In connection with the events in Russia, Latvia, Lithuania, Estonia, and Finland are ready to close their borders with Russia and Belarus. The situation so far does not pose a threat to the security of these countries, however, the instability of the situation in Russia may be a potential threat. In September 2022, when Putin announced mobilisation and thousands of Russians fled to other countries, Latvia took similar measures. At the same time, like Georgia, the state does not yet plan to change the conditions for crossing borders or issuing visas to citizens of Russia and Belarus.
"Whether it is mobilisation or the current events in Russia, this is not a reason to issue a humanitarian visa or any other type of visa to someone or to mitigate the rules for entering Latvia,'' Latvian president Edgars Rinkevics.
"Escape from the coup or participation in this coup will not be a reason to come to Latvia and think about some kind of reception."
Today, a state of emergency and enhanced control have been declared on the borders with Russia and Belarus from European and Scandinavian countries. Rinkevics reports that the situation cannot be resolved by building one fence: now Latvia, Lithuania, Estonia and Finland, their border guards and armed forces are protecting their citizens from the Russian crisis.
We remind you that Austria and France advise their citizens not to travel to Russia.
