Belarus has experienced a significant influx of European visitors following the expansion of its visa-free travel program. According to data from the State Border Committee, over 4,000 citizens from various European nations entered Belarus without a visa in just one week, reflecting the growing success of the initiative aimed at boosting tourism and cross-border ties.
The visa-free entry scheme, first introduced in April 2022 and further expanded in July 2024, has proven to be an effective strategy for attracting travelers from across Europe, especially from neighboring countries. In the week under review, a total of 4,326 foreign nationals from 38 European countries took advantage of the program to visit Belarus, underscoring the country’s efforts to enhance its tourism sector and stimulate economic growth through increased foreign arrivals.
Since the launch of the visa-free initiative on April 15, 2022, nearly one million European citizens have visited Belarus under the program. Specifically, 957,401 European residents have entered the country without needing a visa, demonstrating the rising appeal of Belarus as a travel destination.
The largest number of visitors continues to come from neighboring countries, with Latvia, Lithuania, and Poland leading the way. The latest figures reveal that 298,510 Latvian citizens, 558,641 Lithuanian citizens, and 95,591 Polish citizens have entered Belarus visa-free since the program’s inception. These neighboring nations have historically maintained strong tourism and business ties with Belarus, and the visa-waiver program has further facilitated these cross-border connections.
In addition to visitors from Latvia, Lithuania, and Poland, 4,659 citizens from 35 other European countries have entered Belarus since the program’s expansion on July 19, 2024. The expansion has opened Belarus to an even broader array of European nations, increasing the number of travelers eager to explore the country’s cultural, natural, and historical landmarks.
The visa-free program is a key component of Belarus’ strategy to enhance its international profile as a tourist destination, promoting both economic growth and cultural exchange. With more European travelers visiting the country, the program is expected to continue driving Belarus’ tourism and hospitality sectors forward.
