Belarus Initiates 90-Day Visa-Free Regime for 35 European Nations

Belarus announced the introduction of a 90-day visa-free entry policy for citizens of 35 European countries. This move is perceived as an attempt to reduce tensions with the West. The new policy will be effective starting Friday, allowing extended stays compared to the current 30-day limit.

Belarus, a traditionally close ally of Russia, revealed plans on Wednesday to introduce a 90-day visa-free regime for citizens of 35 European countries. The policy aims to ease tensions with the West, allowing citizens from nations including Germany, Britain, and France to enter Belarus without a visa and stay for up to 90 days per year. Currently, travellers from these countries can only stay for 30 days and must arrive via Minsk airport.

This new policy will take effect on Friday, according to a statement by the national border service. Belarus is currently facing Western sanctions following President Alexander Lukashenko's decision to allow Russian troops to use Belarusian territory for the Ukraine invasion in 2022.

Last week, Lukashenko ordered the withdrawal of Belarusian troops deployed at the Ukraine border, suggesting subsiding tensions with Kyiv. He stated, "...There are now no difficulties with the Ukrainians and I hope there will be none," as quoted by the official BelTA news agency. Belarus already has a 90-day visa-free regime with Latvia, Lithuania, and Poland. However, Latvia recently banned Belarus-registered passenger cars following a new EU sanctions package.

(With inputs from agencies.)