Latvia extends ban on irregular bus flights to Russia and Belarus until October 2027

The government of Latvia has extended restrictions on international irregular passenger transportation by bus across the border with Russia and Belarus until October 31, 2027, the correspondent of the Minsk-Novosti news agency reports.

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At the border with Belarus, the ban applies to carriers through the Paternieki checkpoint. It also applies to the points of Grebnevo and Terekhovo (border with Russia).

The restriction applies to all carriers regardless of the country of registration and the origin of the transport.

At the same time, amendments to the Road Transport Act were submitted for approval. They provide for a complete cessation of passenger transportation by buses to Russia and Belarus, as well as a ban on the transit of such transportation through Latvia from January 10, 2027.

- The decision is based on security considerations and the current geopolitical situation. “Security authorities indicate that travellers to Russia and Belarus remain at increased risk of intelligence, recruitment and provocations by foreign intelligence services,” the Latvian government said in a statement.

Hybrid threats, including the risks of illegal migration, remain.

In addition, the Latvian Foreign Ministry urged residents to refrain from traveling to Russia and Belarus.