Visa-Free to Belarus: New Opportunities for EU Citizens and the World

Introduction

Belarus continues to actively develop its tourism sector and simplify the visa regime. Today, there are several options for visa-free entry into the country, which vary depending on citizenship, border crossing method, and purpose of travel. Let’s look at all the current opportunities for 2025.

30-Day Visa-Free Entry by Air

Citizens of 76 countries can enter Belarus without a visa for up to 30 days if they arrive on regular flights to Minsk, Brest, Vitebsk, Gomel, Grodno, or Mogilev.

Travelers must have a valid passport, medical insurance covering at least €10,000, and sufficient financial means — at least two basic amounts (about €25 in 2025) per day of stay, or 50 basic amounts for the entire visit.

For citizens of certain countries (such as Vietnam, Egypt, or India), additional conditions apply: a valid Schengen multiple-entry visa and a return air ticket. For stays longer than 10 days, registration is required, which can be done online or through a hotel.

Exceptions for U.S. Citizens

Previously, U.S. citizens could use the 30-day visa-free regime when arriving by air, but since 2021 their participation has been suspended. Now, they need either an electronic visa or a visa issued by a consulate.

90-Day Visa-Free Entry via Land Borders

Since 2022, citizens of Lithuania, Latvia, and Poland have been able to enter Belarus visa-free for up to 90 days via any land or rail border checkpoints. This measure has greatly simplified travel for residents of border regions and remains valid in 2025.

30-Day Visa-Free Entry for 35 European Countries

Since July 2024, another important regime has been in effect: citizens of 35 European countries, including Germany, France, Italy, the United Kingdom, Spain, and others, may cross into Belarus without a visa and stay for up to 30 days. Entry is allowed via all land and rail checkpoints. The program has been extended until December 31, 2025.

Electronic Visa (E-Visa)

On March 20, 2025, Belarus launched an electronic visa system. It allows citizens of 67 countries — including the U.S., Canada, Japan, the U.K., Australia, and most EU countries — to obtain a visa online.

The electronic visa is valid for up to 30 days and can be used for tourism, business trips, or participation in cultural or sports events. Applications must be submitted at least seven days before entry via the E-Pasluga portal. The visa costs €35 for EU citizens and some other countries, €60 for others, and is free for certain categories, such as children.

Mutual Recognition of Visas between Russia and Belarus

On January 11, 2025, the agreement on mutual recognition of visas and residence permits came into force. Now, holders of a visa or residence permit of one of the two countries can freely cross the border using the existing document. This has significantly simplified travel between Russia and Belarus for foreign nationals.

Conclusion

Visa-free entry to Belarus in 2025 has become more flexible and diverse. Tourists from Europe can now visit for a month or longer through land borders, citizens of dozens of countries can fly in without applying for a visa, and others can take advantage of the convenient electronic visa. These measures make Belarus more accessible to travelers and confirm the country’s commitment to developing international tourism.

2026 Update

The visa-free entry program for European citizens remains in force and has been officially extended through the end of 2026. This applies to the 30-day visa-free regime via land and rail border crossings for a range of EU countries.

According to tourism and investment market participants, the simplified entry program has proven highly effective, making a further extension into 2027 highly likely. Such measures are designed to stimulate tourism, business travel, and foreign investment, including interest in real estate.