All video cameras on Latvia-Belarus border now linked to border guard

All video surveillance cameras installed to date on the Latvia-Belarus border have been connected to the State Border Guard as of 6 November 2026, allowing border guards to use the footage in securing the frontier. The information came from Marija Luīze Ratniece, adviser on communication and administrative matters to Interior Minister Jānis Dombravs.

Background

When Dombravs took office as interior minister in June this year, it was found that although cameras had already been installed, the border guard did not have access to their images along all of the equipped sections. At that point, full-fledged video surveillance was available to border guards over only a few kilometres.

How the situation changed

Following the minister's involvement, access to video surveillance was provided over 108 kilometres within two weeks. Now all installed cameras are connected.

"On taking office as interior minister, I found an unacceptable situation. Cameras had been installed on the border, but border guards could not make full use of what they offered," Dombravs said. He noted that he had pledged to get all installed cameras connected and that this work is now done.

According to the ministry, connecting the cameras improves border guards' ability to monitor the situation, detect potential threats in good time and respond more quickly to attempts to cross the border illegally. The minister thanked the state company Latvian State Radio and Television Centre (LVRTC) for its cooperation and work in connecting the cameras.

What comes next

Work continues on equipping the remaining sections of the Latvia-Belarus border with video surveillance systems and on introducing additional technological solutions. The aim is to strengthen the security of the country's eastern border.