Latvia Calls on EU to Suspend Visas for Russian Citizens Over Security Risks
Latvia has formally urged European Union member states to suspend the issuance of visas to Russian nationals, citing mounting security threats posed by the Kremlin’s hybrid warfare tactics.
The Gaze reports on this with reference to LRT.
Latvian Foreign Minister Baiba Braže made the appeal in a statement published on the social media platform X, expressing concern over the sharp rise in visas issued to Russian passport holders. “Latvia calls on EU countries to suspend the issuance of visas to Russian citizens due to serious security considerations,” Braže wrote.
According to official data, the number of Schengen visas granted to Russians in 2024 rose by 25% compared to 2023. An overwhelming majority, approximately 99%, were issued for tourism purposes. The total number of visas issued to Russian citizens last year exceeded 500,000.
Interior Minister Rihards Kozlovskis, speaking earlier at the presentation of the 2024 Schengen Barometer, underscored the scale of the threat. “We must recognize that we are operating in the context of a hybrid war. This directly affects the everyday work of Latvia’s security services – both at the borders and within the country,” he said. Kozlovskis called on all Schengen Area states to acknowledge and respond to the growing risks.
Latvia is one of six EU countries, including Estonia, Lithuania, Poland, and the Czech Republic, that have halted the issuance of tourist visas to Russian citizens. These restrictions reflect a broader policy effort to curb Russian influence and limit the potential misuse of EU travel privileges for intelligence or destabilization operations.
The Latvian government’s position also stands in contrast to that of Hungary, which in 2024 relaxed entry requirements for Russians and Belarusians. Following Viktor Orbán’s visit to Moscow, Hungary extended its “national card” program to include Russian and Belarusian citizens, allowing them to live and work in Hungary for up to two years with the option for renewal.
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