The Latvian government on Tuesday decided to ban passenger carriers from providing irregular bus trips to Belarus and Russia.
The government issued a decree instructing the State Border Guard to prevent passenger carriers from operating irregular bus services across the Latvian–Belarusian and Latvian–Russian borders at the Paternieki, Grebneva, and Terehova crossing points from October 1, 2025, to October 31, 2026.
According to the Ministry of Transport, monitoring data and statistics show a growing number of passengers traveling by bus to Belarus and Russia, which increases security risks — including the potential recruitment of residents of the European Union (EU) and the European Economic Area (EEA). The Ministry noted that low-cost trips to these countries offered by tour operators pose risks to both travelers and national security, and that organizing such excursions in the current geopolitical circumstances is irresponsible.
These circumstances, the Ministry added, make it necessary to impose restrictions on crossing the Latvian–Russian and Latvian–Belarusian borders.
The Ministry of Transport emphasized the need to maintain limited and regulated movement across these borders. Such travel remains possible via regular bus services, where passengers must provide personal details when purchasing tickets, and carriers are required to verify valid travel documents.
Regular bus services to non-EU countries operate on the basis of bilateral intergovernmental agreements and in accordance with Latvian national legislation. These services are permitted only if the carrier has obtained a fixed-term license for a specific route. When issuing licenses for regular passenger services to Belarus and Russia, the Road Transport Administration (ATD) carefully assesses applicants, taking into account potential security risks and the geopolitical situation.
Licenses are granted for a period not exceeding one year. Currently, bus operators serve three regular routes to Belarus and six routes to Russia.
Source: BNS
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