Germany Joins France, Italy, Spain, Poland, and Lithuania in Unlocking Visa-Free Access to Belarus – Travel Update To Be Sure Of Before Your Next Trip

Published on December 14, 2025

Belarus has just made a sensational travel breakthrough by extending visa‑free entry for citizens of 38 European countries, including key nations such as Germany, France, Italy, Spain, Poland, Lithuania, Latvia, Belgium, Netherlands, and Sweden. This new policy allows Europeans to enter Belarus without a visa and stay for up to 30 days per visit or up to 90 days within a calendar year, with extended stays for Latvia, Lithuania, and Poland. This bold step is transforming travel between Europe and Belarus, opening doors for tourism, business, and cultural exchange through 2026. Now visitors can plan trips without the hurdle of visa applications, encouraging more Germans, French, Italians, Spaniards and others to explore Belarus’s culture, nature and historical sites. With simplified access, Belarus is poised to redefine European travel patterns and welcome unprecedented numbers of visitors from across the continent.

Germany – Easy Access for Tourists to Belarus

Germany is one of the 38 European countries whose citizens can visit Belarus without a visa under the extended regime through 31 December 2026. German nationals can stay in Belarus for up to 30 days per visit, with no limit on the number of entries, but cannot exceed 90 days over a calendar year. For citizens of Latvia, Lithuania and Poland, this stay can extend up to 90 days under the same visa‑free rules.

Tourism Impact: According to Belarus border statistics, over 22,000 German citizens have visited Belarus under the visa‑free program since its expansion. This indicates strong interest from Germans exploring Minsk and other regions.

How to Reach Belarus: Travelers from Germany typically fly into Minsk National Airport (MSQ) with several weekly direct flights from cities such as Berlin and Frankfurt. Alternatives include train and long‑distance bus services from Berlin to Belarusian borders, followed by internal rail connections.

Other Data‑Driven Facts: The visa‑free expansion has contributed significantly to “other European” visits, adding to over 1.24 million European visitors overall since the regime began.

France – A Cultural Gateway to Belarus

France is included among the 38 countries whose citizens enjoy Belarus visa‑free travel through December 31, 2026, allowing stays of up to 30 days per visit without prior consular approval.

Tourism Impact: While specific country‑by‑country tourism data from official Belarus sources are limited beyond the top three neighboring states, France remains a key Western European feeder market. Increased ease of entry is expected to grow French tourism interest, especially in cultural and historical tourism in Minsk and regions like Brest and Grodno.

How to Reach Belarus: French travelers generally fly direct or with one stop to Minsk National Airport. Regular services from Paris and Lyon make air travel the most convenient option. Once in Minsk, rail and road networks connect visitors across Belarus.

Other Data‑Driven Facts: Visa‑free access for French citizens aligns with a broader lifting of visa requirements for most EU countries, enhancing mobility within Europe and to Eastern European destinations.

Italy – A Convenient New Destination for Italian Travelers

Italy also benefits from Belarus’s extended visa‑free entry through 2026, with Italian citizens allowed to stay for up to 30 days each visit or up to 90 days per year under the regime.

Tourism Impact: Official border committee statistics show that residents from non‑neighboring countries, including Italy, are increasingly exploring Belarus as visa barriers fall. Although exact figures for Italians are not publicly broken out, overall increases in “other European” tourists confirm this trend.

How to Reach Belarus: Travelers from Italy typically use direct seasonal flights to Minsk or connect via major European hubs such as Warsaw or Frankfurt. From Minsk, domestic flights and rail services are available to key destinations.

Other Data‑Driven Facts: The 38‑country visa‑free regime has led to more than 54,000 visitors overall from countries beyond the Baltic neighbors, including visitors from Italy.

Spain – Uncover Belarus’s Hidden Gems Without a Visa

Spain is part of the Belarus visa‑free extension, permitting Spanish passports holders to stay for up to 30 days without a visa through 2026.

Tourism Impact: Spanish visitors, like other Southern Europeans, are emerging as a new market for Belarusian tourism markets. While comprehensive official arrival numbers for Spanish citizens alone are not published, the rise in broader European travel suggests growth is underway.

How to Reach Belarus: Spanish residents can fly into Minsk with connections via major European airports. Madrid and Barcelona are key departure points with flights typically routing through hubs such as Paris or Warsaw.

Other Data‑Driven Facts: Belarus reported that more than 210,000 tourists from the 38 visa‑free countries entered Belarus in a recent year alone, indicating rising interest overall.

Poland – Short and Sweet Stay in Belarus for Polish Travelers

Poland enjoys visa‑free access to Belarus through 2026, with Polish citizens allowed to stay up to 90 days without a visa — the longest individual stay among the 38 countries.

Tourism Impact: Poland is one of the highest exporters of tourists to Belarus. Official figures show 129,829 Polish citizens visited Belarus since the visa‑free regime began, a significant volume reflecting close geographic and historic ties.

How to Reach Belarus: Overland travel dominates for Poles due to shared borders. Trains and buses from Warsaw and Kraków link directly to Brest and Grodno. Direct rail services provide comfortable access without airport transfers.

Other Data‑Driven Facts: Poland’s proximity and liberal stay conditions have made it a key market in the growing Eastern European tourism corridor.

Lithuania – A Neighboring Advantage for Travelers

Lithuania also benefits from extended visa‑free entry and its citizens may stay up to 90 days in Belarus — a provision shared with Latvia and Poland.

Tourism Impact: Lithuania is the largest single source of visa‑free visitors to Belarus. Official numbers show 658,575 Lithuanian visitors entered Belarus under the regime, dwarfing other markets and highlighting strong regional travel links.

How to Reach Belarus: Lithuanians commonly travel by road or rail from Vilnius or Kaunas to Grodno or Vilnius via border crossings. The short distances and frequent services make it a popular choice for weekend and cultural trips.

