MINSK, 5 October (BelTA) – The House of Representatives of the National Assembly of the Republic of Belarus ratified the intergovernmental agreement with Brazil on visa-free travel for citizens of the two countries. The document was presented by Belarus' Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Valentin Rybakov, BelTA has learned.

According to Valentin Rybakov, on 11 November 2013 Belarus and Brazil concluded an intergovernmental agreement to lift visa requirements for short-term visits. “This agreement has been ratified by Belarus, while Brazil has not completed the necessary domestic procedures yet,” the deputy minister said. In his words, Brazil suggested establishing such a regime by exchanging the corresponding notes between the Ministries of Foreign Affairs. In June 2016 the exchange of the diplomatic notes took place in Minsk.

Under the agreement, the citizens of the two countries, holders of valid passports, will have the right to enter, leave, transit and temporary stay on the territory of the other state within a period of up to 90 days a year without a visa.

The agreement does not relieve the citizens of the other state from the duty to comply with the laws of the country of stay. The agreement does not also restrict the Governments of Belarus and Brazil from the right to deny the entry or reduce the period of stay for unwanted visitors.

Valentin Rybakov added that the cancelation of visas with Brazil will reduce revenues from consular fees to the total tune of nearly €30,000. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs expects that this drop in revenues may be compensated through the increase in the number of tourists coming to Belarus, including businessmen, and the conclusion of commercial contacts.