Belarus and Russia Near Completion of Mutual Visa Recognition Agreement.
Belarusian authorities have announced that the agreement for mutual visa recognition between Belarus and Russia is nearing completion. It is expected to be fully operational by the end of the year.
This long-anticipated agreement has already been ratified by both countries. Its goal is to facilitate the free movement of citizens and foreign nationals between Russia and Belarus. This move is intended to strengthen economic and diplomatic ties between Minsk and Moscow. Andreichik, a key official involved in the discussions, emphasized the importance of this visa recognition for both nations.
While the agreement is still being finalized, citizens from 35 European countries can enter Belarus without a visa. They can stay for up to 30 days, whether traveling by air or land. This provision makes Belarus more attractive to European tourists. Similarly, Russia offers an electronic visa (e-Visa) for citizens from 56 countries, allowing stays of up to 16 days. This system simplifies the entry process, making it easier for foreign visitors.
Discussions about mutual visa recognition began in 2017. This was part of broader talks on integrating the two countries within the Eurasian Economic Union and the State Union. The agreement aims to align their legislative and economic systems, representing a significant step toward closer cooperation.
Previously, while Belarusian and Russian citizens could travel freely due to a bilateral agreement, foreign travelers faced separate visa processes for each country. This created challenges for tourists and businesspeople wanting to visit Russia after getting a Belarusian visa, and vice versa. As a result, they often faced delays and additional costs.
The new agreement aims to remove these obstacles. Foreign tourists and investors will be able to enter both Belarus and Russia without needing separate visas. This streamlined process is expected to boost tourism and business opportunities between the two nations.
However, officials have pointed out that the implementation of the agreement is currently stalled by some technical challenges. These include the integration of visa systems and coordination among immigration authorities.
Further details on how the mutual recognition system will function, particularly for third-country citizens, are expected in the coming weeks. These announcements will clarify how foreign nationals can take advantage of the new visa recognition and what documentation will be needed for entry into Belarus and Russia.
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