Kazakhstan-Georgia Travel Relations Deepen With Scat Airlines’ Launch Of Inaugural Direct Flights From Shymkent To Tbilisi, Paving The Way For More Frequent Regional Travel

Kazakhstan-Georgia travel ties have been significantly strengthened with the launch of direct flights between Shymkent and Tbilisi, facilitated by Scat Airlines. This new route, which operates twice a week, enhances connectivity between the two countries, supporting the growing passenger traffic and boosting regional cooperation. By eliminating the need for time-consuming layovers, the direct service offers a more convenient travel option for both business and leisure travelers, while fostering deeper economic, logistical, and cultural connections. This move is a clear step forward in solidifying Kazakhstan’s strategic role in Georgia’s development, particularly in the context of the Middle Corridor.

Kazakhstan and Georgia have marked a significant milestone in their growing travel and economic partnership with the launch of direct flights between Shymkent, Kazakhstan, and Tbilisi, Georgia. The inaugural flight, operated by Kazakh airline Scat Airlines, has opened up a new travel route that is set to strengthen ties between the two nations, enhance tourism, and further promote regional connectivity.

Inaugural Flight: A Landmark Event

The long-awaited direct flight from Shymkent to Tbilisi was celebrated as a major event in both Kazakhstan and Georgia. On its first journey, the flight carried 166 passengers, highlighting the growing demand for easier and more efficient travel between the two countries. The event at Tbilisi International Airport, marking the beginning of this new travel link, was attended by key officials, underscoring the significance of the route for both countries.

Among the distinguished guests were Aleksandre Khvtisiashvili, the Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Georgia, Levan Moseshvili, the Director General of the Georgian Airports Association (GAA), Tea Zakharadze, the General Manager of TAV Georgia, and representatives from both the Civil Aviation Agency and Scat Airlines. Their presence signaled the importance of the occasion, not only for the aviation industry but also for the economic and diplomatic relations between Kazakhstan and Georgia.

Strengthening Kazakhstan-Georgia Economic Ties

The introduction of direct flights between Shymkent and Tbilisi is seen as a vital step in strengthening Kazakhstan’s role as a strategic partner for Georgia. Both countries have increasingly recognized the importance of expanding bilateral relations, particularly in areas such as trade, transit, and logistics. This direct flight route will play a crucial role in enhancing cooperation between the two nations, particularly in facilitating the flow of goods and services, as well as boosting tourism.

Kazakhstan’s role as a strategic partner for Georgia has been emphasized by both governments, as the country is a critical player in the Middle Corridor, a key transport route connecting Europe and Asia. The launch of this flight route will further enhance the use of the Middle Corridor, which is vital for the transportation of goods between the two regions. This partnership is expected to increase economic activity and investment, benefiting both nations.

Boosting Passenger Traffic and Tourism

The new Shymkent-Tbilisi flight route is expected to provide a significant boost to passenger traffic between Kazakhstan and Georgia. According to the Georgian Airports Association (GAA), passenger traffic between the two countries has been steadily increasing, with Georgia’s airports handling over 304,000 passengers from Kazakhstan in the first 11 months of the current year. This marks a 10% increase compared to the previous year, reflecting a growing interest in travel between the two nations.

As both Kazakhstan and Georgia are popular tourist destinations, this direct flight service will provide greater accessibility for tourists wishing to explore the rich cultural and historical offerings of both countries. Tbilisi, Georgia’s vibrant capital, with its beautiful architecture, scenic landscapes, and rich history, has long been a favorite among travelers. Meanwhile, Kazakhstan, with its vast steppes, mountainous regions, and unique heritage, offers an equally captivating experience for visitors.

The direct flights will make it easier for tourists from Kazakhstan to explore Georgia’s diverse offerings, and vice versa, as the convenience of a direct connection eliminates the need for time-consuming layovers and transfers. This accessibility will likely encourage more travelers to explore both countries, benefiting local tourism industries and promoting cross-cultural exchange.

Two-Weekly Services to Maintain Consistent Travel Flow

Scat Airlines will operate the Shymkent-Tbilisi route twice a week, ensuring consistent and reliable service for passengers. This regular schedule will provide flexibility for both business and leisure travelers, allowing them to plan their trips with ease. The airline has expressed its commitment to making the route a success, with the aim of boosting passenger traffic and contributing to the broader growth of tourism in both Kazakhstan and Georgia.

