Incentive for travelling

Belarus and Lithuania reduce visa cost to 5 еuros
Belarus and Lithuania reduce visa cost to 5 еuros

In the course of negotiations carried out in Polotsk between Belarusian and Lithuanian ministries of foreign affairs both parties exchanged diplomatic notes confirming agreement on reducing visa costs on parity basis.

Thus, from July 1 cost of one entry and transit visas for citizens of both countries, Belarus and Lithuania, will be 5 euros and multi-entry visa — 25 euros. “This step will contribute to activation of contacts between citizens of both countries and will create favourable conditions for bilateral co-operation in the economic, scientific and technical and humanitarian spheres,” the press service of the Belarusian Ministry of Foreign Affairs emphasised.

The ministry reminded that initially Belarus came up with a suggestion not to introduce entrance visas with neighbouring countries. When it became obvious that visas were inevitable and having become a true obstacle for tourists and relatives living on both sides of the border, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs offered to reduce visa costs. In fact, visa issues with Lithuania were resolved on the analogy of Poland — Minsk and Warsaw establish same costs starting from May 1, 2004, i.e. the day the country had joined European Union.

The most interesting thing is that having introduced visas and set high primary costs for visas, our neighbours referred to the EU requirements. However, the example of Poland and Lithuania proves that Brussels leaves country-members certain space for manoeuvres. The matter is whether they want to do it or not. Warsaw and Vilnius showed their political will and did what is best for their peoples. At present we are waiting for Latvia’s decision. However, due to unclear reasons, it does not meet our wishes. “Latvia is not coming up with any feedback regarding our proposal to reduce visa cost,” said the head of the Department on Analysis and Planning of the consulate under the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Alexander Ostrovsky.
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