Opinions & Interviews

MINSK, 30 January (BelTA) – The UNWTO has expressed its full support to the decision of the Government of Belarus to launch the 5-day visa-free policy that will be applicable to travelers from 80 countries, reads a message posted on the UNWTO website, BelTA has learned.

The measure is aimed at advancing seamless travel and attracting visitors, particularly those in business trips, the UNWTO said.

“Visa facilitation is among the most effective strategies to induce tourism development in a region or in a country, so we are sure that the tourism sector will experience a positive shift in Belarus,” said UNWTO Secretary General, Taleb Rifai.

The promotion of seamless travel is one of the UNWTO’s priorities, considering the proven capacity of visa facilitation to stimulate economic growth and job creation through tourism.

BelTA reported earlier that Belarus enforces visa-free entry and departure rules for foreign citizen through the border checkpoint at the Minsk National Airport and the visa-free stay in Belarus for up to 5 days for citizens of 80 countries, including 39 countries of Europe, including the entire European Union, Brazil, Indonesia, the USA, Japan, and other states.