Will bus services to Russia and Belarus really be banned? 0 6

The Ministry of Transport (MT) plans to restrict bus routes to Russia and Belarus for security reasons, according to the MT's response to a request from the National Alliance deputies to Minister of Transport Aitis Švinkis. The request from opposition deputies will be considered at the meeting of the Saeima's Commission on Requests on November 19.

The ministry's response states that, considering the hybrid actions carried out by Russia and Belarus, security risks, as well as the growing flow of irregular transport that threatens national security and complicates border control, the Cabinet of Ministers (CM) adopted a resolution on October 7, 2025, prohibiting international irregular passenger transport by buses to these countries.

Regular transport is currently carried out on seven routes: four to Russia and three to Belarus. In its response to the deputies, the Ministry of Transport explains that it is developing a draft resolution not to extend the validity of existing route permits and not to issue new ones, based on security considerations such as illegal immigration, intelligence threats, and recruitment. The restrictions will be temporary, with the possibility of review if the situation changes.

Latvia's international agreements with Russia and Belarus do not prohibit such security measures. Carriers will be informed of the changes at least 30 days in advance, with the legal justification specified, the ministry emphasizes.

According to CM rules, carriers are informed of changes electronically via the website of the Road Transport Administration and the e-service system, indicating the reasons, legal basis, and timelines. This approach ensures transparency and reduces losses.

The Road Transport Administration is ready to implement the restrictions; however, there is a risk that carriers will demand compensation for existing permits, which could lead to financial losses for the state.

The Ministry of Transport also emphasizes that it is assessing long-term changes to the Law on Road Transport and CM regulations so that security risk assessments could serve as a basis for limiting or suspending permits. Clear criteria for assessing geopolitical risks are planned to be established and coordinated with bilateral agreements.

The Baltic states need a unified approach so that restrictions on travel to Russia and Belarus are effective and do not lead to a shift in transport between countries, the ministry's response states.

It was previously reported that the National Alliance deputies are demanding that the Minister of Transport explain why, despite the government's call not to travel to Russia and Belarus and warnings from security services about the risks of espionage, recruitment, and smuggling, regular passenger transport to these countries is still permitted.