From September 2025, Latvia is changing the entry rules for third-country nationals: mandatory questionnaire, special passes, new requirements. Learn about the new requirements and exceptions to the rules

Starting from September 1, 2025, new, stricter entry rules will come into force in Latvia for third-country nationals who do not have a Latvian visa or residence permit (RZH), including representatives of Senegal, Tajikistan and Turkey. The innovations apply even to those who have Schengen visas or residence permits issued by other EU countries and only plan to transit through Latvia.

These measures are being introduced for national security reasons, in particular against the backdrop of threats related to Russia and Belarus.

Read everything foreigners need to know about the new rules for entering Latvia in September 2025 in this article.

Choose a reliable health insurance policy from Visit World to travel abroad safely.

How will the rules for third-country nationals in Latvia change from September 1, 2025?

From September 2025, the rules for entry into Latvia for foreigners will change as follows:

All third-country nationals without a Latvian visa or residence permit will have to fill out a special questionnaire no later than 48 hours before entry.

This applies even to transit passengers (for example, through Riga Airport), regardless of whether they have a visa from another EU country.

What information should be included in the Latvian questionnaire?

- Purpose of the trip;

- Route and place of residence;

- Duration of stay;

- Contact details in Latvia;

- Field of work;

- Information on the status of a civil servant, participation in elections or service in the Armed Forces, police, customs or diplomacy, as well as whether close relatives have held such positions.

Failure to provide or providing false information is punishable by a fine of up to €2,000.

Access to the border zone: only with the consent of the security services

According to the amendments to the Law "On the State Border":

- Access to the border zone of Latvia will be granted only with the written consent of the State Security Service.

- Passes already issued after the changes come into force will be valid for no longer than two months.

- Special passes will be required for all persons over the age of 15.

- Such control will be in effect until the end of 2027 within the framework of increased security measures.

Who falls under the new requirements for travel to Latvia?

The new rules for entry into Latvia apply to:

1. Third-country nationals who have a Schengen visa issued by another EU country or a residence permit issued outside Latvia.

2. Persons traveling for the purposes of tourism, business, visiting relatives and transit.

Who is not subject to the new rules for questioning in Latvia?

The new rules do not apply to:

- Citizens of the EU, NATO, EEA or Switzerland;

- Persons with diplomatic immunity;

- Travelers with an official purpose of visit with supporting documents.

How to prepare for a trip to Latvia under the new rules?

1. Check whether you have a Latvian visa or residence permit. If not, be prepared to fill out a questionnaire before entering.

2. Check whether you plan to stay or cross the border zone - a special pass may be required.

3. Collect the information you will need to provide in the form in advance (including information about relatives).

4. Avoid mistakes or false data in order not to be fined.

Latvia is significantly changing its approach to controlling the entry of third-country nationals, tightening the requirements for prior notification and access to the border zone. These innovations will be a challenge for those who are used to traveling freely within the Schengen area with visas from other countries.

To avoid troubles at the border, plan your trip in advance, carefully fill out the application form and follow official updates. And most importantly, always have valid insurance and all necessary documents, because even transit now requires special attention.

Planning a trip or moving abroad? A travel insurance policy is an important component of a successful trip, as it guarantees high-quality medical care anywhere in the world and can protect you from unnecessary expenses during your trip.

Buy insurance from trusted agents on the Visit World portal!

Reminder! With one of the fastest growing economies in Europe, Latvia is a destination of choice for many expats and international companies. We have already told you which expats need to obtain a work visa before moving to Latvia and what is the current procedure for obtaining a permit in 2025.

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Products from Visit World for a comfortable trip:

Checklist for obtaining a visa and necessary documents in Latvia;

Legal advice on immigration to Latvia;

Travel insurance for foreigners in Latvia;

Medical insurance around the world.

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