On Friday, four Russian and one Ukrainian citizen were denied entry to Latvia due to security reasons.
Ten Ukrainian and one Russian citizen were denied entry on Saturday, and three more Ukrainian and three Russian citizens were denied entry on Sunday.
Since Russia’s extensive invasion of Ukraine, more than 100 Ukrainian citizens have been denied entry to Latvia in connection with risks to national security identified by the State Security Service (VDD), the State Security Service admitted in mid-February.
Since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine on February 24 last year, the VDD, in cooperation with the State Border Guard, has been carrying out increased control of foreigners entering Latvia at the crossing points of the eastern border of Latvia.
Upon obtaining information during the inspection that indicates the risks posed by the foreigner to the national security of Latvia, the VDD gives the border guard a recommendation to deny the foreigner entry into Latvia.
Foreigners who want to enter Latvia from Russia or Belarus are checked regardless of their nationality.
Entry to Latvia is mainly denied to foreigners, including citizens of Ukraine, who support Russia’s aggression and interests with their actions and public statements, as well as are involved in various criminal activities, the service stated.
During negotiations, these foreigners often provide false information, as well as refuse to certify their readiness to comply with Latvian legal norms. Taking into account the specifics of the service’s work, the VDD did not comment in more detail on its work methodology and the set of risk factors to which it pays special attention.
On September 19 last year, the restrictions imposed by the Cabinet of Ministers on the entry of Russian citizens – Schengen short-term visa holders – into Latvia for non-essential purposes, such as tourism and recreation, came into force. The same restrictions were imposed by Estonia, Lithuania and Poland.
