MINSK, 6 July (BelTA) – The Sport and Tourism Ministry suggests increasing the period of visa-free stay in Belarus to ten days, Belarusian Deputy Sport and Tourism Minister Mikhail Portnoi told the media on 6 July, BelTA has learned.
“We are working with other ministries to increase the period of visa-free stay in our country. We suggest extending it to ten days,” Mikhail Portnoi said. He added that the suggestion is supported by the national center for health improvement and spa treatment.
The Sport and Tourism Ministry noted that the importance of strengthening Belarus' spa and resort sector emphasizes the need for extending the visa-free travel program. The revenues from health tourism now account for a considerable share of the total export of tourism services. “To improve health at a Belarusian spa, one needs to undergo some 8 to 12 treatment sessions. Five days is not a long enough period for that,” Mikhail Portnoi noted.
“However, security considerations will outweigh others as the final decision is made. You see what is going on in the world. Still, we are working to extend the period,” Mikhail Portnoi added.
The five-day visa-free travel program for nationals of 80 countries was launched in Belarus on 12 February. To enter the country visa-free, one must arrive via Minsk National Airport.