The twice-weekly flights will not only enhance tourism but also support business exchanges between the two countries. Kazakhstan’s growing economy and Georgia’s rapidly developing sectors, including agriculture, energy, and manufacturing, present numerous opportunities for business cooperation. The new flight route will help facilitate the movement of professionals, entrepreneurs, and investors, thereby supporting the expansion of commercial ties between the nations.

A Symbol of Growing Bilateral Cooperation

The successful launch of the Shymkent-Tbilisi direct flight route is a testament to the deepening bilateral relations between Kazakhstan and Georgia. The two countries have been working closely in various sectors, particularly in the realm of transportation, trade, and logistics. This flight represents more than just a transportation link; it symbolizes the growing cooperation and mutual trust between the nations.

Kazakhstan’s presence in Georgia’s transport and logistics sectors has been significant, and this new flight route will further solidify that relationship. Both governments have prioritized improving infrastructure and connectivity to promote economic growth and regional integration. The introduction of the Shymkent-Tbilisi flight will enhance the flow of goods, people, and ideas, making it easier for businesses and tourists to connect with both markets.

Future Prospects for Regional Cooperation

The opening of the direct flight route between Shymkent and Tbilisi marks just the beginning of a broader vision for regional cooperation. The Middle Corridor, which connects Central Asia to Europe, continues to play an increasingly important role in fostering trade and economic development. With Kazakhstan and Georgia working together to strengthen these regional ties, there is significant potential for further growth in transportation, trade, and tourism.

Looking ahead, there is great potential for expanding this connectivity even further, with the possibility of additional routes connecting more cities in Kazakhstan and Georgia. This expansion could make the Middle Corridor an even more vital and reliable transport route, further bolstering the economic prospects of both nations. The successful launch of the Shymkent-Tbilisi flight will undoubtedly pave the way for more collaborative efforts between Kazakhstan and Georgia in the future.

The launch of direct flights from Shymkent to Tbilisi is a significant development in the growing travel and economic relationship between Kazakhstan and Georgia. This new route, operated by Scat Airlines, will facilitate tourism, business exchanges, and cultural connections between the two nations. With increasing passenger traffic and a strong emphasis on regional cooperation, the direct flights are set to play a key role in strengthening bilateral ties and enhancing the economic prospects of both countries.

Kazakhstan-Georgia travel ties have been strengthened with the launch of direct flights between Shymkent and Tbilisi by Scat Airlines. This new route improves connectivity, supporting growing passenger traffic and fostering stronger economic and cultural relations between the two countries.

As Kazakhstan continues to play a strategic role in the Middle Corridor, the partnership with Georgia will remain crucial for promoting regional connectivity and economic growth. With the potential for further expansion in the future, the Shymkent-Tbilisi flight route stands as a symbol of the growing partnership between these two nations, paving the way for a brighter future of collaboration and shared success.

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9500 Delays And 1,500 Cancellations Disrupt US Travel As Delta, Republic, JetBlue, SkyWest, Horizon, And Others Impact Chicago, Charleston, Denver, Morrisville, And More

The travel chaos in the US has reached unprecedented levels, as 9500 delays and 1500 cancellations wreak havoc across major airports, with Delta, Republic, JetBlue, SkyWest, Horizon, and other airlines at the forefront. This widespread disruption has particularly impacted cities like Chicago, Charleston, Denver, and Morrisville, leaving thousands of passengers stranded or facing significant travel delays. The combination of operational setbacks and high passenger demand during the busy travel season has caused a perfect storm of travel turmoil, with ripple effects spreading throughout the country.

In a massive disruption to air travel across the United States, thousands of passengers found themselves stranded and inconvenienced as major airlines, including Delta Air Lines, Republic Airways, JetBlue, SkyWest, and Horizon Air, cancelled over 1,500 flights and delayed nearly 10,000 more. The widespread delays and cancellations affected several major airports and cities, including Chicago, Charleston, Denver, Morrisville, and Boston, leaving travelers frustrated and seeking answers.

An Overview of the Disruptions

The scale of the travel chaos on this particular day was unprecedented, with a total of 1,502 flights cancelled and 9,509 delayed throughout the United States. The ripple effect of these disruptions was felt by passengers across numerous airports, with LaGuardia, John F. Kennedy, and Newark Liberty International leading the charge in cancellations and delays.

