Changes to the entry rules in Latvia from 1 September 2025: what third-country nationals need to know
From September 1, 2025, new border crossing rules for citizens of third countries, including citizens of Russia and Belarus, will enter into force in Latvia. This decision was taken in order to strengthen national security and control over the movement of foreign citizens who do not have the right to stay freely in the EU.

In this article we will explain what will change, what will be affected by the new requirements, how to prepare and what will happen with access to border areas.

Who is affected by the new rules?
Stricter requirements apply to third-country nationals who do not have a Latvian visa or residence permit. First of all, it is about:
* For citizens of the Russian Federation
* For citizens of Belarus
* citizens of countries other than EU, Schengen, NATO, OECD, etc.

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To whom the restrictions do not apply:
Citizens:
* European Union (EU) countries
* NATO
* OECD (Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development)
* Switzerland
* Brazil
The previous entry regime shall remain in force for these countries.

What exactly will change from September 1, 2025?
New requirement: mandatory submission of travel information
All third-country nationals without a Latvian visa or residence permit are obliged to:

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Provide travel information at least 48 hours before entering Latvia. The report must include:
* Purpose of visit
* Duration of stay in the country
* Planned travel route in Latvia
* Place of residence (address or hotel)
* Contact information (phone, email)
This information will be used for initial risk analysis and entry into the territory of Latvia. Entry without prior notice at the border may be refused.

Access to border areas: only with permission of the State Security Service
With the new entry rules, an additional restriction is introduced: from 1 September 2025 to 31 December 2027, third-country nationals over the age of 15 will be able to visit the border areas of Latvia only with the permission of the State Security Service (VDD/SGB).
What is considered a border zone? These are the areas bordering the land border with:
* Russia
* Belarus
Example: Daugavpils, Ludza, Krāslava, part of Alūksna and other Latgale regions.

How to get permission?
At the time of publication, the procedure for obtaining official permission from the State Security Service has not yet been fully approved, but it is expected that it will include:
* Submission of application in advance (prior to visit)
* Indication of the reason for stay in the zone
* Submission of copies of passport, route and contact information
* Security check exit
It is important to understand: permission will be issued individually and is not guaranteed. The State Security Service reserves the right to refuse without explanation.

Why are new measures being introduced?
According to the official statements of the Latvian authorities, the new measures are aimed at:
* Increasing national security in the face of geopolitical instability
* Prevention of illegal migration and intelligence activities
* Reinforcement of control over foreigners staying in Latvia
These steps are particularly relevant in light of the increased border controls, the hybrid threat and the ongoing war in Ukraine.

How to prepare for a trip to Latvia in the new conditions?
If you are a citizen of Russia, Belarus or another country that is not a member of the EU/NATO/OECD and plan to enter Latvia after 1 September 2025, please follow these recommendations:
✅ Obtain a Latvian visa or residence permit in advance

✅ Submit travel information at least 48 hours before entry (using consulate, online form or other approved method)

✅ Avoid border areas unless you have permission from the National Security Service

✅ Do not hide information about route, purpose of visit or place of residence — this may be grounds for refusal of entry

✅ Keep copies of all supporting documents — reservations, invitations, residential addresses

Frequently Asked Questions
1. If I travel on a Schengen visa issued by another country, do these rules apply to me? Yes, if you do not have a Latvian visa or residence permit, you must submit your travel information in advance.

2. What if I have a valid residence permit from another EU country? Then the requirement to provide data may not apply, but in some cases Latvian border guards may still request information, especially in the case of long-term stays.

3. Or are Ukrainian citizens required to submit data? No, Ukraine is one of the EU's partner countries — in this context, the rules do not apply to Ukrainian citizens.

From 1 September 2025, Latvia will strengthen controls at its borders for third-country nationals, increasing entry filtration and movement controls. These measures mainly concern citizens of Russia and Belarus who do not have Latvian visas or residence permits.
If you are planning a trip, be careful, submit information in advance and avoid border areas without proper authorization. This is not just a formality - a violation can lead to a ban on entry.

Contact Lex&Finace specialists for detailed advice on all issues of interest to you.