A significant number of overseas sports fans are expected to attend Minsk 2019 via Russia.

The intergovernmental agreement was signed by Russia and host nation Belarus last May.

The agreement was aimed at assisting people who are attending the European Games.

The two countries took into account the experience of cooperation gained during the FIFA World Cup in Russia as they prepared the agreement on mutual visa recognition.

Minsk 2019 has confirmed the agreement has been ratified by the State Duma in Russia, with their upper house rubber-stamping the document on February 12.

According to Russia’s Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, Grigory Karasin, the agreement regulates the entry of foreign nationals and stateless people traveling to attend international sporting events including the European Games.

Under the terms of the agreement, foreign nations will be able to enter, exist, stay and transit through the territory of the other state without visas.

They will require an authentic identification, as well as a document permitting them to attend the international sporting event in either Russia or Belarus.

The agreement will be valid through until July 10, according to Minsk 2019.

The second edition of the European Games will take place in Belarus’ capital from June 21 to 30.

Minsk 2019 have said they hope to attract 70,000 tourists to the country for the Games.

A Government official said last month they were expecting 30,000.

Organisers have confirmed that spectators can stay in Belarusian territory without a visa for up to 30 days.

The visa system will be similar to the one used in Belarus during the 2014 International Ice Hockey Federation World Championship.