Border restrictions: Only vehicles permitted to pass through Latvia's eastern border starting Wednesday
In response to an escalating number of illegal border crossings and the looming threat of hybrid warfare strategies, Latvia has implemented stringent border control measures aimed at safeguarding its security and maintaining the integrity of the European Union.
Recent observations in Finland, where an increase in illegal border crossings preceded the closure of the Finnish-Russian border, have raised concerns about similar developments on the Latvian-Belarus frontier. In light of these concerns, the Latvian government has taken decisive action.
On March 16, a gathering of potential border violators was reported at the Pāternieki border checkpoint on the Belarusian side. In response, the government has strengthened its border control measures, primarily restricting crossing by foot or bicycle due to the significant increase in illegal migration attempts and the heightened risks of hybrid threats emanating from Belarus.
The number of migrants trying to cross illegally into Latvia from Belarus has increased 2.5 times in six months, with 352 illegal migrants detained in the first half of 2025 compared to 140 in the same period last year. Most migrants are from countries like Somalia and Afghanistan, attempting to bypass regular border procedures.
To further mitigate risks, Latvia has recently enacted a ban on travel by certain officials and lawmakers to Belarus and Russia. This travel ban applies to persons with access to state secrets, security personnel, employees of defence, interior, justice ministries, customs officials, and diplomatic staff, among others. The aim is to reduce risks from espionage and hybrid warfare activities.
The rationale behind restricting border crossings by foot or bicycle is related to controlling irregular migration flows, which are viewed as hybrid threats involving instrumentalization by Belarus to destabilize Latvian and EU security. These migrant flows increase unpredictability and complicate border management, requiring Latvian authorities to enhance surveillance and restrict unofficial crossings.
The state border at certain points can now only be crossed by motor vehicle, not on foot or by bicycle. The priority of state border security and high-quality migration control, including combating illegal migration, remains a relevant component of national security.
Precautionary measures are being considered to review the organization of border control at border crossing points. The simultaneous concentration of many persons at border crossing points creates high risks and is a direct threat to the internal security of the Republic of Latvia. The strategies aim to organize migration flows detrimental to EU Member States.
The decision to restrict border crossings was taken due to concerns about security and public order. The statement emphasizes the relevance of these measures in the context of hybrid threats implemented by Russia and Belarus. The Ministry of the Interior supports and will continue to support initiatives aimed at ensuring even better control measures on the external borders of Latvia and the EU.
In summary, the restrictions on crossing the Latvian-Belarus border by foot or bicycle are driven by a sharp rise in illegal migration attempts used as hybrid threats and the need to strengthen national security. This is part of Latvia's broader countermeasures against hybrid threats posed by Belarus and Russia, including travel bans for key officials and tighter border controls. These precautionary measures aim to enable the state to take effective and preventive measures in a timely manner, mitigating the risks and ensuring the safety and security of its citizens.
- The Latvian government has strengthened its border control measures in response to a significant increase in illegal migration attempts from Belarus, particularly at the Pāternieki border checkpoint.
- Among the reasons behind the restricted border crossings by foot or bicycle are concerns about hybrid threats and irregular migration flows originating from Belarus, which are seen as attempts to destabilize Latvian and EU security.
- To further mitigate risks, Latvia has enacted a ban on travel by certain officials and lawmakers to Belarus and Russia, aiming to reduce risks from espionage and hybrid warfare activities.
- The Ministry of the Interior supports and will continue to support initiatives aimed at ensuring even better control measures on the external borders of Latvia and the EU, in light of the escalating number of illegal border crossings and the looming threat of hybrid warfare strategies.
