Latvia Changes The Rules For Entering Its Country

Including for Belarusians.

September 1, 2025, new rules of entry for third-country nationals, including Belarusians, who do not have a Latvian visa or residence permit, will start to operate in Latvia. The Ministry of Internal Affairs of the country explained some nuances of entry, reports "Belsat".

It is known that all third-country nationals must fill out a questionnaire on the website eta.gov.lv no later than 48 hours before crossing the border, indicating the purpose, duration of the trip, route and place of residence in Latvia. A separate item is proposed information about participation in "elections", the presence of "elective" positions in the person himself or his relatives, as well as service in law enforcement agencies or other state bodies.

The Ministry of Internal Affairs of Latvia explained that there is no need to wait for permission after submitting the questionnaire, but the absence of such a questionnaire will be punishable by a fine. According to the Ministry of Internal Affairs, the new rules apply even to those who travel in transit through the territory of Latvia, as well as to foreigners with residence permits of other EU countries, even if they move within the EU.

As for the need to specify information about relatives in the department specified: this data can be used by intelligence services to prevent potential threats to state and public security. If such risks are identified, the Latvian authorities may refuse entry.

As for the control over compliance with the requirements, it will be carried out directly at the border crossing. At the same time, as noted in the Ministry of Internal Affairs, not excluded and random checks already inside the country.

The site eta.gov.lv should start working at 23 hours on August 29.

We recall that earlier it was reported that after sending a questionnaire to the applicant to the specified e-mail will receive a response - permission or refusal of entry. It is possible to submit information earlier than two days in advance, but if plans change, the data must be updated. When crossing the country in transit, it is sufficient to specify only available contacts.

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