Latvia Entry: New 2025 Rules

Entry into Latvia from September 1, 2025: new registration requirement for citizens of third countries

From September 1, 2025, a new mandatory registration system has entered into force in Latvia for all citizens of third countries, including Belarus and Russia, who intend to enter the country.
This regulation is part of an amendment to the Latvian Immigration Law, approved by the Saeima (the Latvian Parliament) on April 3, 2025, and is aimed at strengthening national security and improving border control.

Mandatory advance registration

Under the new rule, those who do not have a visa or residence permit in Latvia must provide at least 48 hours before entry a series of detailed information through the state portal eta.gov.lv.
The requested data includes:

• personal information,

• details about family members potentially involved,

• the purpose of the trip.

Registration is also mandatory for those who intend to only transit through Latvia.

No automatic acceptance at the border guaranteed

Simple registration does not equate to automatic authorization for entry. The final decision remains at the discretion of the Latvian border officials, who may deny access even if the procedure has been completed correctly.

Criticism and concerns in border regions

The measure has generated strong criticism in areas bordering Belarus and Russia.
Many residents complain that the pre-registration requirement makes even urgent humanitarian acts difficult, such as attending funerals or caring for sick relatives.
Some have called the process "absurd" and lacking logic, denouncing a heavy impact on freedom of movement.

European context

Latvia, a member of the Schengen area since 2007, has introduced the system in line with European security policies and reinforcement of external border controls.

• EU and Schengen citizens remain exempt from this obligation.

• Citizens of third countries must instead comply with the new regulation.

This measure also fits within the context of the introduction of the European EES (Entry/Exit System), which will automatically record the entries and exits of non-Schengen travelers starting October 2025.