New entry rules for citizens of third countries outside the European Union will come into force in Latvia on September 1, 2025. Now, persons who enter the country on a Schengen visa or a residence permit issued by another EU country, but do not have a Latvian visa or residence permit, are required to fill out an electronic questionnaire on the website eta.gov.lv . no later than 48 hours before the trip.
According to the Latvian Interior Ministry, this measure is aimed at strengthening national security and strengthening border controls. The relevant amendments to the immigration law were adopted by the country's Seimas on April 3, 2025.
The following information should be provided in the questionnaire:
– purpose of the trip and route;
– estimated time and place of stay;
– contact information;
– information about the occupation of elected positions by the person himself or his relatives;
– participation in elections as a candidate;
– the status of the current or former official;
– information about service in the army, special services, border guards, customs, police, judicial authorities or the diplomatic service.
The application form must be completed in person. After entering the data, the traveler receives an e-mail confirmation. If the travel plans change, the new information is submitted again, also no later than 48 hours before arrival.
Administrative liability is provided for failure to submit a questionnaire or provide false information.
The new procedure does not apply to persons with diplomatic immunity and those who enter for a short period of time on official duties or to provide technical assistance.
Why is this important for the citizens of Tajikistan
Tajikistan belongs to the category of "third countries" for the EU, and therefore the new rules directly apply to citizens of the republic. Many Tajiks use Latvia as a transit route when traveling to Europe or arrive there on Schengen visas issued by other countries. Now without submitting a questionnaire on eta.gov.lv entry to Latvia will be impossible.
This means that:
– Tajik citizens need to take into account the new procedure in advance when planning a trip, even if they are traveling only in transit;
– failure to provide information threatens administrative liability and may lead to denial of entry;
– the new rules require increased attention to deadlines: data must be submitted at least two days before the trip.
Thus, the reform of Latvian migration legislation is becoming key for all Tajik citizens who are planning to visit the country or use its territory as a transit corridor.
How many Tajiks live in Latvia?
Official up-to-date data on the number of Tajik citizens living, working or studying in Latvia in 2025 are not available in open sources.
At the end of 2024, 85.9 thousand holders of temporary residence permits and 45.7 thousand permanent residents lived in Latvia. However, there is no country breakdown in the statistics of the Central Statistical Bureau of Latvia. The number of citizens of Tajikistan is too small and is given in the generalized category of "other countries".
In 2024, 710 asylum applications were registered in Latvia, a significant part of which came from Tajik citizens. The head of the Department for Citizenship and Migration, Myra Rose, noted that many foreigners reapply even after court proceedings, using the procedure as an opportunity to stay in the country longer. According to her, "it is from Tajikistan that a large number of asylum seekers with their families come."
