MINSK, 26 October (BelTA) – Belarus will be promoting the visa-free travel to the Augustow Canal and Belovezhskaya Pushcha jointly with Poland, Belarusian Deputy Sports and Tourism Minister Mikhail Portnoi told BelTA.
“We are joining our efforts with Poland to develop one brand for the Augustow Canal. We will be promoting our Augustow Canal, Belovezhskaya Pushcha in the global tourism market together. We have already discussed the matter with our Polish colleagues,” Mikhail Portnoi said.
He believes that the visa-free travel can considerably increase the flow of tourists to the Augustow Canal. “Everything is ready for the organization of visa-free tours. An executive order has already been issued to regulate this tourism activity. So there are no obstacles,” Mikhail Portnoi noted.
The mechanism for the organization of visa-free tours to the Augustow Canal is similar to that used in Belovezhskaya Pushcha. Yet there are certain differences, Mikhail Portnoi stressed. For instance, foreign nationals are allowed to stay in the territory of the Augustow Canal for up to five days, while in Belovezhskaya Pushcha the period is limited to three days. “There are some specific details related to the collection and processing of information. In general, the mechanism has been improved. It is very friendly towards tourists,” Mikhail Portnoi said.
From 26 October, foreign tourists are allowed to enter the Augustow Canal tourism and recreation park visa-free. The so-called visa-free area also includes Grodno and a part of Grodno District. To enter the park, tourists are required to present their passport (or any other valid travel document) and a document that. They also should have enough money to cover their stay and to leave the country. Tourists are required to have Belarusian rubles or foreign currency in the amount equal to at least two base units (one base unit is Br21). The visa-free travel will be in force through 31 December 2017.
