Kyrgyzstanis Given Free Passage Across Russia-Belarus Border
The movement of citizens within the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU) has taken a step forward as the restriction on traveling across the Russia-Belarus border has been officially lifted. According to the Eurasian Economic Commission (EEC), citizens of Armenia, Kazakhstan, and Kyrgyzstan can now freely enter and exit Russia and Belarus via various routes.
This positive development came after the agreement between the Russian Federation and the Republic of Belarus on mutual recognition of visas and other entry-related issues for foreign nationals and stateless persons within the EAEU territory came into effect on January 11, 2025. The EEC confirmed that citizens from these member states can now use international rail and air routes, as well as automobile routes listed in the agreement annex to travel between Russia and Belarus.
Previously, citizens of Armenia, Kazakhstan, and Kyrgyzstan could only travel between the two countries by air, which was costly and not always convenient. With this agreement in place, citizens from these EAEU countries now have the flexibility to cross the Belarus-Russia border by road and rail, making travel more accessible and efficient.
The EEC Board addressed this significant change on April 15, 2025, highlighting the importance of eliminating barriers within the internal market of the EAEU. This update marks a milestone in facilitating movement and enhancing cooperation among member states, ultimately contributing to the economic development and integration of the Eurasian region.
