To strengthen national security and improve border protection efficiency, as of 1 September 2025, third-country nationals who do not hold a Latvian visa or residence permit will be required, before entering Latvia, to submit specific information about themselves, their relatives (if any), and the purpose of travel to the National Threat Prevention Information System at eta.gov.lv. The amendments to the Immigration Law were adopted by the Saeima on 3 April 2025.
The group of persons to whom this obligation applies is precisely defined in Section 4.⁴, Paragraph One of the Immigration Law. Information must be submitted by foreign nationals who are not citizens of the European Union, the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO), the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), the European Economic Area (EEA), the Swiss Confederation, or the Federative Republic of Brazil, and who do not hold a Latvian visa or residence permit. The requirement also applies to those merely transiting through Latvia.
The information must be submitted online at eta.gov.lv at least 48 hours before arrival in Latvia. The website is scheduled to become available in the late evening of 29 August. After submitting the data, the person will automatically receive confirmation to the provided email address. No separate entry authorization needs to be awaited in order to travel to Latvia.
The information submitted will enable national security authorities to identify and prevent potential threats to national and public security. If such risks are identified, the competent state institutions will apply existing legal instruments to prevent threats, including restricting the individual’s ability to enter Latvia. The information must be submitted by the traveller personally, not on behalf of another person. If the traveller’s plans change, new information must be provided at least 48 hours prior to entry.
The information to be provided includes: the purpose of travel, intended duration and place of stay, travel route, contact details, as well as information on whether the traveller’s close relatives hold elected positions, are standing for election, or hold/held positions as state or municipal officials; and on whether the traveller serves or has served in the armed forces, special services, border guard, customs, or the internal, justice, or foreign (including diplomatic) services.
Foreign nationals will be subject to administrative liability for failure to submit the required information, or for submitting incomplete or false information. The new entry procedure does not apply to persons with diplomatic immunity or to those arriving on a short-term basis for the performance of official functions or the provision of technical support.
Compliance checks on whether a third-country national has completed the required form will be carried out during the border-crossing process. Additional checks may also be conducted inland or at locations without permanent border controls. The State Border Guard or the State Police will monitor compliance within the scope of their competences.
It is important to note that persons who entered Latvia before 1 September 2025 and are already in the country are not required to submit this information.
General information about entry into Latvia: https://www.mfa.gov.lv/en/entry-latvia
Border crossing information: https://www.rs.gov.lv/en or by phone: +371 67075616