MINSK, 9 January (BelTA) – Foreigners will not have to deal with any extra formalities if they decide to visit Belarus for five days without visas, BelTA learned from Igor Fisenko, Head of the Central Consular Office of the Belarusian Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Citizens of 80 countries will be able to enter via the Minsk National Airport and stay in Belarus for at most five days. The countries are Belarus' main partners. The number includes all the European countries, developed economies all over the world, and major developing nations. “Naturally the choices are not accidental. We are talking about opening our country virtually to the entire world,” said Igor Fisenko.

The official also explained the time limit. “It is the time period, during which foreign citizens do not have to register with the local police department. Thus, the foreigners, who choose to enter via the Minsk National Airport, will not have to take care of any formalities such as visas or registration,” said Igor Fisenko.

“As far as official contacts are concerned, we believe that rules of reciprocity need to be followed. In other words, we are going to open up for official contacts as much as our partners are ready for it. We have already sent the relevant proposals. We expect to get a response soon,” said the official.

BelTA reported earlier that on 9 January Belarus President Alexander Lukashenko signed decree No. 8, which stipulates how foreign citizens can enter or leave the country without visas.

In line with the document citizens of 80 countries can enter Belarus for at most five days without visas, provided they cross the state border in the Minsk National Airport. The new regulations will apply to 39 countries in Europe, including the entire European Union, as well as Brazil, Indonesia, the USA, Japan, and other countries.