Latvia: New Entry Requirements Forthcoming for Foreign Nationals Not Entering Under a Latvian Visa or Residence Permit
November 13, 2025
Update – November 13, 2025: Authorities clarified that those who fail to comply with this requirement face a fine of up to EUR 200.
May 9, 2025: 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.
This alert is for informational purposes only. If you have any questions, please contact the global [email protected].
Explore more at Fragomen
Media mentions
Blog post
Senior Manager Zak Hynes explores the key factors businesses should consider when establishing a presence in the UAE—from operating model and visa requirements to banking, office needs and long-term growth plans—in our new blog. The right structure is the one that best supports your business strategy, not simply the lowest upfront cost.
Video
Partner Catherine Macris highlights key findings from Fragomen’s 2026 regional immigration overviews, including tighter compliance controls, digital border transformation and emerging pathways for global talent.
Media mentions
Partner Karolina Schiffter discusses how the EU's extension of temporary protection for Ukrainian citizens through 2028 will affect employers in Poland.
Fragomen news
Fragomen’s "Immigration Guide for the UK Tech Sector" introduces visa options available for those working and recruiting in the tech sector.
Blog post
Center for Strategy and Applied Insights Senior Director Leah Rogal examines how employers can use the J-1 Research Scholar visa to retain eligible global research talent, support long-term research initiatives and strengthen workforce and immigration planning.
Blog post
In this blog, Middle East and Africa Private Client Practice Director Nofi Mojidi-Bayna explores how evolving residency frameworks across the region are reshaping long-term mobility planning and examines the three global forces transforming immigration strategy for businesses, investors and internationally mobile families.
Blog post
In this blog, Associate Halil Kaya outlines the UK Visa Fees Reimbursement Scheme for Scale Ups, including eligibility requirements, available funding and key considerations for high-growth businesses recruiting international talent.
Media mentions
Blog post
Media mentions
Senior Associate Isabel Schnitzler outlines the key compliance considerations for employers with employees working across the EU.
Podcast
Associates Julia Manacher and Stephanie Weaver examine immigration issues emerging in a popular reality television series, including K-1 visa denials, consular non-reviewability, fraud findings and changing adjudication policies.
Media mentions
Blog post
Senior Manager Zak Hynes explores the key factors businesses should consider when establishing a presence in the UAE—from operating model and visa requirements to banking, office needs and long-term growth plans—in our new blog. The right structure is the one that best supports your business strategy, not simply the lowest upfront cost.
Video
Partner Catherine Macris highlights key findings from Fragomen’s 2026 regional immigration overviews, including tighter compliance controls, digital border transformation and emerging pathways for global talent.
Media mentions
Partner Karolina Schiffter discusses how the EU's extension of temporary protection for Ukrainian citizens through 2028 will affect employers in Poland.
Fragomen news
Fragomen’s "Immigration Guide for the UK Tech Sector" introduces visa options available for those working and recruiting in the tech sector.
Blog post
Center for Strategy and Applied Insights Senior Director Leah Rogal examines how employers can use the J-1 Research Scholar visa to retain eligible global research talent, support long-term research initiatives and strengthen workforce and immigration planning.
Blog post
In this blog, Middle East and Africa Private Client Practice Director Nofi Mojidi-Bayna explores how evolving residency frameworks across the region are reshaping long-term mobility planning and examines the three global forces transforming immigration strategy for businesses, investors and internationally mobile families.
Blog post
In this blog, Associate Halil Kaya outlines the UK Visa Fees Reimbursement Scheme for Scale Ups, including eligibility requirements, available funding and key considerations for high-growth businesses recruiting international talent.
Media mentions
Blog post
Media mentions
Senior Associate Isabel Schnitzler outlines the key compliance considerations for employers with employees working across the EU.
Podcast
Associates Julia Manacher and Stephanie Weaver examine immigration issues emerging in a popular reality television series, including K-1 visa denials, consular non-reviewability, fraud findings and changing adjudication policies.
