New Entry Rules in Latvia from September 1, 2025: What Third-Country Nationals Need to Know

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Starting September 1, 2025, Latvia introduces new entry requirements for third-country nationals who do not hold a Latvian visa or residence permit. Before entering Latvia, they will be required to submit data through the national security risk prevention system – eta.gov.lv.

The changes were adopted in the Immigration Law amendments passed on April 3, 2025, aiming to strengthen state security and border control.

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Who must submit information to eta.gov.lv?

The obligation applies to foreigners who are not citizens of:

• the European Union (EU);
• NATO member states;
• OECD member states;
• European Economic Area (EEA) countries;
• Switzerland or Brazil.

👉 Note: the requirement also applies to those transiting through Latvia.

From September 1, Estonian non-citizens are exempt, but Russian citizens must complete the form, even if they hold a residence permit in another EU country.

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Deadlines and procedure

• Information must be submitted at least 48 hours before arrival via eta.gov.lv.
• After submission, the traveler will receive an automatic confirmation email.
• No separate entry permit is required once the data is confirmed.
• If travel plans change, updated data must be submitted again no later than 48 hours before entry.

Required information

Travelers must provide:

• purpose of the trip and planned duration of stay;
• accommodation address in Latvia;
• travel route;
• contact details;
• information on elected or official positions held by themselves or relatives;
• candidacy in elections;
• past or current service in the armed forces, intelligence, border guard, customs, or diplomatic service.

Responsibility for violations

Failure to submit data or providing false information may result in administrative liability.

Latvian authorities may use the data to assess risks and restrict entry to persons posing a potential threat.

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Exemptions

The new entry requirement does not apply to:

• persons with diplomatic immunity;
• those entering for short-term official functions or technical support;
• stateless persons who received their status in a country listed in the Immigration Law.

Countries exempt from the new requirement

• All EU member states (Germany, France, Italy, Spain, Poland, Sweden, etc.);
• NATO countries (USA, Canada, UK, Turkey, etc.);
• EEA countries (Norway, Iceland, Liechtenstein);
• OECD countries (Australia, Japan, South Korea, Chile, Israel, Mexico, etc.);
• Switzerland and Brazil.

From September 1, 2025, third-country nationals without a Latvian visa or residence permit must submit entry data online via eta.gov.lv before traveling.

This new regulation is designed to strengthen Latvia’s national security, and travelers are advised to prepare in advance to avoid border issues.

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