Thursday, July 4, 2024

How Belarus is surging the travel Industry with new visa-free entry policy for 125 countries, including Australia, US, China and Schengen Nations? – Travel And Tour World

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Friday, June 28, 2024

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Entering Belarus is significantly easier for nationals from 125 countries, as they can do so without the need for a visa. This visa-free policy enhances the appeal of Belarus as a prime destination for holidaymakers, leisure travelers, business travelers, and those on corporate travel. The ease of entry allows visitors to seamlessly plan their trips and explore the country’s rich cultural heritage, vibrant cities, and picturesque landscapes. Holidaymakers and leisure travelers can enjoy attractions such as the UNESCO-listed Mir Castle, the stunning Brest Fortress, and the beautiful Belovezhskaya Pushcha National Park. For business and corporate travelers, Belarus offers a growing infrastructure with modern amenities, conference facilities, and numerous opportunities for investment and networking. The capital city, Minsk, serves as a hub for business activities, with numerous hotels and venues equipped to host international events and meetings. This ease of access, combined with the country’s diverse tourist offerings, ensures that Belarus remains an attractive and convenient destination for travelers from around the world, providing a memorable and hassle-free travel experience.

TTW Editor in Chief Mr. Anup Kumar Keshan said: “The implementation of Belarus visa-free policy for 125 countries, including Schengen nations, has been a transformative force for the tourism sector. This strategic move has not only simplified the entry process for millions but has also broadened our appeal across diverse travel sectors. Additionally, this policy has invigorated niche travel markets, such as culinary tourism, adventure travel, and wellness retreats, enriching the travel experience and fostering significant economic growth and cultural exchange.”

Schengen Area Countries (Up to 30 days, entry and exit through Minsk National Airport)

  1. Austria
  2. Belgium
  3. Czech Republic
  4. Denmark
  5. Estonia
  6. Finland
  7. France
  8. Germany
  9. Greece
  10. Hungary
  11. Iceland
  12. Italy
  13. Latvia
  14. Lithuania
  15. Luxembourg
  16. Netherlands
  17. Poland
  18. Portugal
  19. Slovakia
  20. Slovenia
  21. Spain
  22. Sweden
  23. Switzerland

CIS Member States (No visa required)

  1. Armenia
  2. Azerbaijan
  3. Kazakhstan
  4. Kyrgyzstan
  5. Moldova
  6. Russia
  7. Tajikistan
  8. Ukraine
  9. Uzbekistan

Non-Schengen Countries (Up to 30 days, entry and exit through Minsk National Airport)

  1. Albania
  2. Andorra
  3. Antigua and Barbuda
  4. Australia
  5. Bahrain
  6. Barbados
  7. Bosnia and Herzegovina
  8. Bulgaria
  9. Canada
  10. Chile (Ordinary passport holders)
  11. Commonwealth of Dominica
  12. Croatia
  13. Cyprus
  14. El Salvador
  15. Gambia (with valid EU visa and return ticket)
  16. Great Britain
  17. Hong Kong
  18. Indonesia
  19. Ireland
  20. Japan
  21. Kuwait
  22. Lebanon (with valid EU visa)
  23. Liechtenstein
  24. Macao
  25. Malaysia
  26. Malta
  27. Mexico
  28. Micronesia
  29. Monaco
  30. Montenegro (Ordinary passport holders)
  31. Namibia (with valid EU visa and return ticket)
  32. New Zealand
  33. Nicaragua
  34. Northern Macedonia
  35. Norway
  36. Oman
  37. Panama
  38. Peru (Ordinary passport holders)
  39. Qatar
  40. Romania
  41. Saint Kitts and Nevis
  42. Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
  43. Samoa (with valid EU visa and return ticket)
  44. San Marino
  45. Saudi Arabia
  46. Seychelles
  47. Singapore (Ordinary passport holders)
  48. South Korea (Ordinary passport holders)
  49. Turkey
  50. UAE (Ordinary passport holders)
  51. Uruguay (Ordinary passport holders)
  52. USA
  53. Vanuatu
  54. Vatican
  55. Vietnam (with valid EU visa and return ticket)

Non-Schengen Countries (Up to 90 days, for all types of passports)

  1. Argentina
  2. Brazil
  3. Cuba
  4. Georgia
  5. Israel (90 days in every 180-day period)
  6. Mongolia
  7. Venezuela

Diplomatic and Official Passports (Up to 90 days)

  1. Algeria
  2. Bolivia
  3. Cambodia
  4. Chile
  5. Ecuador
  6. Egypt
  7. Guatemala
  8. Iran
  9. Laos
  10. Montenegro
  11. Myanmar
  12. Nicaragua
  13. North Korea
  14. Peru
  15. Slovakia (90 days within 180 days)
  16. South Korea
  17. Thailand
  18. Turkmenistan
  19. UAE
  20. Uruguay

Diplomatic and Official Passports (Up to 30 days)

  1. Bangladesh
  2. China
  3. India
  4. Indonesia
  5. Laos
  6. Myanmar
  7. Oman
  8. Romania
  9. Syria
  10. Turkmenistan
  11. Vietnam

This comprehensive list categorizes countries whose citizens can visit Belarus without a visa, detailing specific conditions for different types of passports and duration of stay.

