The Latvia Seim in final reading approved the amendments to the laws on immigration and protection of the state border, DELFI reports.
New rules introduce additional requirements for citizens of third countries entering the country without a Lithuanian visa or residence permit.
According to changes, foreigners will have to provide information about themselves, relatives and goals of the trip.
It is reported that this amendment will enter into force on September 1, 2025.
In addition, from the age of 15, the access of third countries in the border zones will be allowed only when consistent with the state security service (SGB).
Amendments that stipulate the conditions of admission to the border zone will enter into force from the moment of proclamation and will be valid until the end of 2027.
According to the Latvian media, the new rules will affect all foreign citizens, with the exception of the EU, NATO, OECD, the European Economic Zone, Switzerland and Brazil.
In other words, citizens of Russia, Belarus and other CIS states are first falling under the effect of amendments.
In addition, it is reported that the amendments will not apply to persons with a diplomatic mission or to those who make a short -term trip. On September of this year, citizens of third countries who do not have a Latvian visa or residence permit will have to report detailed information about themselves.