Belarus Sees 167,506 Visa-Waiver Travelers by Sept 2025

(BELARUS) Belarus has recorded 167,506 visa-waiver travelers from 38 countries between January 1 and September 8, 2025, according to the State Border Committee’s official site. This is a strong sign that the country’s eased entry policy remains active and popular. The current visa-waiver program for European nationals is officially valid through December 31, 2025, with different stay limits by nationality.

Authorities highlight steady summer traffic and repeat visits, even as some road crossings operate with reduced capacity due to policies in neighboring states. The 2025 figure fits a broader trend since the scheme began in April 2022, during which 1,199,242 European residents used visa-free entry to visit Belarus.

Recent policy changes and timeline

• July 19, 2024: Visa-free land entry expanded to 35 additional European countries, allowing entry at international road and rail checkpoints.
• December 17, 2024: Formal extension of the visa-waiver policy through December 31, 2025.
• January 11, 2025: Mutual visa recognition with Russia came into effect — valid visas issued by either country are recognized for travel between them while the visa is valid.
• March 20, 2025: Launch of a new E-visa to cover citizens of 67 countries who do not qualify for visa-free entry.

Together, these measures aim to simplify short-term travel for both neighboring and long‑haul visitors.

Summer 2025 traffic highlights

From June 1 to September 1, 2025, Belarus received 79,892 visa-waiver travelers. Notable nationalities in the summer flow:

• Germany: ~8,000 entries
• Estonia: ~3,500 entries

Officials report many visitors came for short shopping trips, family visits, weekend tourism, business meetings, and services in border regions.

Historical and regional patterns

The program began with a narrower opening on April 15, 2022, for residents of Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, and non-citizens of Latvia. Since 2022, those neighbors have driven large shares of traffic:

These totals reflect easy road access and strong ties between border towns. Even with some checkpoints running limited lanes, cross-border trips continue for family reasons, medical needs, trade, and curiosity.

Rules and stay limits (key points)

• Original group (Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, non-citizens of Latvia): up to 90 days per entry, but no more than 90 days in a calendar year.
• Other eligible European countries: up to 30 days per entry, capped at 90 days per calendar year.
• Unlimited entries are allowed as long as the annual 90-day cap is not exceeded.
• Registration with local authorities is required if a stay exceeds five business days (applies to all nationalities).
• Land entry is allowed via all international road and rail checkpoints open to eligible nationals.
• A separate air visa-free policy exists for dozens of countries but follows different rules; since July 2024, many Europeans preferred land entry.

Important: The annual cap of 90 days applies across all visa-free entries in the same calendar year. Keep your own tally and retain entry stamps or confirmations.

The E-visa (launched March 20, 2025)

• Covers 67 countries, including the United States 🇺🇸, Canada 🇨🇦, EU member states, the United Kingdom, Australia, and Japan.
• Single-entry, valid for up to 30 days.
• Apply via the “E-Pasluga” portal or mobile app.
• Pay standard consular fees plus a €6 service fee.
• Decision typically within up to 7 calendar days.
• Intended for those not on the visa-waiver list or who need to arrive by air under specific conditions.

Practical entry/exit and enforcement notes

• Per-entry limits reset with each crossing. The per-entry clock starts at border control entry and stops at exit.
• Total days in Belarus under visa-waiver status cannot exceed 90 days in a calendar year.
• Travelers entering under the land visa-free policy should plan to leave by land, unless they also meet the air visa-free conditions.
• Overstays can lead to fines, entry bans, or refusal at future borders.
• Border officers may request proof of:
  • Health insurance covering Belarus
  • Sufficient funds for the stay
  • Registration if staying more than five business days

Step-by-step checklist for travelers

1. Confirm your citizenship is among the 38 European countries listed under the visa-waiver.
2. Bring a valid passport or accepted travel document.
3. Enter and exit through international road or rail checkpoints, or use airports if eligible under the air visa-free regime.
4. Respect the per-entry stay limit:
   • 30 days for most eligible countries
   • 90 days for Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, and non-citizens of Latvia
5. Track the 90 days per calendar year cap across all visa-free entries.
6. Register with local authorities if stay exceeds five business days.
7. If not eligible for visa-free entry, apply for the E-visa and allow up to 7 calendar days for processing.

On-the-ground effects and human impact

• Families split across borders use visa-free entry for weddings, funerals, and hospital visits.
• Small businesses, clinics, cafes, and service providers in border areas report steady demand.
• Farmers visit for spare parts or service rather than waiting for deliveries.
• Clinics have seen more short-term patients from neighbors; auto shops benefit as seasons change.
• Delays at certain crossings remain a pain point, causing queues—especially during harvests, holidays, and peak times.

Officials recommend arriving with all documents in order and clear plans to reduce checks and speed processing.

Border management, tools, and advisories

• The State Border Committee provides public dashboards and the “Border of Belarus” mobile app to help plan crossings.
• The agency posts advisories on travel documents, vehicle checks, customs rules, and checkpoint hours.
• Recommended documents: valid passport, proof of insurance, and registration plans if needed.
• Travelers are urged to consult official sources for the latest operating status, since lane availability and schedules can change with little notice due to neighboring countries’ decisions.

Policy outlook and considerations

• The visa-waiver policy is time-limited, currently set to expire December 31, 2025.
• Authorities will review travel data, border capacity, and broader conditions before deciding whether to extend, change, or end the policy.
• Businesses and families seek early clarity to plan staffing, supplies, and visits.

Common traveler questions

• Can you arrive by land and depart by air? Generally, those entering under the land visa-waiver should plan to leave by land unless they also qualify for the air visa-free regime.
• Do prior overstays block future visa-free entry? Yes—overstays can lead to fines, bans, or refusal.
• Are there special rules for children? Minors need valid travel documents and, in some cases, parental consent papers. Check both departure-country and Belarus requirements.

Where to find official information

• For English-language updates, policy details, checkpoint news, and traveler tips, visit the State Border Committee’s official site: https://gpk.gov.by/en/

Key takeaway: For people who meet the rules, the policy offers a relatively simple path—short, repeat visits that support local economies and family ties. Travelers should plan ahead, track their days, carry insurance, and confirm checkpoint status before travel.