Latvia has banned entry to Russian citizens who own property near strategic facilities in the country. This was reported by Delfi with reference to TV3.
According to the sources, the State Security Service of Latvia conducted an inspection of Russians who own housing or commercial property near objects important to national security. Based on the results of the analysis, it was decided to ban such persons from entering the country.
“In a number of cases, the risks posed by Russian citizens to Latvia’s national security have been identified. These individuals have been included in the list of foreigners who are banned from entering Latvia,” the official statement said.
Stricter requirements for Russians from September
On 1 September 2025, new rules for Russian citizens entering Latvia will come into force. They are required to submit detailed information no later than 48 hours before arrival:
- the purpose of the trip,
- length of stay,
- route,
- address of residence,
- information about the place of work,
- relatives who hold public or military positions.
Violation of the new requirements is punishable by a fine of up to €2,000.
Ban on buying property for Russians and Belarusians
In February, the Latvian Saeima passed a bill in the first reading that bans citizens of the Russian Federation and Belarus from buying property in the country. The ban also applies to companies registered in these countries and enterprises in which Russian or Belarusian citizens own 25% or more of the shares or are beneficiaries.
Blocking Telegram channels
The authorities also initiated the blocking of Russian Telegram channels, arguing that it was necessary to combat disinformation and the “danger of spreading the Russian language” in the public space.
After Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022, Latvia has consistently pursued a tough policy against Russia’s security and information influence. The Republic is an active member of the EU, NATO and the Bucharest Nine and one of the countries that most actively support Ukraine.
