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Belarus Extends Visa-Free Access for 38 European Nations Through 2026

December 13, 2025 6:12 am

Belarus Extends Visa-Free Access for 38 European Nations Through 2026

Belarus has announced exciting news for European travelers by extending its visa-free access program for 38 countries through 2026. This initiative allows visitors to explore the country without the hassle of visa applications. Additionally, the new e-visa system, launched in March 2025, is gaining traction and attracting applicants globally.

The visa-free program for European travelers started in July 2024, originally set to expire in December 2024. However, this timeline has been pushed back before, and now a new presidential decree allows travelers to enjoy easy access until December 31, 2026.

Eligible Countries and Travel Conditions

Citizens of 38 European nations can enter Belarus without needing a visa. They may arrive via any international road, rail, or airport checkpoint. All that is required is a valid travel document. Most travelers can stay in Belarus for up to 30 days per visit. Some exceptions apply:

Poland, Lithuania, and Latvia: Travelers from these countries can stay for up to 90 days.
Non-citizens of Latvia: They also qualify for the extended 90-day stay.

While there’s no limit on entries, the total duration of stay cannot exceed 90 days within a calendar year. Additionally, transit through Belarus is permitted, but travelers must not be en route to Russia.

It’s essential to note that holders of diplomatic or service passports aren’t included in this scheme, unless they possess biometric diplomatic passports from EU member states, which fall under a separate agreement.

Positive Impact on Tourism

The visa-free program has significantly boosted travel to Belarus. Recent reports show that over 1.24 million Europeans have visited the country since the program’s initiation. The visitor numbers from neighboring countries are impressive:

Latvia: 399,842 visitors
Lithuania: 658,575 visitors
Poland: 130,089 visitors

The remaining 35 eligible nations contributed an additional 54,845 visitors, including over 22,000 from Germany alone. In 2025, more than 210,000 visitors from these nations have already explored Belarus.

E-Visa System on the Rise

In conjunction with the visa-free travel option, Belarus introduced an e-visa in March 2025 for travelers from 67 countries, including several additional European nations. As of now, around 1,500 e-visas have been issued. Applications have arrived from a diverse range of countries, such as:

United States
Germany
Japan
Canada
Italy
France
Australia
United Kingdom
Spain

This surge in interest clearly indicates a growing attraction to Belarus as a travel destination.

Conclusion

Belarus aims to foster an open and inviting atmosphere for international tourists. Authorities are committed to ensuring a secure and welcoming travel experience. With the combination of a visa-free program and an expanding e-visa system, Belarus is enhancing its hospitality and showcasing its rich culture.

Now is the perfect time for European travelers to embark on a memorable journey to this vibrant country.