Top Touristy Places in Belarus

  1. Minsk
    • The capital city, known for its Soviet architecture, vibrant nightlife, and rich cultural scene.
    • Highlights: Independence Square, Victory Square, National Opera and Ballet Theatre, and Gorky Park.
  2. Mir Castle
    • A UNESCO World Heritage site, this 16th-century castle is a stunning example of Gothic, Baroque, and Renaissance architecture.
    • Highlights: Guided tours, historical exhibits, and picturesque surroundings.
  3. Brest Fortress
    • A historic site and symbol of Soviet resistance during World War II.
    • Highlights: The Hero-Fortress memorial complex, the Museum of Defense, and the Eternal Flame.
  4. Belovezhskaya Pushcha National Park
    • One of the last and largest remaining parts of the primeval forest that once stretched across the European Plain.
    • Highlights: Wildlife watching, including European bison, hiking trails, and the Father Frost’s Residence.
  5. Nesvizh Castle
    • Another UNESCO World Heritage site, this castle is renowned for its impressive architecture and beautiful gardens.
    • Highlights: Palace interiors, extensive gardens, and historical museum exhibits.
  6. Grodno
    • A city known for its well-preserved historical architecture and cultural heritage.
    • Highlights: Grodno Old Castle, Kalozha Church, and the Grodno Zoo.
  7. Braslav Lakes National Park
    • A picturesque area with over 30 lakes, ideal for outdoor activities.
    • Highlights: Boating, fishing, hiking, and bird watching.
  8. Polotsk
    • One of the oldest cities in Belarus, with rich historical and cultural significance.
    • Highlights: St. Sophia Cathedral, the Epiphany Monastery, and the Museum of Belarusian Printing.

Airlines and Airports in Belarus

Major Airlines

  1. Belavia
    • Description: The national airline of Belarus, offering flights to various destinations across Europe, Asia, and the Middle East.
  2. Aeroflot
    • Description: Russian airline providing connections to Belarus from various international destinations.
  3. Lufthansa
    • Description: German airline offering flights to Minsk from multiple cities in Germany.

Major Airports

  1. Minsk National Airport (MSQ)
    • Location: Near the capital city, Minsk.
    • Description: The main international gateway to Belarus, offering numerous connections to Europe, Asia, and the Middle East.
  2. Brest Airport (BQT)
    • Location: Brest
    • Description: Regional airport serving domestic and limited international flights.
  3. Gomel Airport (GME)
    • Location: Gomel
    • Description: Regional airport with domestic flights and occasional international services.

Railway Connectivity in Belarus

Belarus has an extensive and well-developed railway network that connects major cities and towns within the country and provides international links to neighboring countries such as Russia, Ukraine, Poland, and Lithuania.

Key Routes

  1. Minsk to Moscow
    • A popular international route connecting the capitals of Belarus and Russia.
  2. Minsk to Warsaw
    • Connects Belarus with Poland, facilitating travel to and from the EU.
  3. Minsk to Vilnius
    • Connects Belarus with Lithuania, offering another route to the EU.

Benefits for Visa-Exempt Travelers

Easier Access for Holidaymakers and Leisure Travel

Travelers from countries that do not require a visa to enter Belarus can enjoy seamless travel planning. They can book flights with major airlines like Belavia, Aeroflot, and Lufthansa, ensuring convenient access to Belarus’s top tourist destinations such as Minsk, Mir Castle, and Brest Fortress. This ease of entry enhances the overall travel experience, allowing holidaymakers and leisure travelers to maximize their time exploring Belarus’s rich cultural heritage and natural beauty.

Convenient Business and Corporate Travel

For business and corporate travelers, the visa-free policy simplifies travel arrangements, making it easier to attend meetings, conferences, and corporate events. The efficient airline and railway connectivity ensures that professionals can travel seamlessly between Belarus and major international business hubs. Additionally, the growing infrastructure in cities like Minsk supports corporate activities, offering modern amenities and facilities for business engagements.

Top MICE Trip Advisors in Belarus

  1. Ratusha Tour
    • Description: Specializes in organizing business meetings, conferences, and corporate events in Belarus, providing comprehensive MICE services to international clients.
  2. BelAgroTravel
    • Description: Offers a range of MICE services including event planning, logistics, and tourism programs tailored for corporate groups.
  3. Sputnik Travel
    • Description: A leading tour operator in Belarus, Sputnik Travel provides full-service MICE solutions, from venue selection to event management and corporate travel arrangements.
  4. TsentrKurort
    • Description: Specializes in MICE tourism, offering services for organizing conferences, seminars, and incentive tours across Belarus.

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