Latvia Halts Entry of Russian-Registered Vehicles

From 18:00 on September 12, vehicles registered in Russia will be denied entry into the European Union through the border crossings of Latvia-Russia and Latvia-Belarus. Up until now, there has already been a ban on Russian freight carriers crossing the EU border, specifically those with Russian-registered trucks and trailers. The ban does not apply to Russian-registered transport companies transporting goods by road transit through the EU between the Kaliningrad region and Russia, as reported by Delfi.

Individuals traveling in vehicles registered in Russia will not be able to enter the European Union when crossing the border with Latvia. They will have to return to Russia or Belarus at the border crossing. If a person refuses to follow the customs authorities' instructions, including returning to Russia or Belarus, then according to regulatory acts, a decision may be made to confiscate the vehicle.

The mentioned entry ban does not apply to vehicles intended for use by diplomatic and consular representations of the European Union and its member states, including delegations, embassies, and missions during their movements.

At the same time, individuals will be allowed to return from the European Union to Russia in passenger vehicles registered in Russia if they are not declared as goods and are solely used as a means of transportation.

"Vehicles registered in Russia will not be allowed through the border. The focus will not be on the citizen's passport but on the vehicle registration number," the authorities stated. Entry for vehicles with Russian plates has been closed since Monday, but none of them have been confiscated.

Earlier, Lithuania took a similar step by banning the entry of Russian motor vehicles. Lithuania's Minister of the Interior, Agne Bilotaite, stated that Russian vehicles entering the country will be confiscated. This applies to both Russian citizens and EU citizens. Exceptions will be made for those traveling in transit to Kaliningrad with the necessary documents.

"Yes, vehicles registered in Russia should be confiscated if they enter Lithuania. Customs authorities will ensure this, as it is their function and responsibility," she told journalists.

It is worth noting that the European Commission's clarification states that Russian citizens may have their vehicles, phones, other equipment, and valuables confiscated when crossing the border with the European Union.