Latvia: New Entry Requirements Forthcoming for Foreign Nationals Not Entering Under a Latvian Visa or Residence Permit

Effective September 1, 2025, foreign nationals who are entering Latvia under any other status than a Latvian visa or residence permit will need to notify Latvian authorities online about the following information 48 hours prior to arrival: the purpose and duration of their trip; their place of stay and travel route; their contact information; any elected positions held by them or their relatives; their candidacy in elections any current or past status as a state or municipal official; and any service in a country’s armed forces, intelligence services, border guard, customs, internal affairs, justice, or foreign affairs (including diplomatic) services.

This obligation will not apply to nationals of Brazil, Switzerland or any member states of the European Economic Area (which includes the European Union), the North Atlantic Treaty Organization, or the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development. Other limited exceptions apply, including for foreign nationals who are transiting for the purpose of carrying out official functions or providing technical support to a Latvian or foreign diplomatic or consular mission, or to an international organization.

If entry takes place through a Schengen internal border, foreign nationals subject to, and who have failed to meet, these requirements will be fined. It is unclear whether individuals entering through other borders will also be subject to a fine, or whether failure to comply with this requirement may serve as grounds for refusing entry. Additionally, the method by which individuals could provide the necessary information remains uncertain.

This measure is being introduced amid broader geopolitical challenges in the region which are raising concerns about threats to national security.