Airlines, including Delta, Republic, JetBlue, and SkyWest, accounted for the majority of these disruptions. Weather conditions, staff shortages, and logistical issues played significant roles in the operational challenges, leaving many passengers in limbo as they faced hours-long delays and cancelled flights with little to no communication from the airlines.

As travelers attempted to navigate the situation, many were left with no clear alternatives or compensation, despite the massive scale of the issues. With the holiday season fast approaching and air travel expected to reach its peak, these disruptions have sparked concerns over the reliability of the U.S. aviation system and whether airlines are prepared to handle the anticipated surge in demand.

Key Airports Hit the Hardest

Several airports across the country bore the brunt of the cancellations and delays, with major hubs in New York, Chicago, Boston, and Denver experiencing significant disruptions. Here is a breakdown of the most affected airports:

Airport (IATA)	Cancelled (#)	Cancelled (%)	Delayed (#)	Delayed (%)
LaGuardia (LGA)	226	40%	230	41%
John F. Kennedy Intl (JFK)	147	20%	356	50%
Newark Liberty Intl (EWR)	125	21%	314	53%
Hartsfield-Jackson Intl (ATL)	49	4%	366	31%
Chicago O’Hare Intl (ORD)	48	3%	488	36%
Philadelphia Intl (PHL)	40	9%	246	55%
Boston Logan Intl (BOS)	37	5%	327	52%
Raleigh-Durham Intl (RDU)	26	8%	78	25%
Detroit Metro Wayne Co (DTW)	25	5%	169	36%
Orlando Intl (MCO)	22	3%	227	33%

The intensity of the disruptions reached their peak at airports in New York, where LaGuardia (LGA), JFK, and Newark Liberty (EWR) all reported double-digit cancellations and hundreds of delayed flights. Passengers arriving and departing from these hubs struggled to make connections and find alternative options, as gate agents provided little assistance.

In Chicago O’Hare, one of the nation’s busiest airports, nearly 500 flights were delayed, with more than 40 flights cancelled. Boston Logan, Raleigh-Durham, and Detroit Metro Wayne also experienced significant disruptions, leaving travelers scrambling to figure out how to reach their destinations.

Airlines Struggling to Cope with the Surge

Airlines such as Delta, Republic, JetBlue, and SkyWest were among the most affected by the operational issues. Here is a breakdown of the airline-specific disruptions:

Airline	Cancelled (#)	Cancelled (%)	Delayed (#)	Delayed (%)
Republic	352	27%	465	36%
Delta Air Lines	243	6%	1007	28%
Endeavor Air (DAL)	199	24%	280	34%
JetBlue	109	11%	535	58%
PSA Airlines (AAL)	72	9%	309	41%
Spirit	53	10%	191	36%
United	52	1%	1053	37%
American Airlines	47	1%	1181	34%
GoJet (UAL)	47	18%	86	33%
Frontier	44	5%	235	26%

Republic Airways, which operates flights for American Airlines, Delta, and United, had the highest number of cancellations, accounting for 352 cancelled flights. Delta Air Lines, another major airline, had 243 cancellations but was responsible for a significant portion of the delays as well, with over 1,000 delayed flights. JetBlue, which is known for its reliability, also had a large share of the delays, with more than 500 delayed flights and 109 cancellations.

The ripple effect caused by these delays extended far beyond the airports listed above. With many passengers unable to board their flights or forced to wait hours for rescheduled flights, it became clear that the aviation industry was unprepared for the scale of the issues. The combination of delayed flights, high volumes of cancellations, and poor customer service created a nightmare scenario for travelers.

Causes Behind the Disruption

While the specific causes behind the massive delays and cancellations are still being investigated, a combination of factors contributed to the chaos. According to industry experts, severe weather conditions, staffing shortages, and technical difficulties at several major airlines led to widespread operational issues.

One of the key challenges faced by airlines on this day was weather-related disruptions. Thunderstorms and strong winds in major airports like LaGuardia, O’Hare, and Boston Logan led to temporary groundings and delays. Additionally, staffing shortages, especially in the air traffic control sector, further complicated the ability of airlines to manage flight schedules and respond to increasing delays.

Technical glitches, including issues with flight scheduling and system crashes, also played a role in contributing to the disruption. The combination of these factors created a perfect storm for chaos in the skies, with airlines and airports struggling to restore normalcy.

