All 2019 European Games teams and guests will be granted visa-free entry to Belarus, Sports and Tourism Minister Alexander Shamko told a press conference hosted by BelTA, the Belarus News Agency, on 3 April, stating that “at the 2019 European Games, visa-free rules will be in force.”

Shamko went to say that an appropriate set of rules will be drawn up based on the experience gained during the 2014 IIHF World Championships in Minsk, underlining how Belarus has a well-developed system for hosting athletes and coaches who come to the country to take part in international competitions.

He then added that “such events are also an opportunity to show the country’s tourism potential. Tourists attend sports events and also get familiar with the country.”