What will change when crossing Latvia’s external land border from October 1, 2025?

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From October 1, 2025, new rules will apply to crossing Latvia’s external land border. These changes are linked to the introduction of the Entry/Exit System (EES) and the ETIAS travel authorization for visa-free countries. The rules will affect both EU citizens and third-country nationals entering from Russia or Belarus.

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Key changes

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• Biometric registration: fingerprints and facial image will be collected at border control.
• Electronic travel records: passport stamps will be replaced by an EU-wide database.
• Automatic stay monitoring: the system will track the number of permitted days.
• ETIAS requirement: nationals of more than 60 countries, including the US, UK, and Canada, must apply for electronic travel authorization before entering.

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Additional rules from September 1, 2025

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• Online form for third-country nationals: 48 hours before entry, travelers must complete the form at eta.gov.lv. The form requires personal data, family information, travel purpose, route, and accommodation details. A confirmation is sent by e-mail and must be shown at the border. Failure to comply or providing false information may result in fines of up to €2000.
• Electronic vehicle registration: all vehicles crossing Latvia’s border with Russia or Belarus must be pre-registered in the electronic booking and queue system. This is a paid service, and fees will be used to improve border infrastructure.
• Restrictions for Russian and Belarusian citizens:
  • From July 15, 2025, Russian citizens will only be allowed entry with a biometric passport.
  • From July 16, 2024, cars with Belarusian registration are banned from entering Latvia.
  • From January 1, 2025, all vehicles registered outside the EU, EEA, or Switzerland must be declared online before entry.
  • Even with a residence permit in another EU country, Russian and Belarusian nationals must complete the eta.gov.lv form.

Exceptions

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The rules do not apply to citizens of the EU, NATO, OECD, Switzerland, and Brazil, as well as persons holding a Latvian visa, residence permit, or diplomatic status.

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Purpose of the changes

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• Strengthening national security
• Preventing illegal migration
• Increasing efficiency of border checks

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Border crossing after October 1, 2025

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Unless new amendments are announced, the rules introduced on September 1, 2025, will remain in force. In addition, from October 15, bus tours to Russia and Belarus are expected to be banned, affecting transit travel.

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Traveler recommendations

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• Fill out online forms in advance.
• Register vehicles before reaching the border.
• Check the latest requirements on eta.gov.lv or contact the Latvian Border Guard (+371 67913569, +371 67913568).