Today, the European Union and Belarus signed an agreement on visa facilitation and readmission agreement.
"Agreement represent an important step in the relations EU-Belarus relations and pave the way for improving the mobility of citizens, promoting closer ties between the EU and its neighbours in the Eastern partnership", - stated in the message of the European Commission.
on behalf of the EU the agreement was signed by EU Commissioner for home Affairs Ylva Johansson, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of interior of Croatia as Chairman of the Board Davor Bozinovic, from Belarus the document was signed by the Minister of foreign Affairs Vladimir Makei.
the Agreement on simplification of visa regime will facilitate the acquisition of Belarusian citizens short-term visa for entry into the European Union. As soon as the agreement on simplification of visa regime will come into force, the visa fee will be reduced to 35 euros.
Several categories of travellers, including journalists, students and members of official delegations will be able to receive multiple-entry visas with a longer validity period, they will need to provide fewer supporting documents confirming the purpose of travel.
Earlier Belarus has unilaterally taken steps to facilitate short-term visa-free travel of EU citizens arriving in Minsk.
the Main objective of the readmission agreements between Belarus and the EU is to establish on the basis of reciprocity, procedures for the safe and orderly return of persons who illegally reside in EU or Belarus, in full respect of their rights.
