Latvia's Tightened Border Security: 1,764 Denied Entry Last Year

As of January 17 this year, 62 foreigners posing a potential threat have been denied entry into the country. The VDD pointed out that the refusal is often based on a combination of several risk factors. The service assesses foreigners comprehensively to identify any threats to Latvia's national security. The most common reasons for denying entry to Latvia are, for example, a person's support for the war started by Russia in Ukraine, service in the Russian or Belarusian armed forces, maintaining contacts with persons in the Russian or Belarusian special services, involvement in Russian propaganda and disinformation campaigns directed against NATO member states, including Latvia, the service said. Since Russia's invasion of Ukraine, the VDD, in cooperation with other services, has been carrying out enhanced migration control measures both at border control points and within the country in order to prevent the entry and stay of persons posing a threat in Latvia.