Events

MFA works on visa facilitation with SE Asia countries for Belarusian travelers

MINSK, 8 December (BelTA) - The Ministry of Foreign Affairs is working to make the entire continental Southeast Asia a visa-free zone for Belarusian tourists, Belarusian First Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Sergei Lukashevich told the media at an event marking the launch of Belavia's flight program to Thailand in Minsk, BelTA has learned.

Sergei Lukashevich noted that Belarus has literally “burst into” Southeast Asia. Flights to Vietnam and Sri Lanka have recently been launched.

“Today, it's Thailand's turn. Of course, all of this is preceded by the systematic work of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. In July of this year, Belarusian Minister of Foreign Affairs Maxim Ryzhenkov visited Thailand and discussed the launch of this flight with his counterparts.” Sergei Lukashevich noted. “We are working systematically to make the entire continental Southeast Asia a visa-free zone for Belarusian tourists.”

According to him, direct flights are the cornerstone for further strengthening political, economic, humanitarian, and tourism ties. Southeast Asian is in demand among travelers, partly due to the launch of direct flights. Tourism drives further both trade-economic contacts and political interaction.

“The launch of flights to Thailand is the jewel in the crown of our efforts to strengthen ties with Southeast Asian countries,” Sergei Lukashevich said. He added that there is an arrangement with Thai counterparts to sign a visa-waiver agreement for holders of regular passports. Similar agreements have been signed with Myanmar and Laos, and one with Vietnam has already entered into force.

“We are working both on signing agreements and accelerating their ratification. We call on our partners to make similar efforts,” Sergei Lukashevich noted.

As BelTA has reported, flights from Minsk to Pattaya (U-Tapao Airport) will be launched on 8 January, and to Phuket on 11 January. Tickets are available as part of tour packages: details about the flights, prices and other current information can be obtained from tour operators.

Flights to U-Tapao and Phuket will be operated once every 10/11 days using new Airbus A330 aircraft. The approximate flight time is 10 hours for the outbound journey and about 11 hours for the return one.

print version

make home page

add to bookmarks