Latvia Travel Status

WATCH

Travel to Latvia is operating normally overall, including international flights and tourism. However, travellers using Latvia’s external borders with Russia or Belarus should expect enhanced controls, restrictions and the possibility of delays.

Latvia is in the Schengen Area

Latvia is part of the Schengen Area. Travellers arriving from other Schengen countries normally do not pass through routine immigration controls, although temporary checks can be introduced when necessary.

Riga Airport

Riga International Airport is operating and remains Latvia’s main international gateway, with scheduled connections to destinations across Europe and beyond.

Belarus border

Latvia maintains strict controls along its border with Belarus. The Pāternieki checkpoint continues to be used for authorized cross-border travel, but travellers should expect enhanced security procedures.

Russia border

Cross-border travel with Russia is subject to significant restrictions and enhanced controls. Terehova and Grebņeva remain active border-control points, but travellers should check current eligibility and crossing conditions before departure.

Russian and Belarusian travellers

Special entry restrictions apply to many Russian and Belarusian nationals. Travellers affected by these rules should confirm their eligibility to enter Latvia before travelling.

Estonia border

Travel between Latvia and Estonia normally operates under Schengen arrangements, making road and rail travel straightforward.

Lithuania border

Travel between Latvia and Lithuania also normally operates under Schengen arrangements without routine immigration controls.

European Entry/Exit System

Non-EU travellers entering through an external Schengen border may be processed through the EU Entry/Exit System. Travellers should allow additional time for border formalities where necessary.

Eastern border security

Latvia’s Border Guard continues to report attempted irregular crossings from Belarus. This has resulted in heightened security measures along the eastern border.

Driving

Latvia has good road connections with Estonia and Lithuania. Travellers planning to continue into Russia or Belarus should separately check those countries’ entry rules and official travel advice.

Eastern border remains under enhanced control

Latvia continues heightened security operations along its external borders with Belarus and Russia.

Belarus crossing pressure continues

Latvia’s State Border Guard continues to report attempted irregular crossings from Belarus, resulting in continued enhanced surveillance and border-control measures.

Authorized crossings remain operational

Official Latvian Border Guard reports continue to record travellers being processed at Pāternieki on the Belarus border and Terehova and Grebņeva on the Russian border.

Travel within Latvia remains normal

There is no significant nationwide disruption affecting ordinary tourism, public transport or domestic travel.

Schengen travel continues

Normal cross-border travel with Lithuania and Estonia continues under Schengen arrangements.

Check your airline, passport and Schengen entry requirements before departure.

If travelling to Latvia through Lithuania or Estonia, ordinary Schengen travel arrangements generally apply.

If entering or leaving Latvia through Russia or Belarus, check the exact border crossing and your eligibility to use it shortly before travelling.

Allow additional time when using Latvia’s eastern external border because enhanced security and immigration controls can result in delays.

Russian and Belarusian nationals should verify Latvia’s specific entry restrictions before making travel arrangements.

Avoid attempting to cross the eastern border anywhere other than an authorized international border checkpoint.

Travel Status is designed to highlight significant changes that could affect a trip. It is not a replacement for official immigration, airline or government advice.