Latvia Introduces New Entry Rules Affecting Ukrainians, Belarusians, and Russians

Starting September 1, 2025, Latvia is introducing a new entry procedure for citizens of third countries. Crossing the border without prior submission of data and government approval will no longer be possible. The system will affect Belarusians, Russians, Ukrainians, and several other categories of foreign nationals, reports LSM+.

Amendments to the Immigration Law were adopted by the Saeima on April 3. Interior Minister Rihards Kozlovskis [url=https://internationalinvestment.biz/tourism/5723-rossijan-i-belorusov-objazhut-zapolnjat-formu-uvedomlenija-o-prebyvanii-v-latvii.html]explained[/url
] that such measures are necessary to ensure Latvia’s national security. In 2024, Russians received 565,069 Schengen visas—25% more than in 2023—which, in his view, increases risks. Some of these visitors have already been suspected of propaganda, sabotage, and arson attempts in Latvia.

The changes do not apply to citizens of Switzerland, Brazil, and countries that are members of the EU, OECD, EEA, or NATO. Other foreign nationals without a Latvian visa or residence permit must submit an electronic form on eta.gov.lv at least 48 hours before entry. The form requires information on the purpose and duration of the trip, travel route, contact details, and political or state activities. Mandatory points include participation in elections, military or intelligence service, or work in government or diplomatic structures. A response will be sent by email exactly two days after submission.

The Ministry of the Interior emphasized that data can be submitted earlier than 48 hours, but only if the information remains valid. If plans change, the form must be resubmitted. Submission must be personal—relatives or intermediaries cannot do it on behalf of the applicant. Administrative penalties will apply for failing to provide information or submitting false data. Authorities stress that this is not a mere formality: the information will be checked by security and law enforcement services. If risks to the state or society are identified, entry may be denied.

Officials also clarified common questions. For example, a Belarusian with Polish residence who is transiting must still submit the form. The same applies to those with a Greek visa who wish to spend several days in Latvia. Georgian citizens must also comply, regardless of whether they enter via Russia or arrive from Turkey.

Ukrainians transiting through Latvia to other EU countries also fall under the new rules. Amendments also apply to Ukrainians leaving occupied territories via Russia or Belarus who are seeking international protection. Russians must also submit the form, adding to a long list of restrictions imposed on them by Riga. The system will be overseen by state security bodies, and its effectiveness will be reviewed annually and reported to the Saeima.

Earlier, Latvia [url=https://internationalinvestment.biz/analytics/5534-novye-ogranichenija-na-granicah-latvii-popast-v-stranu-iz-belarusi-i-rossii-mozhno-tolko-na-avtotransporte.html]restricted[/url
] border crossing points near Russia and Belarus. Entry is now only possible by vehicle via “Paternieki,” “Terehova,” and “Grebneva.” “Paternieki” remains the only functioning crossing with Belarus after “Silene” was closed indefinitely in September 2023. In October 2023, “Ventuli” and “Pededze” were also shut down.

These measures are part of Latvia’s broader policy since the start of the war in Ukraine. In February 2022, Latvia stopped issuing tourist visas to Russians and closed its airspace to Russian planes. In April of the same year, restrictions were imposed on residence permits, and in August the agreement on simplified border crossings was suspended. From September 2022, Russian citizens were banned from entering Latvia even with Schengen visas. In autumn 2023, residence permits were annulled, and new applicants were required to pass a language test. More recently, Russians were banned from buying property in the country.