From September 1, 2025, all foreigners who do not have a visa or residence permit issued by Latvia must fill out a special online questionnaire in advance. This also applies to citizens of Ukraine.
According to the Latvian Ministry of Internal Affairs, the purpose of the innovation is to strengthen control and ensure security. The form must be submitted no later than 48 hours before entering the country.
The questionnaire must indicate:
-
purpose of the trip, duration and route of the trip;
-
place of residence in Latvia;
-
biographical data, including information on participation in elections, elected positions held by the applicant or his/her close relatives;
-
Belonging to state, municipal or military structures in the past or present.
After submitting the data, it is enough to receive confirmation by e-mail. There is no need to wait for a separate entry permit. At the same time, an administrative fine is provided for incomplete or false information.
The control over the completion of the questionnaire will be carried out when crossing the border. The check will be carried out by border guards and police within the limits of their competence.
The rules apply to foreigners who are not citizens of the EU, NATO, OECD, EEA, Switzerland or Brazil. They will also apply to persons who have a residence permit in other EU countries (but not Latvia), as well as to transit travellers.
The information collected, according to the Latvian Ministry of Internal Affairs, can be used by special services to identify and prevent threats to state and public security. If risks are identified, the competent authorities will have the right to restrict the entry of a foreigner.
The website for filling out the questionnaire went live on August 29 at 11:00 PM Central European Time.