Impact on Travelers

For travelers, the delays and cancellations meant hours of frustration and uncertainty. Many passengers reported being stranded at airports with little information about when their flights would be rescheduled or if they would be accommodated on other services. In some cases, passengers were forced to wait overnight at airports, facing uncomfortable conditions as they waited for new flights to be arranged.

Some passengers, particularly those with tight connections, were forced to miss important events such as business meetings, family gatherings, or holiday celebrations. Others faced additional expenses, such as booking last-minute hotel accommodations or finding alternative modes of transportation to their destinations.

What Lies Ahead for the Aviation Industry?

With the holiday travel season fast approaching, the U.S. aviation industry is under intense pressure to resolve staffing shortages, improve customer service, and restore confidence in the system. As air travel continues to rebound from the pandemic, it is clear that the aviation industry must invest in infrastructure, technology, and employee training to ensure smoother operations.

In the short term, airlines and airports will need to address the causes of these widespread delays and cancellations and implement solutions that prioritize customer care. Long-term investments in technology, including more reliable scheduling systems and improved communication with passengers, will be necessary to avoid future disruptions of this scale.

The recent wave of delays and cancellations in U.S. air travel highlights the vulnerability of the system during periods of high demand. With thousands of travelers affected and significant disruptions across major airports, airlines must work together to address operational challenges, restore trust, and provide better customer service in the future.

Travel in the US has been severely disrupted with 9500 delays and 1500 cancellations, primarily due to operational issues faced by Delta, Republic, JetBlue, SkyWest, Horizon, and other airlines. Cities like Chicago, Charleston, Denver, and Morrisville are among the hardest hit, causing widespread frustration for travelers.

As holiday travel looms, ensuring the smooth operation of U.S. airports and airlines will be essential to avoid further chaos. Travelers, meanwhile, will continue to be wary of the challenges posed by delays and cancellations as they navigate an increasingly complex and unpredictable aviation landscape.

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Lufthansa, Wizz Air, Air France, Virgin Atlantic, and More Cause Travel Chaos Across Europe as 1465 Delays and 73 Cancellations Impact France, Netherlands, UK, Finland, Belgium, and More, Affecting Geneva, Brussels, Amsterdam, Edinburgh, and Manchester

Lufthansa, Wizz Air, Air France, Virgin Atlantic, and other major airlines have caused significant travel chaos across Europe, with 1,465 delays and 73 cancellations disrupting flights throughout France, the Netherlands, the UK, Finland, Belgium, and other countries. The widespread disruptions have severely impacted major airports such as Geneva, Brussels, Amsterdam, Edinburgh, and Manchester, leading to long waiting times, flight rebookings, and confusion for thousands of travelers. Weather conditions, staffing shortages, and operational challenges have contributed to the ongoing travel nightmare, leaving passengers stranded and uncertain about their travel plans.

Travel disruptions across Europe have reached new levels as thousands of passengers faced chaos on December 14th, 2025, due to massive delays and cancellations that affected major airports and airlines across the continent. With more than 1,400 flights delayed and dozens of others cancelled, travelers across France, the Netherlands, the UK, Finland, and Belgium faced an exhausting day of frustration and uncertainty. This extensive air travel nightmare, which also saw major airline disruptions, continues to spark concerns about the effectiveness of the current aviation network’s ability to handle peak travel periods.

Airport Chaos Across Europe

The ripple effect of flight delays and cancellations was felt throughout Europe’s busiest airports, which saw a significant number of flights cancelled and delayed. Below are the major airports impacted by the disruptions:

• Manchester Airport (MAN):
  • Cancelled flights: 6 (2%)
  • Delayed flights: 106 (35%)
• London Heathrow (LHR):
  • Cancelled flights: 5 (0%)
  • Delayed flights: 178 (25%)
• London Gatwick (LGW):
  • Cancelled flights: 5 (1%)
  • Delayed flights: 78 (20%)
• Edinburgh Airport (EDI):
  • Cancelled flights: 4 (2%)
  • Delayed flights: 37 (22%)
• Amsterdam Schiphol (AMS):
  • Cancelled flights: 8 (1%)
  • Delayed flights: 143 (20%)
• Charles de Gaulle/Roissy (CDG):
  • Cancelled flights: 6 (0%)
  • Delayed flights: 156 (23%)
• Geneva Cointrin International (GVA):
  • Cancelled flights: 5 (1%)
  • Delayed flights: 37 (13%)
• Brussels Airport (BRU):
  • Cancelled flights: 4 (1%)
  • Delayed flights: 65 (23%)

From major hubs like London Heathrow and Amsterdam Schiphol to smaller airports like Brussels and Geneva, the chaos spread like wildfire, creating significant delays and widespread inconvenience for travelers. Passengers at these airports struggled to cope with uncertainty, facing long lines at check-in counters, difficulty in finding available seats, and lack of clarity about their next steps.

