Chinese Tourist Granted Visa-Free Entry Receives Bouquet of Flowers
In the heart of Eastern Europe, Belarus welcomed a new visitor this week - Li Yan, an air traffic controller from China. Li Yan's initial plans for Belarus include exploring Minsk and visiting museums, thanks to the country's recently implemented five-day visa-free regime for citizens of 80 countries.
However, it's important to note that citizens of China are not among the 39 countries that can enter Belarus visa-free. Instead, they can enter Belarus using an electronic visa (e-visa) system as of March 20, 2025. This e-visa must be applied for before travel, fulfilling Belarus’s electronic visa requirements.
Li Yan was welcomed by Deputy Minister of Sports and Tourism Mikhail Portnoi upon her arrival. During the encounter, she showed her passport to journalists, which did not have a Belarusian visa. However, it was clear that Li Yan had prepared for her trip, with some prior knowledge about Belarus, including its beauty and friendly people.
The visa-free regime does not apply to citizens of Vietnam, Haiti, Gambia, Honduras, India, Lebanon, Namibia, Samoa, or China without the specified additional requirements. For these countries' citizens, a valid multiple-entry visa from EU or Schengen countries with an entry stamp is a mandatory requirement.
Despite the additional hurdles, Li Yan expressed her delight with her Belarusian adventure. She mentioned the delicious food in Belarus, which she enjoyed during her stay. As she ventured further into the country, it's clear that Li Yan will have many memorable experiences to share from her visit to Belarus.
[1] Source: Belarusian Ministry of Foreign Affairs
[1] The visa-free regime in Belarus does not apply to Chinese citizens, necessitating an e-visa for entry from March 20, 2025.
[2] Li Yan, a Chinese air traffic controller, delved into Belarusian lifestyle and travel despite the travel restrictions, relishing the country's delicious food and friendly people during her visit.
