Russia and Belarus have signed an agreement to recognize each other’s visas in order to facilitate travel for all foreign nationals holding a Russia visa and Belarus visa.
The agreement will officially become effective on March 2023, and the move means that foreign nationals who have been issued a visa or permit for Russia or Belarus will be able to enter the other country without having to undergo visa requirements, VisaGuide.World reports.
Fragomen explains that as soon as the agreement enters into force, all persons who have received any visa type for Russia will be able to use it to enter and stay in Belarus for the time specified in that visa. The same will apply to those holding any type of Belarusian visa, meaning that they will be able to enter and stay in Russia on the basis of that visa.
While those who need a visa to enter Russia and Belarus will be able to enter both countries as long as they hold a Russia or Belarus visa, the case is not the same for those exempt from the visa requirement.
Foreign nationals who are permitted to enter Russia without a visa but are required to obtain a visa to enter Belarus will continue to be required to obtain a visa to enter Belarus and vice versa even after the agreement enters into force.
As for foreign nationals who are exempt from the visa requirement in both countries, Fragomen stresses that they can still travel to Russia and Belarus under existing visa-free arrangements.
In addition to the above-mentioned, it has been explained that facilitated rules will also apply to foreign nationals holding other permits. Foreigners who hold a temporary residence permit, permanent residence permit, or a permit to attend an event in Russia will also be able to enter and stay in Belarus using the document. The same applies to foreigners holding one of the above-mentioned permits issued by Belarus.
Regarding those who hold a work or study visa, it has been highlighted that they can only carry out such activities in the country that issued a visa. This means that students who have been issued a Russia visa can only pursue their studies in Russia and vice versa.
The mutual visa recognition agreement between Russia and Belarus has been in discussion since 2017. Eventually, the agreement was signed by the two countries on June 2020. The agreement was ratified by Belarus on December 21, 20202 and by Russia on February 1, 2023.
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