the Agreement provides for mutual simplification of visa procedures for a wide range of citizens and reduction of visa fees. The cost of Schengen visas for Belarusians will be reduced to 35 euros. A number of Belarusian citizens can obtain a visa free of charge and apply for multiple-entry visas with a long validity period. The cost of Belarusian visas for EU citizens will decrease to € 35 and the duration of stay of foreigners in the country will be doubled from 90 days per year to 180.
“the Visa statistics indicate the growing importance of relations between the EU and Belarus. In 2019 the number of applications for Schengen visas in Belarus has reached almost 650 000. The conclusion of the agreement on simplification of visa regime is an important step in the relations between our people and will help to strengthen our economic, cultural and scientific relations”, – quotes the words of the Council of Davor Bozinovich, the Minister of internal Affairs of Croatia.
Recall that the Republic of Belarus and the European Union have been negotiating the visa issue with 2014. The visa agreement was signed in Brussels on 8 January 2020, foreign Minister of Belarus Vladimir Makei, Davor Borisovichem and EU Commissioner for home Affairs Ilawa Johansson.
it is Expected that the agreement will enter into force on 1 July 2020.
