Latvia plans stricter entry requirements for CIS citizens

The Latvian Parliamentary Commission on National Security has proposed amendments to the Immigration Law, which have been submitted to the Presidium of the Seimas, Report informs via Delfi.

These amendments would require citizens of Russia, Belarus, and other CIS countries to provide detailed travel information before entering Latvia.

The bill's authors noted that some Schengen zone countries, like Hungary, do not conduct thorough checks when issuing visas to Russians and Belarusians. In light of Russia's aggression against Ukraine, Riga believes that citizens of Russia and Belarus could pose security threats and engage in intelligence activities.

As part of the initiative, Russians and Belarusians wishing to visit Latvia would need to complete a special questionnaire in advance. They would need to specify the purpose of their trip, route, duration and location of stay, contact details, and their connections to the Russian state and law enforcement agencies.

Failure to provide this information or providing false information would result in a fine of up to €2,000. Exceptions would be made for diplomats and those on short-term official visits.

Additionally, the Commission proposes that citizens of CIS countries be allowed to enter Latvia's border zone only with permission from the State Security Service.