Lithuania’s Lavoriškės and Raigardas border crossing points with Belarus have officially closed for movement today, March 1, 2024.
Citizens of Belarus can now enter Lithuania only through two border crossing points that remain open – the Medininkai and Šalčininkai border crossing points, although certain restrictions are enforced at these crossings, too, SchengenVisaInfo.com reports.
Announcing the measure, the Minister of Interior of Lithuania, Agnė Bilotaitė, said that the closure of the two border crossing points was needed to prevent any threats to the country’s national security.
We cannot risk the safety of our country and our citizens. We must ensure that persons who may pose a threat to security and public order do not enter the country.
The closures are also aimed at preventing people smuggling into Lithuania and to ensure that sanctions against Belarus are being effectively applied
Tightened Measures Apply at Open Border Crossing Points
While the Medininkai and Šalčininkai border crossing points with Belarus will remain open, the authorities have stressed that tightened measures will apply to these crossings.
The head of the Lithuanian State Border Guard, Rustamas Liubajevas, explained that cyclists and pedestrians would not be permitted to cross the Lithuania-Belarus border through the Medininkai and Šalčininkai border crossing points.
Pick-up and drop-off of passengers at the Kena and Kybartai railway border checkpoints are also now prohibited.
Exceptions will also be made for people who are crossing the border for humanitarian reasons or at the request of institutions.
In addition, Lithuania has also decided to limit the number of permits granted to Belarusian and Lithuanian carriers in regular international transport by 50 per cent.
Regarding citizens of Lithuania and of other European Union countries returning from Russia, Liubajevas highlighted that they will be able to use the Kean and Kybartau stations for another two weeks.
Belarusians Concerned About Long Waiting Times
Belarusians have expressed their deep concern about the closure of the two border crossing points.
With only two checkpoints left open for movement between Belarus and Lithuania, Belarus citizens have said that they fear facing long waiting times.
Waiting 24 hours in a car is not fun, trust me.
Another commenter said that so far, it was very convenient for Belarusians to reach different destinations through the Vilnius airport. With only two border crossing points left open, the commenter said that the journey for Belarusians will now include more obstacles.
It was a good option for Belarusians to fly via Vilnius airport. With two crossings left, it will not be so easy.
Data show that measures taken by Lithuania have proven to be effective in preventing irregular migration and people smuggling.
Lithuanian citizens are currently advised not to travel to Belarus and Russia.
