Citizens of Russia and Belarus entering Latvia through the Schengen area will be required to fill out a special application for stay. The relevant regulatory act is being developed by the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Latvia. This was stated on TV by the head of the department Richard Kozlovskis.
Earlier, in early March, at a meeting of the EU Council on Justice and Home Affairs, the minister called for a tougher visa policy for Russians, noting the potential risks to Europe’s security. In his opinion, the free movement of Russian tourists through the Schengen area poses a threat that cannot be ignored.
“Let’s face it: what does the massive tourist flow from Russia and their free movement across the Schengen area mean? In my opinion, this is a threat to internal security. And it is much more serious than the individuals who are already being monitored,” Kozlovskis stressed.
Despite Latvia’s calls, in 2024 the number of Schengen visas issued to Russians even increased compared to the previous year. However, they are issued only by a small group of countries – the minister called this trend “alarming”.
The new rules, which must be approved by the Latvian Seimas, will strengthen control over citizens of Russia and Belarus. If now they are only required to re-register their cars, then soon those entering will be required to declare their purpose of stay. This will simplify spot checks.
Latvia, like other Baltic countries, Poland, and the Czech Republic, has completely stopped issuing tourist Schengen visas to Russians. At the same time, Russian citizens can still come to the country from other states of the Agreement, for example, for transit to Russia.
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