Latvia to extend restrictions on Russian citizens travelling for vacation until March 4, 2025

Riga, Latvia (Svidomi) — The Latvian government has decided to extend the ban on the entry of Russian citizens who want to cross the EU border for leisure and vacation, the press service of the Latvian Cabinet of Ministers reports.

The Latvian Cabinet of Ministers made this decision because "Russia's military aggression against Ukraine is still underway and still poses a threat to the internal security of Latvia." 

Russians with residence permits, long-term or short-term visas (for family members) in Latvia, the EU, the EEA, the Schengen area, and the Swiss Confederation will still be allowed to enter Latvia. Those whose entry is required for humanitarian reasons and employees of companies providing freight and passenger transport services will also be allowed to cross the border. 

Latvia introduced the restrictions on September 9, 2022. The government also decided to restrict the issuance of visas to Russian citizens. 

Lithuania, Estonia and Poland have also imposed restrictions on the entry of Russians, including to the Schengen area. This applies to Russian citizens travelling for tourist, cultural, sports and business purposes.

It will be recalled that in January 2024, Latvia announced a new military aid package for Ukraine, including howitzers, artillery shells and anti-tank weapons.