Several Trucks Stranded at Latvia–Belarus Border Checkpoint Due to System Failure

Due to technical problems with information systems at the Pāternieki border checkpoint, border control on the Latvia–Belarus border is currently impossible, leaving several trucks waiting there. A representative of the State Border Guard explained that drivers cannot re-document their vehicles on weekends, so they are forced to wait and cannot move to other border crossing points. The exact number of stranded vehicles has not been disclosed, as some drivers who are able are trying to use alternative border crossing points.

The checkpoint is currently closed, and it is not known when it will reopen. Border guards have said that people crossing the border should look for the nearest alternative crossing points, which are located in Lithuania.

The government has extended the reinforced border surveillance regime along the Belarusian border until the end of this year. It was introduced due to the increased flow of illegal migrants caused by Belarus. The reinforced control regime applies in Ludza and its rural municipalities, Krāslava and its rural municipalities, Augšdaugava Municipality, Daugavpils, and the Kaunata Parish of Rēzekne Municipality.

Last year, the State Border Guard prevented a total of 12,046 attempts to illegally cross the Belarus–Latvia border, while 31 illegal migrants were not denied crossing for humanitarian reasons. In 2024, 5,388 people were deterred from illegally crossing the border, and 26 people were admitted to the country on humanitarian grounds.