Latvia–Belarus Border Crossing at Pāternieki Remains Shut
The Pāternieki border crossing point on the Latvia-Belarus border remains closed because of technical failures in information systems, and travellers are being directed to the nearest alternative checkpoints in Lithuania. The government has extended the reinforced border security regime until the end of the year.
The Pāternieki border control point on the Latvia–Belarus border is still closed. As previously reported, technical faults have been detected in its information systems, preventing border checks from being carried out. Those wishing to cross the border must use the nearest available crossing points, which are located in Lithuania.
The government has extended the reinforced border protection regime in the Belarusian border area until the end of this year. The decision was made in response to an increased flow of irregular migrants originating from Belarus. The enhanced control regime applies to Ludza and the parishes of Ludza Municipality, Krāslava and the parishes of Krāslava Municipality, Augšdaugava Municipality, Daugavpils, and Kaunata Parish in Rēzekne Municipality.
According to State Border Guard statistics, in the previous year a total of 12,046 attempts to illegally cross the Belarus–Latvia border were prevented, while 31 migrants were allowed to cross on humanitarian grounds. In 2024, 5,388 people were stopped from illegally crossing the border, and 26 people were admitted to the country for humanitarian reasons.