Airlines Struggling to Keep Up

Airlines were also significantly impacted by the widespread travel disruptions, with some facing cancellations and delays across multiple routes. The following table shows the affected airlines, their flight cancellations, and delays:

Airline	Cancelled (#)	Cancelled (%)	Delayed (#)	Delayed (%)
easyJet	33	1%	398	22%
British Airways	8	1%	165	22%
Air France	7	1%	189	28%
Brussels Airlines	4	2%	57	29%
Braathens Regional Airways	4	3%	11	8%
KLM	3	0%	120	18%
Emerald Airlines	3	2%	23	18%
Aer Lingus UK	2	33%	2	33%
Finnair	2	0%	162	47%
Virgin Atlantic	2	2%	15	20%
German Airways	2	5%	8	22%
Lufthansa	1	0%	126	14%
Wizz Air Malta	1	0%	65	10%
Iberia	1	0%	48	15%
Wizz Air	1	0%	47	8%

Contributing Factors

Several factors are believed to have contributed to the chaos faced by passengers across these airports:

1. Weather Conditions: The harsh winter weather in parts of Europe made it difficult for airlines to maintain smooth operations. The sudden drop in temperature and snowstorms impacted ground handling and flight operations, especially at airports in northern Europe.
2. Staff Shortages and Strikes: Many airports across Europe are still facing staff shortages, exacerbated by strikes or labor disputes. This created additional challenges in managing check-ins, baggage handling, and overall airport operations, contributing to longer waiting times and delays.
3. Airline Scheduling Challenges: Several airlines, including easyJet and British Airways, faced significant delays due to congested air traffic management. With more flights being rescheduled or cancelled, managing available resources became increasingly difficult for the airline staff on the ground.
4. Operational Overload: The holiday season is always a peak period for air travel in Europe, and airlines and airports were operating at maximum capacity, leading to overcrowding in terminals and difficulties in coordinating timely flight departures.
5. Airline Coordination: The interconnected nature of the airline industry and the number of codeshare agreements between major carriers meant that disruptions in one airline’s schedule quickly affected others. For example, Wizz Air, British Airways, and Air France all experienced a ripple effect of delays due to shared flight routes and operational connections.

Implications for Passengers

For travelers affected by the disruptions, the consequences were both frustrating and costly. With 1,465 flights delayed across the continent and 73 cancellations, many passengers had to make last-minute arrangements for accommodations and rebooking, adding to their stress. Passengers stranded at airports had limited information regarding rescheduled flights, and those on delayed flights had to wait for hours before getting any updates.

Moreover, long queues at customer service desks, along with the general confusion about flight statuses, left many passengers feeling helpless. Some found themselves competing for the remaining available seats on flights to their destinations, while others were forced to cancel their trips altogether.

Several passengers reported issues with receiving compensation or assistance from airlines, highlighting a broader issue with customer service during large-scale disruptions.

What Travelers Can Do

For passengers affected by the disruptions, the following steps can help ease the situation:

• Stay Informed: Check with airlines and airports for real-time updates on flight statuses. Many airlines offer apps that can push notifications to alert you about any changes to your flight.
• Know Your Rights: Depending on the airline and country, travelers may be entitled to compensation for cancellations and long delays. Make sure to check the EU Regulation 261/2004 for applicable rules on compensation.
• Explore Alternate Routes: In the case of cancelled flights, check if other airlines have available seats to your destination. Some airports may also assist in rebooking on other flights if your original carrier cannot accommodate you.
• Prepare for Delays: If you know your flight is delayed, try to find a comfortable spot at the airport. Some lounges offer access for a fee, providing a more relaxing environment while you wait.
• Stay Calm and Be Patient: While the delays and cancellations are frustrating, maintaining calm and keeping track of all relevant information will make it easier to handle the disruption.

Looking Ahead

As Europe heads into the peak holiday travel season, experts are urging airlines and airports to better prepare for the increasing demand, especially as weather conditions worsen and the number of travelers continues to grow. It is essential for airlines to streamline their operations, improve communication with passengers, and address staffing issues that could continue to affect flight reliability.

