Belarus’ Presidential decree extends visa-free travel for Lithuanians and Latvians until late 2022
Taking into account positive responses and numerous wishes of foreign citizens, the Head of State made a decision to extend the right of visa-free entry, exit and stay in the Republic of Belarus for citizens of Lithuania and Latvia until the end of 2022 – as reported by the Belarusian Foreign Ministry
On May 15th, the previously introduced simplified procedure for crossing the border of the Republic of Belarus by citizens of a number of states adjacent to Belarus expired.
"This gesture of goodwill of the Belarusian side has become a clear confirmation of our country's desire to maintain good-neighbourly relations with the relevant states, further development of interpersonal contacts between ordinary people even in the conditions of illegal sanctions pressure on the Republic of Belarus," the Foreign Ministry noted. “The practice of visa-free travel has demonstrated the presence of significant interest among foreign citizens in Belarus. After a long COVID break, our neighbours got an opportunity to meet with their relatives, visit the graves of their family members and settle everyday issues. Traditionally, medical treatment and holidaying in Belarus enjoy a high demand and, it is no secret that such trips have also become a good economic help for people who could purchase Belarus-made products at lower prices than at home.”
The Foreign Ministry was pleased to note that many foreign guests considered it their duty to pay tribute to the memory of those who died during the Great Patriotic War, to visit historical memorials in Belarus – where, unlike in a range of the neighbouring states, the heroes are honoured and the lessons of that terrible tragedy are remembered.
“Over a month, the number of citizens coming from the Baltic States to Belarus was steadily increasing – despite the openly anti-Belarusian propaganda carried out by the Lithuanian and Latvian authorities and the intimidation of their citizens with misinformation about the situation in Belarus. It is surprising that Belarus’ good initiatives were initially met virtually with ‘hostility’ by officials of the neighbouring states, while citizens visiting Belarus were subjected to mudslinging for spreading objective information about our country,” the Belarusian Foreign Ministry noted.
Taking into account positive responses and numerous wishes of foreign citizens, Belarus’ President made a decision to extend the right of visa-free entry, exit and stay in the Republic of Belarus for citizens of Lithuania and Latvia until the end of 2022.
“We are confident that this step will enable citizens of the neighbouring countries to form their own objective view of modern Belarus, its politics and economy, and to get to know the culture of our people more closely. Such a constructive approach, based primarily on the interests of ordinary people, can serve as a guide for our Western neighbours in terms of finding ways to normalise relations and settle a difficult situation in the region," the Belarusian Foreign Ministry added.
