Dozens still waiting at closed Latvia–Belarus checkpoint Pāternieki

The Pāternieki border checkpoint on the Latvia–Belarus border remains closed, but this has not discouraged people from trying to cross into Belarus. According to LSM, both truck drivers and private individuals are currently waiting at the closed checkpoint, and dozens of people have gathered there.

Latvia’s Interior Ministry has said that the checkpoint was shut down because of technical problems. The ministry has urged travelers to choose alternative routes or postpone their trips to Belarus until the technical issues are resolved. Nevertheless, people are still arriving at Pāternieki in the hope of continuing their journey.

Those waiting at the border include professional lorry drivers whose schedules depend on crossing opportunities, as well as private travelers who had planned to cross the border. No official information has yet been provided about when the checkpoint may reopen, leaving people without a clear timeframe.

The closure has caused disruption and forced travelers to reconsider their plans. For those who have already reached Pāternieki, the situation means either waiting for the checkpoint to reopen or looking for another route. The ministry’s advice suggests that alternative options exist, but people on the spot still find it difficult to change their intended journey. The ongoing wait highlights the uncertainty faced by everyone who needs to cross the Latvian–Belarusian border.