Starting September 1, 2025, Latvia will implement new entry rules for citizens of Ukraine and other non-EU, non-NATO, or non-OECD countries. From now on, all travelers are required to submit a special online application at least 48 hours before their trip, indicating the purpose, route, and planned place of stay on the website eta.gov.lv. Failure to comply with this requirement may result in a fine of up to 2000 euros (96,549 UAH), even for short-term or transit travel.
This is reported by Finway
What to Include in the Application and Who the Rules Apply To
The application must be submitted personally — in one’s own name, and it should include:
- the purpose of the trip;
- the duration of stay;
- the travel route;
- the place of residence in Latvia;
- information about service in government structures or participation in elections.
After successfully completing the application, an automatic confirmation will be sent to the email address provided. No additional permits or decisions from Latvian authorities are required.
“Without this document, entry into the country will be considered a violation, and the traveler may face a fine of up to 2000 euros”.
Who Will Be Affected by the New Rules
The rules apply to citizens of Ukraine who:
- enter Latvia directly;
- transit through the country;
- have temporary protection in the EU or a residence permit in another EU country.
The changes also affect citizens of the Russian Federation, other third countries, as well as individuals from Switzerland and Brazil. Compliance with the requirements will be checked not only at the border but also within Latvia. In case of doubts, security service representatives may require confirmation of the application submission.
Exemptions are provided only for diplomats and participants in short-term official visits.
For Ukrainians who frequently travel to Latvia for personal or work reasons, the new procedure may pose an additional bureaucratic hurdle, especially for those traveling in transit. At the same time, Latvian authorities emphasize that the introduction of the electronic application aims to enhance entry control and ensure security in the country.