Visa-free entry to Belarus for Lithuanians, Latvians extended until the end of 2022

May 15, BPN. The visa-free entry to Belarus for Lithuanians and Latvians has been extended until the end of 2022 due to the “positive feedback and numerous requests,” Belarusian foreign ministry reported.

It noted that visa-free travel has showed considerable interest of foreigners in Belarus, who come to see their families, visit the graves of their deceased relatives and “resolve everyday issues.” The press-release also stated that medical treatment and recreation traditionally remain in high demand.

The foreign ministry claimed that such trips have economic benefits for travelers who can shop in Belarus at lower prices than at home. It also noted the steady growth of numbers of Lithuanian and Latvian nationals visiting Belarus, despite the “openly anti-Belarusian propaganda and intimidation.”

According to the State Border Committee, a total of about 52,000 Lithuanians and Latvians crossed the Belarusian borders since April 15, with 65 percent arriving under visa-free rules.

Initially, the decision on visa-free entry for Lithuanians and Latvians was introduced for one month, from April 15 to May 15. Lithuanian and Latvia urged their citizens not to visit Belarus for security reasons.