Latvia extends ban on irregular bus trips to Russia and Belarus

Latvia’s government has extended the ban on irregular bus passenger services to Russia and Belarus for another year, until October 31, 2027, LSM reported Tuesday.

The ban applies to international irregular bus services crossing the borders with Russia and Belarus at the Pāternieki, Grebņeva and Terehova border crossings. It covers all carriers, regardless of where the company is registered or where the vehicle is registered.

The government said organized group trips to and from the two countries pose national security risks, including the risk that passengers could be targeted for intelligence gathering or recruitment. The restriction is also intended to protect residents of Latvia and other European Union and European Economic Area countries.

The current ban runs from November 1, 2025, to October 31, 2026. Regular bus services are not currently restricted. However, the Transport Ministry has prepared amendments that would ban both regular and irregular bus passenger services to Russia and Belarus, as well as transit trips through Latvia, from January 10, 2027.