.
Transit Rules for Visa-Free Visitors
Travelers entering Belarus under visa-free rules may transit through the country, including through airports, as long as:
- Their final destination is a third country
- They are not traveling to the Russian Federation
Belarus encourages smooth regional travel and has kept transit corridors open for foreign nationals.
Why Belarus Extended the Visa Waiver
Belarus continues to focus on:
- Boosting international tourism
- Supporting cross-border business activities
- Increasing cultural and regional cooperation
- Making travel simple and welcoming for visitors
Government officials highlight that Belarus is committed to ensuring a safe, comfortable, and hospitable environment for all international guests.
Belarus Strengthens Its Position as a Tourist-Friendly Destination
With this extension, Belarus demonstrates its openness to global travelers. The country is actively working on:
- Improving infrastructure
- Enhancing safety measures
- Offering better services for tourists
- Promoting cultural attractions and business opportunities
Belarus hopes the visa waiver will encourage more visitors from Europe to explore its cities, nature, and heritage.
Conclusion
The visa-free extension into 2026 is a strong signal from Belarus that it welcomes international guests and values global connectivity.
For citizens of the 38 eligible countries, travel has become easier, faster, and more flexible—making 2026 an ideal time to explore Belarus for tourism, business, and transit.
