Taking advantage of Belarus’ new 5-day visa waiver

Victory Circle in Minsk

Just this year, Belarus enacted a waiver of their visa requirement for certain travelers. Now, travelers from 80 countries (including the USA, UK, EU, Canada & Australia) can stay up to five days in Belarus without having to get a visa. There are some catches, though: The visa waiver only applies to travelers arriving and departing from Minsk International Airport (MSQ) and the waiver does not apply to flights originating or ending in Russia or territories controlled by the Russian Federation. read more

China’s 144-hour in-transit visa waiver

China has recently expanded their visa waiver provision, allowing certain in-transit visitors to visit the country for 144-hours (6 days) without a visa. This is really a great opportunity to get in a not-insubstantial visit without the hassle and expense of obtaining a Chinese visa before you leave your home country, the only other option for travel to China. The requirements for this waiver are specific, though:

You must arrive in China from one country and depart to a third country, i.e., you CANNOT simply fly to China and back from your home (or another) country. read more