Latvia Extends Entry & Visa Restrictions for Russians & Belarusians Until End of 2026

The Latvian Cabinet of Ministers has agreed to extend the existing entry and visa restrictions for Russian and Belarusian citizens until the end of 2026.

According to the Cabinet, the aim of this measure is to reduce threats to public and internal security and to hold accountable countries that are deploying hybrid warfare methods against neighbouring countries to cause destabilisation, Schengen.News reports.

What Does the Measure Extension Mean for Russians & Belarusians? 
With the extension of the restrictions, Russians and Belarusians will continue to be subject to existing strict rules when wanting to enter the country or obtain a Latvian Schengen visa. 

Under the current rules that Latvia has in place, which will now be extended, only some categories of Russian nationals are allowed to submit Schengen visa applications at Latvian diplomatic and consular missions abroad. 

Moreover, the existing rules permit only certain groups of Russians to cross the external border of Latvia for a small number of specific purposes. 

Since the current measure has been extended until the end of 2026, it means that the country will not accept applications nor permit entry into the country via its land borders for Russians who do not fall under the exemption category.

As LSM explains, visa application restrictions will also continue to apply to Belarus citizens. 

Latvia will continue to accept Schengen visa applications only from Latvian and EU citizens’ family members residing in Russia and Belarus, Latvian or EU residence permit holders or long-term visa holders, and from persons who want to enter the country for humanitarian reasons. 

Russia & Belarus Are Promoting Disinformation Campaigns, Cabinet of Ministers Says 
In its statement, the Latvian Cabinet of Ministers said that both Russia and Belarus are promoting disinformation campaigns against neighbouring countries and the West. 

The Cabinet further said that the two countries are instrumentalising irregular migrants and are trying to cause destabilisation in the bloc.

Latvia introduced enhanced controls and various checks in 2022, following Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine. 

Since then, Russians and Belarusians have been able to enter Latvia only for specific purposes such as humanitarian and medical purposes. On the other hand, Latvia does not permit visits for tourism, shopping, business meetings, or sports participation purposes.

Source: https://schengen.news/latvia-extends-entry-visa-restrictions-for-russians-belarusians-until-end-of-2026/