Other Data‑Driven Facts: The high volume of Lithuanian visitors reflects strong cross‑border cultural and family ties, contributing majorly to Belarus’s inbound tourism totals.

Latvia – Seamless Travel to Belarus for Latvians

Latvia is part of the extended visa‑free regime and like Poland and Lithuania, its citizens may stay up to 90 days within Belarus without a visa.

Tourism Impact: Latvia ranks second among European sources, with 399,842 Latvian visitors since the visa‑free policy began.

How to Reach Belarus: Neighboring border crossings facilitate travel by car, train, or bus from Riga and other Latvian cities to Belarusian destinations.

Other Data‑Driven Facts: Latvia’s strong traffic illustrates the popularity of Belarus for regional tourism, particularly short stays for leisure and cultural exchange.

Belgium – New Access to Belarus for Belgian Travelers

Belgium is included in the visa‑free list of 38 European states through 2026, allowing a stay of up to 30 days without a visa.

Tourism Impact: While Belgium does not yet rank among the top arrival figures, easing travel documentation is expected to boost Belgian travel interest, particularly for niche cultural and historical tourism in cities like Minsk and Brest.

How to Reach Belarus: Most Belgian travelers will fly into Minsk with one stop via major hubs such as Frankfurt or Warsaw.

Other Data‑Driven Facts: Belarus’s border data show rising numbers of “other European visitors,” indicating growing interest beyond its immediate neighbours.

Netherlands – Easy Access to Belarus for Dutch Travelers

The Netherlands is part of the Belarus visa‑free extension to 38 European nationals through 2026, with Dutch visitors able to stay visa‑free for up to 30 days.

Tourism Impact: While specific Netherlands arrival data is not individually published, the broader category of non‑Baltic, non‑neighbor European visitors has exceeded 54,000 since inception, including Dutch travellers.

How to Reach Belarus: From Amsterdam and Rotterdam, Dutch tourists usually fly with connections through major European hubs to Minsk.

Sweden – Accessible Travel for Swedish Tourists to Belarus

Sweden is among the 38 countries whose citizens enjoy visa‑free entry to Belarus for up to 30 days per visit through 2026.

Tourism Impact: Sweden, like Belgium and the Netherlands, is emerging within the general “other European visitors” category. The ease of travel without visas is expected to stimulate interest from Swedish travellers seeking new European destinations.

How to Reach Belarus: Direct and one‑stop flights from Stockholm and Gothenburg to Minsk are common, with rail and bus linkages available after arrival.

All 38 European Countries Eligible for Visa‑Free Travel

Here is the complete list of 38 European countries whose citizens are eligible for visa‑free travel to Belarus through 31 December 2026 (stay 30 days, except Latvia, Lithuania, Poland up to 90 days):

1. Austria
2. Andorra
3. Belgium
4. Bosnia and Herzegovina
5. Bulgaria
6. Croatia
7. Cyprus
8. Czech Republic
9. Denmark
10. Estonia
11. Finland
12. France
13. Germany
14. Greece
15. Hungary
16. Iceland
17. Ireland
18. Italy
19. Latvia
20. Lithuania
21. Luxembourg
22. Malta
23. Monaco
24. Netherlands
25. Norway
26. Poland
27. Portugal
28. Romania
29. San Marino
30. Slovakia
31. Slovenia
32. Spain
33. Sweden
34. Switzerland
35. Vatican City
36. Liechtenstein
37. North Macedonia
38. United Kingdom (as part of extended regime, depending on passport type)

Key Insights: How Belarus’s Visa-Free Travel Works for Europeans

• Maximum visa‑free stay: 30 days per visit for most countries; 90 days for Latvia, Lithuania, Poland.
• Calendar year limit: Total visa‑free stay cannot exceed 90 days per year.
• Entry points: Visa‑free entry is valid through all international air, rail and road checkpoints.
• Multiple entries: Unlimited entries allowed within the validity period.
• Travel document: Must hold a valid passport with required validity.
• Insurance: Health insurance covering a minimum specified amount is required.

The Ultimate Travel Destination: Why Belarus Should Be Your Next Stop

Belarus is a hidden gem in Eastern Europe with rich cultural heritage, historic cities, lush forests, and welcoming cities like Minsk, Brest and Grodno. The extended visa‑free policy makes it easier than ever for Europeans to visit and explore. Minsk offers vibrant urban experiences, world‑class museums, parks, theatres, and local cuisine, while historic sites like Brest Fortress offer deep historical context. Belarus’s national parks, including Belovezhskaya Pushcha, offer breathtaking nature and rare wildlife experiences. With simplified visa rules, Belarus is an ideal destination for travellers seeking new horizons and authentic experiences.

How Belarus is Shaping the European Tourism Landscape

Belarus’s extended visa‑free regime is shaping new travel flows within Europe by improving connectivity, reducing barriers, and inviting millions of Europeans to explore its culture and landscapes. Tourism helps diversify the Belarusian economy, supports local businesses, and amplifies cultural exchange. The policy also aligns Belarus with broader European travel trends that emphasize mobility and ease of access. Official figures showing over 1.24 million European visitors since the visa‑free regime began demonstrate the policy’s impact.

Looking Ahead: A Bright Future for Belarusian Tourism

Belarus’s visa‑free expansion for 38 European countries represents a powerful shift in European travel. Opening doors to citizens from Germany, France, Italy, Spain, Poland, Lithuania, Latvia, Belgium, Netherlands, Sweden and beyond encourages new travel experiences, economic opportunities, and cultural exchange. With simple entry conditions, strong tourism growth and rising visitor interest, Belarus is positioning itself as an exciting and must‑visit destination in Europe.