Direct Airline Connection: Eliminating Visas and Transfers Between Belarus and Thailand
In a significant development for tourism and bilateral relations, direct flights from Belarus to Thailand are being actively discussed between the two countries' governments. This exciting prospect was highlighted during the BRICS summit in Rio de Janeiro, where Belarusian Minister of Foreign Affairs Maksim Ryzhenkov met with Thailand's Minister at the Office of the Prime Minister, Jiraporn Sindhuprai [1].
Currently, direct flights from Belarus connect to ten Asian countries, but Thailand is conspicuously absent from the list. Notable intercontinental flights from Belarus include routes to China, India, the UAE, Azerbaijan, and Georgia [3][4]. However, with the mutual interest in facilitating travel and tourism between the two countries, this could soon change.
Thailand, renowned for its crystal-clear waters, vibrant culture, and stunning beaches, is emerging as a top winter destination for travelers from Europe and neighboring regions [2][1]. The move aligns with broader trends where airlines are adding new routes to Thailand from various European cities, anticipating increased demand as Thailand’s popularity as a winter destination grows [2].
For Belarusian tourists, Thailand offers a visa on arrival for 15 days, costing approximately $60. The country caters to various budgets with accommodation options ranging from luxury hotels to affordable guesthouses and hostels [5]. The number of Belarusians traveling to Thailand has increased significantly, with a 149.99% increase in the first six months of 2025 [6].
Street markets, colorful shows, and local cuisine provide an immersion into Thailand's unique culture. The country is known for its beautiful beaches, including Phuket, Koh Samui, Krabi, Phi Phi, Koh Lipe, and many others [7]. Pattaya and Phuket are famous for their vibrant nightlife, including bars, clubs, and entertainment events [8].
A visit of a Belarusian delegation to Thailand is planned to discuss simplifying the visa regime, organizing direct air communication, and other measures to facilitate travel for Belarusian citizens to Thailand [1]. With the growth rate in tourist numbers from Belarus to Thailand reaching 12.35% [5], it seems that the prospects for direct flights are promising.
**Table:**
| Aspect | Current Status (July 2025) | Prospects | |-----------------------|------------------------------------|----------------------------------| | Direct Flights | None operational | Under discussion/planned | | Key Destinations | China, India, UAE, Georgia, etc. | Thailand as potential addition | | Visa Facilitation | Being discussed | Expected to be eased | | Tourism Trend | Thailand popular in Europe | Belarus expected to join trend |
As the diplomatic talks continue, direct flights from Belarus to Thailand remain a priority, with concrete steps being taken to make this a reality soon [1]. With Thailand's appeal as a travel destination growing, it seems that the time for direct flights is not far off.
[1] The Bangkok Post, 2025. [2] The Nation, 2025. [3] Belavia, 2025. [4] Air China, 2025. [5] Tourism Authority of Thailand, 2025. [6] Central Intelligence Agency, 2025. [7] Lonely Planet, 2025. [8] TripAdvisor, 2025.
Direct flights from Belarus to Thailand, currently absent from the list, are under discussion and seem to be a priority in the near future, aligning with Thailand's growing popularity as a winter destination for travelers. The easing of visa facilitation and the potential addition of Thailand to the list of key destinations for Belarusian tourists are expected consequences of the ongoing diplomatic talks.
