Latvia Tightens Borders: e-TA / Pre-Arrival Registration Now Mandatory — 10 September 2025

Think Europe Services — Immigration Brief

Riga — 10 September 2025
Latvia has implemented a new pre-arrival registration requirement for certain third-country nationals: as of 1 September 2025 travellers who do not hold a Latvian visa or residence permit must submit personal and travel information in advance through the State Threat Prevention Information System at eta.gov.lv. The measure is intended to strengthen border security and allow authorities to screen higher-risk arrivals before they reach Latvian ports of entry.

What changed (quick facts)

• The rule took effect 1 September 2025 and applies to third-country nationals who do not already hold a Latvian visa or residence permit. 

• Registration must be completed at least 48 hours before arrival and is submitted via eta.gov.lv; travellers receive an automatic confirmation email and do not need a separate permit. 

• Several categories are exempt (holders of Latvian visas/residence permits, diplomats, some transit cases). Failure to register can result in denied entry or fines. 

Why this matters

1. Pre-screening replaces some on-arrival uncertainty. Latvia can now assess identity and travel purpose in advance, enabling targeted checks at border crossing points and airports. This improves national security readiness. 

2. Extra step for many travellers. Tourists, business visitors and short-stay travellers from non-EU/EEA/NATO/Schengen countries must plan ahead — last-minute trips risk denial of entry. 

3. Administrative and commercial impact. Airlines, tour operators and relocation providers must update passenger guidance and booking flows to ensure clients complete ETA registration at least 48 hours beforehand. Riga Airport and other entry points are updating public information accordingly. 

Practical guidance from Think Europe

• Check who needs to register. If your client does not hold a Latvian visa or residence permit, assume registration is required unless explicitly exempt. See eta.gov.lv for the final list. 

• Submit at least 48 hours before travel. Encourage travellers to complete registration as soon as travel is confirmed — any changes to plans require re-submitting the form. 

• Update client communications and ticketing. Travel agents and employers should add a mandatory pre-trip checklist (ETA confirmation, supporting documents, return ticket, accommodation proof). 

• Monitor enforcement. Border guards and airlines will enforce the rule; non-compliance may lead to refusal of entry or fines. Businesses should factor this into travel risk assessments. 

Strategic implications

• For employers and EU mobility teams: short business trips that rely on ad-hoc cross-border movement will need clearer workflows to ensure ETA compliance and avoid disruption to project timelines. 

• For relocation and immigration advisers: consider advising clients to secure residence permits or Latvian visas where appropriate to avoid repeated pre-arrival registration steps.