Moreover, as Europe’s aviation industry recovers from the impacts of the pandemic and strives to meet growing demand, it will need to invest in infrastructure and technology to prevent similar disruptions in the future. Better coordination between airlines and airports, more transparent communication with passengers, and investment in air traffic control systems are just a few of the steps that could reduce the likelihood of widespread disruptions.

The travel chaos of December 14th has underscored the vulnerabilities in Europe’s aviation infrastructure, which is under strain due to a combination of weather, staffing issues, and high demand. For those traveling in the coming weeks, it’s essential to be prepared for potential disruptions, stay informed, and remain patient as airports and airlines work to get travelers to their destinations. With the right planning and awareness, it’s possible to navigate through these challenges and make the most of your travels despite the setbacks.

Lufthansa, Wizz Air, Air France, Virgin Atlantic, and other major airlines have caused widespread travel chaos across Europe, with 1,465 delays and 73 cancellations impacting several countries. The disruptions, driven by weather issues, staffing shortages, and high travel demand, have severely affected airports like Geneva, Brussels, Amsterdam, Edinburgh, and Manchester.

By understanding the causes of disruptions and knowing what steps to take, passengers can reduce their frustration and continue their journeys with as little stress as possible.

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Germany And France Joins Finland, Italy, Malta, Denmark, Croatia, Hungary, And More As Belarus Extends Visa-Free Travel For Thirty-Eight European Nations: Latest Travel Update You Should Know

Belarus has extended its visa-free travel program for 38 European countries, including Germany, France, Finland, Italy, and Malta, through 2026, to enhance tourism and strengthen ties with its European neighbors. This move simplifies travel for millions of Europeans, encouraging more visits to the country while fostering greater international cooperation. With this extension, Belarus is not only boosting its tourism sector but also aligning with broader efforts to make the country more accessible and open to international visitors, marking a significant step in its goal to increase global tourism.

In an exciting development for international travelers, Belarus has decided to extend its visa-free travel program for citizens of 38 European countries through 2026. Initially launched in July 2024, the program allowed citizens of select European nations to travel freely to Belarus without the need for a visa. This extension not only makes travel easier for Europeans but also aligns with Belarus’s growing efforts to enhance its appeal as a tourist destination.

Extended Visa-Free Travel: A Welcome Change for European Travelers

The Belarusian government’s decision to extend the visa-free travel program reflects the country’s desire to attract more international visitors and boost its tourism sector. This move also showcases Belarus’s commitment to strengthening its relations with Europe. The new extension, set to run through December 31, 2026, provides travelers with ample time to explore Belarus without the administrative burden of visa applications.

Who Can Benefit from the Visa-Free Program?

The extended visa-free program applies to the citizens of 38 European countries. Those eligible can travel to Belarus for tourism, business, or transit without needing a visa, as long as they possess a valid passport. The initiative is expected to simplify travel for millions of Europeans and encourage more tourism and cultural exchanges between Belarus and its European neighbors.

Here’s a breakdown of the key aspects of the program:

• Eligible Countries: Citizens of 38 European countries can enter Belarus visa-free.
• Duration of Stay: Most travelers are permitted to stay up to 30 days per visit. However, citizens from Poland, Lithuania, and Latvia (including non-citizens) can stay for up to 90 days.
• Transit: Travelers can transit through Belarus to other destinations, as long as they are not heading to Russia.
• Multiple Entries: The program allows unlimited entries, provided that the total stay does not exceed 90 days per calendar year.
• Exclusions: Diplomatic or service passport holders are excluded, with exceptions for biometric diplomatic passport holders from the EU.

Boosting Belarus’s Tourism and International Appeal

The visa-free program has already proven to be a success. Since its initial launch, more than 1.2 million Europeans have visited Belarus under this scheme. Most visitors have come from neighboring countries, but the program has also attracted travelers from a diverse array of European nations.

Here’s a look at the top countries contributing to the flow of visitors to Belarus in 2024:

Country	Number of Visitors
Latvia	399,842
Lithuania	658,575
Poland	130,089
Other European Countries	54,845

In 2025 alone, over 210,000 travelers from these 38 European countries have already visited Belarus, highlighting the program’s growing success. Belarusian authorities are hopeful that the extension will continue to draw large numbers of visitors, particularly from countries such as Germany, France, and Italy.

