Latvia Raises Alarm Over Russians and Belarusians Entering With Schengen Visas From Other EU States
Latvia Raises Security Concerns Over Russians and Belarusians Entering With Schengen Visas From Other EU States
Latvia has once again voiced concerns over the entry of Russian and Belarusian nationals into its territory using Schengen visas issued by other EU member states, despite Latvia’s own ongoing entry ban for tourism purposes from their home countries.
Entry Ban Circumvented Through Other Member States
According to Latvian Interior Minister Rihards Kozlovskis, some individuals from Russia and Belarus appear to be evading Latvia’s entry restrictions by first traveling to EU countries with more lenient visa policies, and then entering Latvia through internal Schengen borders.
Russian Tourism Seen as a Security Threat
Minister Kozlovskis emphasized that the influx of Russian tourists into the Schengen Area poses a threat to internal security. In response, Latvia is preparing new regulatory measures that would allow the country to monitor Russian and Belarusian citizens who attempt to enter from within the Schengen Zone.
One of the planned measures includes requiring Russian and Belarusian nationals to submit a declaration confirming their intention to stay in Latvia.
Latvia Calls for Unified EU Action on Schengen Visas
Latvia has been among the most vocal EU countries pushing for stricter rules on Schengen visas for Russian citizens. During the March 2025 Council of Justice and Home Affairs Ministers, Minister Kozlovskis urged fellow member states to stop issuing Schengen visas to Russian nationals, citing significant increases in approvals.
His comments were based on data from the 2024 Schengen Barometer, which revealed that 565,069 Schengen visas were granted to Russians last year—a 25% increase from 2023. These figures have raised alarms among Latvian authorities who see growing tourism from Russia as a potential national security risk.
Latvia Not Alone in Visa Restrictions
Latvia is not the only country taking a firm stance. A total of six EU member states currently do not issue Schengen visas to Russian tourists, demonstrating a broader concern across the bloc over security and geopolitical tensions.
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