Events

MINSK, 27 June (BelTA) - The House of Representatives ratified the intergovernmental agreement on visa-free travel with China on 27 June, BelTA learned.

Belarus’ Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Evgeny Shestakov presented the document in the parliament. He said that the Chinese side, according to the preliminary information, plans to perform the necessary procedures to ratify the agreement within two weeks. Answering the questions of journalists, the deputy minister explained that the agreement describes the procedure of it entering force. “It will happen within 30 days after the parties complete the ratification procedures and notify each other,” he said.

As it was reported, Belarusians will be able to stay in China visa free for up to 30 days during one trip, but not more than 90 days a year. The same rule will apply to Chinese citizens. If a person wants to stay in the country for more than 30 days or engage in educational and professional activities, he or she will need a special visa. Visa-free travel covers private trips, business trips, and tourist trips.

The intergovernmental agreement on mutual visa-free travel for ordinary citizens of Belarus and China was signed in Qingdao on 10 June during the working visit of the Belarusian president to China. Belarus is among the few European countries enjoying a visa-free regime with China.