The decree #462 of Alyaksandr Lukashenka has came into force, allowing citizens of 77 countries of the world to visit the Brest and Hrodna regions for up to 10 days without going to the embassy.
“This is very good in terms of image, it is very good from the point of view of the economy. Even Hrodna dwellers did not expect such an increase in tourists — up to 50 thousand. About 15 thousand Lithuanians came, for example, no one expected this as well. People want freedom,” Valeryia Klitsunava from the “Rest in the countryside” association said.
The innovations are aimed at increasing the attractiveness of cross-border tourist sites and developing cross-border cooperation between Belarus and the EU. It is expected to increase the flow of tourists to the country, and, thus, the growth of export of tourist services by 30%.
“It is very good! I do not know if it will work out, but I would gladly go”.
“Yes, I would like to visit Belarus”.
“If there is such an opportunity during the holiday season, then, of course, I will go”.
“In general, I believe that there should not be artificial boundaries between the Slavic peoples. The abolition of visas is a very good decision, so let it continue,” residents of Warsaw told Belsat.
But it is not as simple as it sounds
However, it is not possible to enjoy the beauty of Belavezhskaya Pushcha and the landscapes of the Auhustouski Canal with only a passport and medical insurance in your pocket. You need to have a document allowing you to visit the tourist zone. To receive it, a potential tourist needs to redeem the tour program via the Internet in advance and conclude an agreement with the tour operator.
“I think that there are different kinds of forces that do not allow to make Belarus open at once, but we are moving to this and this is a good sign,” Valeryia Klitsunava is sure.
The new document has other limitations
The tourist is not allowed to visit the visa-free territory of the Hrodna region, if they have bought a tour to the Brest region, and vice versa. Also, a foreigner is required to book a bed in advance, and on arrival — to register at a hotel, a sanatorium, or an tourist village.
Nevertheless, residents of Brest are happy with the innovations
“Money will come into the country which means development of tourism! More people will look at how we live, and maybe invite us to their places”.
“It will attract new tourists to our culture, to discover our city, to find out about our country. Maybe, something will change in them as well, and they will also make visa-free entry,” said residents of Brest.
Last year, Belarus introduced a five-day visa-free regime for citizens of 80 countries entering the country through the national airport “Minsk”. According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, in less than a year the number of tourists increased by 12%. There are plans to expand visa-free regime for up to 30 days.
Stsyapan Svetlou, “Belsat”
