From August 30, 2022, Russians and Belarusians will undergo an additional check in order to obtain a visa or residence permit in Latvia. The corresponding decision was made by the government of the country.
A check will be carried out to assess whether the entry of a foreigner will pose a threat to national security or public order.
In what cases are Russians abroad all can get visas
Since February 25, 2022, Latvian missions abroad have stopped accepting visa applications from Russian citizens for an indefinite period due to the aggression against Ukraine.
True, there are certain exceptions when Russians abroad can still obtain visas. In particular:
- when the life of the visa applicant is in danger, especially for family members of citizens of Latvia and other EU countries;
- in the event of a serious illness of a relative;
- in the event of a funeral of a relative.
The same exceptions apply to obtaining visas for Russians in Estonia and Lithuania, as well as Poland and the Czech Republic.
What other changes have occurred
Until that time, Russian citizens living in Chechnya, Dagestan, Ingushetia and North Ossetia were subject to additional verification. The State Security Service of Latvia recommends that Belarus, Cameroon and all of Russia be included in the list.
What is the position of Latvia regarding a complete ban on entry of Russians to the EU countries
On August 30-31, an informal meeting of the Foreign Affairs Council of the European Union, which will discuss the possible abolition of visas for Russians.
Josep Borrell said that a complete ban on Russian citizens from entering the EU is “not a good idea.”
Latvian Foreign Minister Edgars Rinkevics confirmed that at this meeting, together with like-minded countries, he will advocate for an EU visa ban for Russian citizens, both for security reasons and because of aggression in Ukraine.
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