Latvia extends ban on irregular bus services across Russian and Belarusian borders for another year
On Tuesday, 27 October, the Latvian government extended until 31 October 2027 the ban on irregular international passenger bus services at three border crossings. The reason given is the continuing national security risks.
The Latvian government decided on Tuesday, 27 October, to extend for another year the ban on irregular international passenger bus services that cross Latvia's border with Russia and Belarus. The restriction covers three border crossing points: Pāternieki, Grebņeva and Terehova. According to the Ministry of Transport, the security risks behind the measure remain in place.
New time frame
The government set the ban to apply from 1 November 2026 to 31 October 2027. It applies to all carriers, regardless of the country where the carrier's legal entity or the vehicle is registered.
What came before
The Ministry of Transport notes that a similar ban was introduced last year. It ran from 1 November 2025 to 31 October 2026 and covered the same three crossing points on the Latvia-Belarus and Latvia-Russia borders. National security risks were cited at that time as well.
What is not restricted
Regular passenger services organised under intergovernmental agreements and Latvian legislation are not restricted. They remain in place as an alternative to international irregular passenger services.
The ministry says that because the security risks tied to the ban have not gone away, its period of application must be extended to 31 October 2027.
/nginx/o/2026/10/27/17998008t1hce78.jpg)
