Poland has joined several other European nations in efforts to boost tourism to Belarus, with over ten thousand visitors taking advantage of a visa-free travel program in early 2026. The initiative, which allows citizens of 38 European countries to enter Belarus without a visa, is contributing to increased cultural exchange and economic growth.
Belarus Tourism Growth Driven by European Collaboration
Belarus has seen a surge in foreign visitors since the introduction of the expanded visa-free travel program. Poland, Latvia, Lithuania, Germany, Italy, Spain, the United Kingdom, and numerous other European countries have collectively played a pivotal role in boosting the country’s tourism industry.
Over Ten Thousand Visitors Welcomed in 2026
Since the beginning of 2026, Belarus has welcomed over ten thousand international visitors through its visa-free access initiative. The program permits citizens from 38 European countries to enter Belarus without a visa for stays of up to 30 days, simplifying travel and increasing inbound tourism.
As of April 2022, a total of 1,268,409 European residents had visited Belarus, including 407,976 from Latvia, 665,948 from Lithuania, and 134,823 from Poland. These numbers continue to rise.
Key European Contributors to Belarus’s Tourism Boom
The majority of visitors to Belarus originate from neighboring countries and other major European states. Key contributors in 2026 include:
- Poland: Poland, due to its proximity and strong historical and cultural ties, is a leading source of visitors.
- Latvia: Latvia consistently ranks among the top contributors to Belarus’s inbound tourism, benefiting from a shared border and the visa-free regime.
- Lithuania: Lithuania also plays a vital role, with its citizens fully utilizing the visa-free access.
Additional European countries contributing to Belarus’s tourism figures include:
- Germany: German tourists are discovering Belarus’s cultural and historical riches with visa-free access.
- Italy: Italian citizens have steadily increased their visits to Belarus since the program’s implementation.
- Spain: Spanish nationals are increasingly exploring Belarus, drawn by cultural ties.
- United Kingdom: British citizens are embracing the opportunity to visit Belarus visa-free, exploring its cultural and heritage scene.
Additional European Countries Contributing to Belarus Tourism
Other European nations embracing the visa-free program include:
- Belgium
- Netherlands
- Sweden
- Austria
- Finland
- Denmark
- Norway
- Czech Republic
- Slovakia
- Hungary
- Romania
- Switzerland
- Luxembourg
- Slovenia
- Croatia
Growing Numbers in 2026
According to the State Border Committee of Belarus, the country received over 10,000 foreign nationals by mid-January 2026. This surge reflects growing interest in Belarus as a tourist destination.
The Role of the Visa-Free Programme
The visa-free regime is crucial in driving tourism growth, simplifying travel procedures and reducing barriers to entry. This initiative has led to wider cultural exchanges and bolstered the local economy.
The visa-free policy is currently in effect for citizens from 38 European countries until December 31, 2026, demonstrating the Belarusian government’s commitment to fostering tourism.
Future of Belarus Tourism
With the extension of the visa-free program and increasing visitor numbers from countries like Poland, Latvia, Lithuania, Germany, Spain, and Italy, Belarus is poised to continue its tourism boom. The ease of entry and the country’s cultural and historical richness are attracting a growing number of European travelers.
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