The European Olympic Committees (EOC) welcomes the signing of an agreement between Belarus and Russia to allow visa-free entry for foreign citizens to both countries during the upcoming 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia and European Games Minsk 2019.
According to the deal signed by Belarus Minister of Foreign Affairs Vladimir Makei and his Russian counterpart Sergey Lavrov, foreign fans will be able to travel through Belarus visa-free during the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia from 4 June to 25 July. Russia, in turn, will introduce visa-free entry and stay in its territory for foreign fans attending the 2nd European Games in 2019. Tickets for both events will act as visas.
The signing of the agreement is an essential step to simplifying entry to Belarus for foreign sports fans and participants of the European Games Minsk 2009, scheduled to take place from June 21-30, 2019. Citizens of any European country will be able to freely enter Belarus through the territory of Russia.
“We fully support the deal between Belarus and Russia, which will significantly ease travel and movement for all stakeholders of the European Games Minsk 2019, including most importantly the athletes,” said EOC President Janez Kocijančič. “It is a great gesture from both countries that they are looking forward to welcoming people from many different countries during their respective events.”
The sports program for the European Games, Europe’s premier multi-sport event, includes 15 sports, 10 of which will double as qualifiers for the Olympic Games Tokyo 2020. More than 4,000 athletes from 50 countries will take part in the event.
