Latvia to Require Russian and Belarusian Citizens to File Stay Notifications

Latvia is preparing new measures targeting citizens of Russia and Belarus, according to LSM. Authorities plan to tighten control by requiring nationals from these countries to notify the government of their arrival, purpose, location, and duration of stay — even if entering from within the Schengen Area.

Interior Minister Rihards Kozlovskis explained that the measures aim to protect Latvia’s national security. According to him, the number of Schengen visas issued to Russian citizens increased in 2024, raising concerns. “Let’s be realistic – what does the influx of Russian tourists and their free movement within Schengen mean? In my view, it’s an internal security threat,” Kozlovskis said. “It’s more serious than dealing with known, monitored individuals.”

The Ministry of the Interior is drafting the regulations, which will require approval by the Saeima. In March, the ministry reminded European Commission members that Latvia has not issued tourist visas to Russians since 2022. The government also urged other EU countries to follow suit amid rising tourist numbers from Russia to Europe. Russians were issued 565,069 Schengen visas in 2024 — 25% more than in 2023.

Kozlovskis stressed the need for EU countries to recognize the risks posed by such tourists. He noted that in Latvia, some Russian visitors have engaged in propaganda activities, sabotage, and attempted arson.

Currently, only six EU countries have completely stopped issuing tourist Schengen visas to Russians: Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, Finland, Czechia, and Estonia. European Commissioner for Home Affairs and Migration Magnus Brunner emphasized the need for a unified EU approach and acknowledged the risks associated with Russian visitors, though they account for just 5.7% of all Schengen visas issued.

Previously, Latvia announced plans to tighten entry requirements for third-country nationals without national visas or residence permits, effective September 2025. Foreigners will be required to submit details of their visit — including purpose, route, duration, accommodation, and local contacts — at least 48 hours before arrival. They must also declare whether they or their relatives held government, military, police, customs, or intelligence positions. Exemptions will apply to diplomats and official delegations. Temporary residence permits will be limited to two months.

Latvia has also toughened residence permit rules and the Saeima approved a ban on property purchases by Russian citizens. Since March 19, 2025, the Cabinet of Ministers restricted border crossings at “Paternieki,” “Terehova,” and “Grebneva” checkpoints to vehicle traffic only, banning pedestrian and bicycle crossings. Several other crossings were already closed in 2023. Latvia has also banned entry by Russian and Belarusian-registered cars since 2024.

Latvian authorities are considering further restrictions, including refusing recognition of diplomas issued in Russia or Belarus after February 24, 2022.

These measures reinforce Latvia’s increasingly strict visa, migration, and border policies toward Russian and Belarusian citizens. Officials warn that more actions could follow depending on international developments.