Events

MINSK, 6 January (BelTA) - Belarus completed the internal ratification procedures with regard to the visa abolition agreements with Brazil and Ecuador. The texts of these agreements were published on the national legal Internet portal on 6 January, BelTA has learned.

The agreement between the governments of Belarus and Brazil on the abolition of visas for short-term visits was ratified by Belarus on 29 December 2014. According to the agreement, citizens of Belarus who have valid documents for travel abroad can enter, depart, transit and stay in Brazil for tourism or business purposes without visas. But the total period of stay within one calendar year shall not exceed 90 days from the date of first entry. The competent authorities may extend this period one time for a period of up to 90 days. Belarus shall apply the same procedure applies in respect of Brazilian nationals. The citizens of one state intending to stay in the territory of another state within 30 days are required to obtain a visa. The exception is members of crews of transport vehicles engaged in international transport of goods and passengers.

If a citizen wishes to stay for more than 90 days to engage in income-generating activities, including work, to get involved in research, training, education and social work, technical support, missionary, religious, artistic or any other activities (except for crew members) shall need to obtain a visa. Each party may temporarily suspend this agreement in whole or in part, in the interests of national security, public order, public health. The party shall immediately inform the other party of such a decision through diplomatic channels.

The document will enter into force 90 days from the date of receipt of the last written notification through diplomatic channels about the completion by Belarus and Brazil of the necessary internal procedures.

The agreement between the Governments of Belarus and Ecuador on mutual abolition of visas was ratified by law on 29 December 2014.

For the sake of further developing the bilateral relations and easing mutual trips of citizens of the two states, the parties agreed that holders of valid travel documents shall be exempted from having to obtain a visa for entry, exit and transit through the territory of the other party, provided that the duration of their uninterrupted stay in the territory of this state shall not exceed 30 days from the date of their entry. The total duration of the stay may not exceed 90 days within one calendar year.

The list of documents necessary for the mutual visa-free travel for Belarusians includes a passport, a return-home certificate, a national sailor's ID and an ID of a member of an aircraft crew. For the citizens of Ecuador the list includes an ordinary passport, a return-home certificate and a special passport.

The uninterrupted stay shall not exceed 30 days, otherwise a visa shall be required. An exception is made for members of crews of transport vehicles engaged in international transport of goods and passengers.

This agreement will enter into force 30 days after the date of receipt of the last written notification through diplomatic channels about the completion by Belarus and Ecuador of the necessary internal procedures necessary for the document to enter into force.