22 April 2009
Belarus, Israel plan to abolish visa requirements in 2010
MINSK, April 22 (BelTA) – The visa requirements between Belarus and Israel is expected to be canceled in 2010, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Israel to Belarus Eduard Shapira told reporters in Minsk on April 22. According to the Ambassador, in November 2008, Belarus and Israel had consular negotiations to consider the cancellation of the visa regime between the two countries. Israel and Russia had already canceled the visa regime between them. “At the first stage, Belarus and Israel intend to abolish consular fees. In 2010 or maybe earlier we will be able to cancel the visa regime,” the Ambassador said. Eduard Shapira noted that the cost of the Israeli visa is $17 for visitors from all countries and the cost of the Belarusian visa for Israeli citizens is more than $100. A year ago, the Israeli Government gave an instruction to develop the plan of action for cancellation of visa requirements with the CIS countries in order to develop tourism. The consular fees are expected to be abolished as well. “These are two different programmes which are not connected with each other. The consular fees are expected to be abolished in the next few months. At the same time, the visa programme for 2010 is being developed,” the Ambassador explained.БЕЛТА