Events

The document was signed in Quito in June 2014. The agreement provides that Belarusian and Ecuadorian nationals holding valid travel documents will no longer need to obtain visas for entry, exit and transit across the territory of the other state, provided that the duration of uninterrupted stay will not exceed 30 days from the date of entry. “However, the total duration of stay shall not exceed 90 days in one calendar year,” Deputy Foreign Minister of Belarus Yelena Kupchina said.

Besides, citizens of one of the states permanently residing in the other state will be able to depart and return to the country of permanent residence without visas, provided they can present their permanent residence permits.

Each party retains the right to refuse the entry or reduce the period of stay of the residents of the other country without explaining the reasons. Each party may also temporarily suspend this agreement, in whole or in part, in the interests of national security, public order, public health or in case of epidemics, natural disasters, technological accidents and other emergency situations.

At the session on 11 December the MPs ratified the Belarus-Brazil intergovernmental agreement on the abolition of short-term visas. The agreement was signed in Brasilia in November 2013.

In line with the agreement, citizens of Belarus who have valid travel documents can enter, depart, transit and stay in Brazil for tourism or business purposes without visas. However the total period of stay in one calendar year shall not exceed 90 days from the date of the first entry. The period of stay can be extended one time for another 90 days. Belarus shall apply the same procedure in respect to Brazilian nationals.

According to Yelena Kupchina, the document will ease the mutual travels of the citizens of Belarus and Brazil and will give a new impetus to the development of the bilateral contacts in politics, trade, economy, science and culture.