Belarus Turns to Asia for New Visa Policy, Expands E-Visa

(MINSK, BELARUS) Belarus is accelerating its shift toward Asia with a broad expansion of travel access in 2025, combining new visa-free arrangements, a streamlined e-visa system, and fresh air links aimed at bringing in more visitors and investment.

Officials have prioritized agreements with Asian partners, with a particular highlight being a mutual visa waiver with Iran finalized in August 2025 and plans for three weekly direct flights between Tehran and Minsk. The country’s new e-visa system began on March 20, 2025, opening an online path to single-entry stays of up to 30 days for citizens of 67 countries.

Recent visa-free agreements and status by country

Belarus has been expanding visa-free access for several Asian partners and maintaining existing arrangements:

• Iran: Mutual visa waiver agreed in August 2025; paired with plans for three weekly Tehran–Minsk flights to support tourism and trade.
• Vietnam: Visa exemption effective January 30, 2025, allowing visa-free entry for up to 30 days per visit.
• China: Visa-free access continues for mainland China, Hong Kong, and Macao. Mainland Chinese nationals can stay 30 days per visit and up to 90 days per year.
• Mongolia: Visa-free entry for up to 90 days.
• Turkey: Visa-free entry for up to 30 days.
• Qatar: Visa-free entry for up to 30 days.
• United Arab Emirates: Visa-free entry for up to 90 days.

Talks are ongoing with Thailand, Myanmar, and other countries to broaden the list further. According to analysis by VisaVerge.com, these moves reflect Minsk’s strategy to deepen ties with Asian markets while Western travel and economic links remain strained.

The e-visa system: practical details

The rollout of the e-visa system on March 20, 2025, provides an online alternative for travelers who are not covered by visa-free agreements.

Key features:
– Eligibility: Citizens of 67 countries (see official list).
– Type: Single-entry e-visa.
– Maximum stay: 30 days.
– Processing time: Up to 7 calendar days.
– Fees: Standard visa fees apply, plus a EUR 6 service charge.
– Requirements on arrival: Valid passport, proof of funds, and accommodation details.

Applicants can apply online without visiting an embassy or uploading supporting documents. The application is a simplified online request, but travelers must still present basic documentation when entering Belarus.

For official details on entry rules and eligibility, see the Belarus Ministry of Foreign Affairs visa information: https://mfa.gov.by/en/visa/

Policy changes overview and timelines

Belarus’s headline changes in 2025 include:

1. Mutual visa waiver with Iran — agreed August 2025, enabling visa-free tourism and supported by three weekly direct flights Tehran–Minsk.
2. Vietnam visa exemption — effective January 30, 2025, permitting up to 30 days per visit.
3. E-visa launch — March 20, 2025, providing a predictable online route for short stays (single-entry, up to 30 days).

Additional context:
– Several visa-free measures for European and selected travelers have been extended through December 31, 2025.
– Negotiations with Thailand, Myanmar, and others are ongoing; more visa-free announcements may follow.

Impact on travelers, airlines, and businesses

Travelers:
– New policies reduce consular steps, time, and cost for visitors from Iran and Vietnam.
– Students, entrepreneurs, and families benefit from simpler, predictable entry rules.
– Chinese visitors retain 30-day per visit and 90-day per year limits, supporting repeated short trips common for business and family visits.

Airlines and airports:
– The planned Tehran–Minsk service (three times weekly) increases capacity and creates a steady flow for both leisure and business travel.
– Minsk National Airport may attract connecting traffic and see seasonal capacity increases if demand grows.

Businesses and the local economy:
– Hotels, guides, restaurants, and small businesses (textiles, IT services) stand to gain from increased short visits by partners and buyers.
– Cultural exchange, language schools, and universities may find recruitment and collaboration easier with simpler travel rules.

Practical advice for travelers using the e-visa system

• Apply at least 7 days before travel to allow for processing.
• Ensure passport validity, have return tickets, and prepare accommodation details to present at the border.
• Remember the single-entry nature: if you plan to leave and return, you’ll need another e-visa or visa-free eligibility.
• Fees include standard visa fees plus a EUR 6 service charge.

Key dates to remember

• March 20, 2025: Start of the e-visa system (online applications; single-entry up to 30 days; EUR 6 service charge).
• December 31, 2025: Current end date for several extended visa-free measures for Europeans and selected nationalities.

Belarus is prioritizing Asia-driven growth: visa waivers, the e-visa, and targeted air links are designed to bring more tourists, students, and business visitors to Minsk as the country diversifies inbound travel amid strained Western ties.

Officials say they will continue reviewing policies with Asian partners. If negotiations with Thailand and Myanmar succeed, nationals from those countries could join the Belarus visa-free list, making the country a more attractive stop on multi-country itineraries. Until then, travelers from those countries should use the e-visa system if eligible, or apply for traditional visas through consulates when needed.

The overall message for travelers, families, students, and companies is clear: Belarus is betting that simpler entry rules and targeted air links will bring more people and business to Minsk. The combination of a mutual visa waiver with Iran, the Vietnam exemption, continued access for Chinese nationals, and the digital e-visa system expands options for Asian travelers—often faster and at lower cost than before.