What’s New in 2025: Belarus’s E-Visa System

Alongside the extension of the visa-free program, Belarus has launched an e-visa system to further simplify travel for international visitors. Starting in March 2025, travelers from 67 countries worldwide can now apply for an e-visa to visit Belarus. The system has been particularly popular among travelers from the United States, Canada, Japan, and several European countries.

The Belarusian government is particularly enthusiastic about the e-visa program as it opens the country up to a broader international audience. As of mid-2025, around 1,500 e-visas have already been issued, demonstrating a solid interest in visiting Belarus beyond just European nations.

Key Countries for E-Visa Applications:

• United States
• Germany
• Japan
• Canada
• Italy
• France
• Australia
• United Kingdom
• Spain

This dual approach—visa-free travel for certain European countries and e-visa access for others—reflects Belarus’s desire to streamline its visa processes and position itself as a more accessible destination for global tourists.

Full List of Countries Eligible for Visa-Free Travel to Belarus

The extension of the visa-free program now includes a comprehensive list of 38 European countries. Travelers from these nations can benefit from the convenience of not needing a visa to visit Belarus, with the conditions mentioned above. Here’s the complete list:

• Andorra
• Austria
• Belgium
• Bosnia and Herzegovina
• Bulgaria
• Croatia
• Cyprus
• Czech Republic
• Denmark
• Estonia (including stateless persons permanently residing there)
• Finland
• France
• Germany
• Greece
• Hungary
• Iceland
• Ireland
• Italy
• Liechtenstein
• Luxembourg
• Malta
• Monaco
• North Macedonia
• Netherlands
• Norway
• Portugal
• Romania
• San Marino
• Slovakia
• Slovenia
• Spain
• Switzerland
• Sweden
• United Kingdom
• Vatican City

This comprehensive list showcases Belarus’s broad reach in attracting European travelers. By continuing to make travel easier for such a large group of countries, Belarus is positioning itself as a central destination for cultural exploration, business exchanges, and leisure tourism.

Visa-Free Travel Conditions and Exceptions

Most citizens of these 38 countries can stay in Belarus for up to 30 days without a visa. However, there are some specific exceptions:

• Poland, Lithuania, and Latvia: Citizens from these countries (including those with Latvia’s non-citizen status) are allowed to stay up to 90 days.
• No Limit on Entries: Travelers can enter and exit Belarus as many times as they want within the validity period, as long as their total time spent in the country does not exceed 90 days per calendar year.
• Transit Policy: The visa-free travel also permits transit, provided the traveler is not heading to Russia.

Promoting Belarus as a Top Travel Destination

This move is part of a broader strategy by Belarus to open its doors to international travelers and showcase its rich history, vibrant culture, and welcoming environment. From its medieval castles to the untouched natural beauty of its national parks, Belarus is becoming an increasingly popular destination for both short visits and longer stays.

In addition to attracting more visitors, the government is also focusing on improving tourism infrastructure and services. New hotels, transport links, and tourist facilities are being developed, and the tourism industry is set to benefit from the growing influx of European travelers.

The Future of Travel to Belarus

As the visa-free program continues to attract large numbers of visitors, Belarus is also working to enhance its reputation as a safe and welcoming destination. With the growing popularity of Belarusian culture, food, and historical sites, the country is becoming a more prominent feature on the European travel map.

The introduction of the e-visa system complements the visa-free program by offering more flexibility for travelers from countries outside the European Union. Whether it’s a short cultural trip, a business visit, or a longer stay, Belarus is making it easier than ever for people to experience its offerings.

The extension of Belarus’s visa-free program for 38 European countries through 2026 is a significant milestone for the country’s tourism industry. It simplifies travel for millions of European travelers, offering a smooth and hassle-free way to visit Belarus. With the addition of the e-visa system for global travelers, Belarus is opening its doors to the world and making travel more accessible than ever.

Belarus has extended its visa-free travel program for 38 European countries, including Germany, France, Finland, Italy, and Malta, through 2026 to boost tourism and strengthen diplomatic ties with Europe. This move simplifies travel for millions, enhancing accessibility and fostering greater international cooperation.

For those planning to visit Belarus, it’s important to note the stay durations, the countries eligible for the program, and the requirements for transit and multiple entries. Whether you’re traveling for leisure or business, this new development is an exciting opportunity to explore Belarus without the need for a traditional visa.

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