Belarus Welcomes Over 122,000 European Tourists in One Year Through Expanded Visa-Free Program

MINSK,19 July ⁤ – belarus ‌has seen a notable surge​ in European visitors,welcoming approximately 122,000 tourists over the‍ past year thanks to its expanded visa-free travel program. This initiative, which initially ⁤opened ⁣borders to citizens of⁢ Latvia, Lithuania, and ⁤Poland in⁣ April 2022, was‍ broadened ​a year ⁢ago to include 35 additional European states, allowing visa-free ⁢entry via ground border crossings for citizens of 38 European nations since July ‍19, 2024.The State​ Border Committee ‍of Belarus shared⁣ these figures, highlighting the growing interest from European travelers eager to experience Belarus firsthand.

A Closer ⁤Look⁢ at the Numbers and Origins

The data reveals that Lithuania remains the primary source of visa-free visitors. ⁣The Kamenny Log border crossing, situated on the Lithuanian border, has been a bustling⁣ gateway for these tourists. Senior Lieutenant Anna Bertosh, Deputy Chief of‍ the⁤ border control unit at ⁣Kamenny log, reported that around⁢ 70,000⁢ citizens have entered Belarus through this ⁣crossing in the year as the program’s expansion.

“Among them were ⁣representatives of Lithuania,Poland,Latvia,Estonia,the ​UK,Italy,Germany,and​ other European countries,” Bertosh noted,underscoring the ⁢diverse origins of ‍these welcomed guests.

Sustained ​Growth and Future⁢ Outlook

Cumulatively, since the program’s inception, over 1.153 million citizens from the 38 European ⁤countries have⁢ visited Belarus visa-free. The State Border Committee emphasized that these arrivals have been facilitated through the four remaining European border‌ crossings open to cars and buses.

The committee expressed optimism about ⁢the program’s impact,stating,”Belarus remains open to citizens willing to personally get familiar with the history,culture,and traditions⁣ of our country. The number of visa-free guests from European states confirms the interest of foreigners in ‌Belarus and helps bolster⁢ ties between nations.”

This initiative not only⁤ simplifies travel for Europeans but also serves as a bridge for cultural exchange, fostering a deeper understanding⁤ and thankfulness ‍between Belarus and its European neighbors. The continued influx‍ of visitors suggests a strong and growing desire among Europeans to explore the rich heritage and unique⁢ experiences belarus has to offer.