Latvia travel: entry and visa limits for Russians, Belarusians run to 2027

Latvia's government has backed a proposal from the country's Ministry of Foreign Affairs to extend restrictions on entry and visa applications for citizens of Russia and Belarus until 31 December 2027. The measures had been due to expire at the end of 2026.

Key facts

• New end date: 31 December 2027
• Who is affected: citizens of Russia and Belarus
• What is restricted: entry into Latvia and the submission of visa applications
• Previous expiry: the end of 2026
• Exemptions: certain family members, residence permit and long-term visa holders, humanitarian cases, and some diplomatic and transport staff

Why is the ban being extended?

The ministry explained the extension by pointing to the ongoing war in Ukraine, what it called an unpredictable situation in the region, and the need to protect Latvia's internal security.

Who can still apply?

Visa applications may still be submitted by several categories of people. These include family members of citizens and non-citizens of Latvia and of the European Union, as well as holders of residence permits and long-term visas issued by the Baltic states and EU countries.

Applications are also accepted from people whose entry is justified by humanitarian considerations. In addition, exceptions remain for certain employees of diplomatic and consular missions and for employees of transport companies.

Latvian law defines non-citizens as a specific category of persons who permanently resided in the republic as of 1 July 1992 but hold neither Latvian nor any other citizenship.

How long will the restrictions last?

The Latvian Ministry of Foreign Affairs stressed that the restrictions are not fixed. Depending on the situation and its effect on the country's security, public order and international relations, they may be shortened, lifted or extended further.

What is the background?

In September 2022, the Baltic states — Latvia, Lithuania and Estonia — together with Poland banned entry into the Schengen Area for Russian citizens travelling for tourism, cultural, sporting or business purposes. Riga has since extended the restrictions several times.

What this means for travellers

Russian and Belarusian citizens planning travel to Latvia should assume that entry and visa application restrictions will remain in force through 31 December 2027. Anyone falling into one of the listed exemption categories should check whether their situation qualifies before making travel plans.

No further decision date has been announced. The ministry has said the measures will be reviewed according to how the situation develops.