Several trucks stuck at Pāternieki border checkpoint due to technical failure

Several freight trucks have become stuck at the Pāternieki border checkpoint on the Latvian–Belarusian border following technical problems with information systems. Border Guard representative Pētersone explained that on weekends truck drivers are unable to re-submit documents, so they have to wait and cannot use other border crossing points. She did not disclose the exact number of stranded drivers, noting that those who can are trying to find alternative routes.

The checkpoint is currently closed, and it is unknown when operations will resume. Earlier reports said that technical failures in the information systems at Pāternieki made border control impossible. People who need to cross the border are advised to use the nearest available crossing points, which are located in Lithuania.

Meanwhile, the government has extended the enhanced border security regime along the Belarusian border until the end of this year. The measure was introduced due to the increased flow of illegal migrants orchestrated by Belarus. The regime applies to Ludza and parishes in Ludza municipality, Krāslava and parishes in Krāslava municipality, Augšdaugava municipality, Daugavpils, and Kaunata parish in Rēzekne municipality.

According to the State Border Guard, last year a total of 12,046 attempts to illegally cross the Belarus–Latvia border were prevented, while 31 illegal migrants were allowed to cross for humanitarian reasons. In 2024, 5,388 people were deterred from illegal border crossings, and 26 people were admitted to the country on humanitarian grounds.