Analysis

EU simplifies visa process for some Belarusians

The European parliament has adopted new visa rules for Belarusian citizens, aimed at simplifying the process of obtaining visas to enter the EU.

Among others, the new regulations include simplifying the application process and reducing visa fees for applicants under the age of 18 and children under the age of six in certain conditions.

At the same time however, MEPs agreed to increase the general visa fee for Belarusians from 60 euros to 80 euros.

According to the new regulations, visa applications now have to be submitted at least six months before planned travel, compared to the current application deadline of three months prior to a trip.

The rules have yet to be confirmed by the EU Council.

The EU and Belarus have been negotiating a visa facilitation agreement for some time, although talks recently broke down due to demands from Belarus concerning the readmission of Russians entering the EU through Belarusian territory.