Latvia has decided to keep the entry ban on Russian tourists in place until March 4, 2025.
Citing security concerns, the Latvian Cabinet of Ministers said that Russians will continue being blocked from entering the country for tourism and leisure purposes, SchengenVisaInfo.com reports.
Restrictions on entry will still apply to Russian citizens who wish to cross the external border of the EU for the purposes of tourism and leisure.
Entry restrictions on Russians were initially introduced in September 2022. Since then, Latvia has been keeping strict rules and has now decided to extend the current measures for another 12 months.
Explaining the reason behind the extension of this measure, the Cabinet of Ministers said that Russia’s military aggression against Ukraine continues to threaten Latvia’s internal security to this day.
The same suggested that the extension of the entry ban is aimed at ensuring safety for everyone within the country’s borders.
These Groups of Russians Are Exempt From Entry Ban
While the entry ban for Russians entering Latvia for tourism and leisure purposes will remain effective until March 2025, the authorities have noted that certain citizens of Russia are exempt from the measure.
As the Latvian Cabinet of Ministers has explained, Russians who hold a residence permit issued by Latvia and any other EU/EEA country are able to cross the border.
Russians holding a long-term Schengen visa and family members of Latvian and EU citizens holding a short-term visa are also permitted to enter the country.
In addition, the entry ban also does not apply to Russian nationals entering Latvia for humanitarian reasons and to employees of freight and passenger transport services, among others.
Decision of Latvia Receives Backing
Latvia’s decision to extend the entry ban for Russians, including tourists, has been applauded by numerous Reddit users.
A commenter under the name Dreammover said that this decision was the right one, as having a high number of Russians in one’s territory is risky these days.
Another commenter who has not deleted the statement said that full isolation is the only way to deal with Russia.
Sound decision, another small step in the right direction. Full isolation, including all trade and all travel, is the way for Europe to deal with Russians. Bring down the ol’ Iron Curtain, this time from the Western side, and throw away the key until further notice.
Someone else also said that the number of countries wanting to welcome Russians, even for tourism purposes, is dropping as there are more risks than advantages related to it.
On the other hand, a commenter stressed that not all Russians should be put into the same basket. The commenter said that those who are at risk of facing political prosecution, as well as those who do not want to take part in that war, should not be subject to strict rules.
