Latvia keeps Belarus visa curbs to end-2027, with listed exemptions

Latvia's government has extended restrictions on issuing visas to Belarusian citizens until 31 December 2027, backing the decision on 10 November 2026. The previous restrictions were due to expire on 31 December 2026. Belarusians who do not fall into the listed exempt categories still cannot apply for short-term visas.

Key facts

• Restrictions now run until 31 December 2027, instead of 31 December 2026
• They mainly affect short-term Schengen visas issued under the EU Visa Code
• Long-term national visa applications from Belarusian citizens remain open
• Named exempt groups may still apply for short-term visas
• Latvia's Ministry of Foreign Affairs cites the war in Ukraine, regional instability and internal security

What is changing?

The rules on the ground do not change: Latvia is prolonging the existing curbs for another year. The restrictions target short-term visas issued under the EU Visa Code, which covers Schengen stays. For Belarusians outside the exempt groups, applying for such a visa from Latvia remains blocked.

Who can still apply for a short-term visa?

Latvia continues to accept applications from several defined categories. These include family members of Latvian citizens and non-citizens, including brothers and sisters, as well as relatives of Belarusians who hold a valid right of residence in Latvia, again including brothers and sisters.

Family members of citizens of the European Union, the European Economic Area and Switzerland are also covered, as are people who need to enter Latvia for humanitarian reasons. Such grounds include, for example, a serious illness or the funeral of a close relative, a threat to a person's safety, or the need to take part in a court hearing.

Applications are still accepted from freight and passenger transport workers, crews of freight and technical flights arriving on official business, and seafarers travelling to or returning from a vessel. Certain employees of diplomatic and consular missions are exempt too, along with their family members, diplomatic couriers and specialists arriving to carry out technical maintenance at embassies.

What about long-term visas?

Belarusian citizens can still apply for long-term national visas. The restrictions focus on short-term Schengen visas rather than long-term stays.

Why is the restriction being extended?

Latvia's Ministry of Foreign Affairs pointed to the war in Ukraine, the unstable situation in the region and the need to safeguard the country's internal security. Latvian authorities note that the duration of the restrictions may be changed depending on the security situation, public order and the country's international relations.

What this means for travellers

Belarusian citizens planning a short stay in Latvia should first check whether they belong to one of the categories listed above. Those who do not fall into a listed group cannot apply for a short-term Schengen visa from Latvia, while long-term national visa applications remain open.

No fees, processing times or application procedures are given in the announcement. The next date to watch is 31 December 2027, when the extended restrictions are set to run out, unless the authorities shorten or lengthen the period first.