Latvia to start requiring Russian and Belarusian citizens to provide detailed personal and travel information upon entry

Latvia’s parliament has passed a new law requiring citizens of countries outside the E.U., NATO, and the OECD to provide detailed information about the purpose of their visit before each entry into the country.

According to the Latvian public broadcaster LSM, the only exceptions to this rule will be travelers holding a visa or residence permit issued by Latvia (not just any E.U. country).

The required information will include the purpose and duration of the trip, the place of stay, and the travel itinerary. Visitors will also need to disclose details about their past and current employment in government agencies and security forces, as well as any military service, and that of their close relatives

During discussions in parliament, lawmakers made it clear that the law is primarily aimed at Russian and Belarusian citizens. The new requirement will take effect on September 1, with fines of up to 2,000 euros ($2,212) for noncompliance.

The full text of the law has not yet been published, and it remains unclear whether the requirement will apply only to entries via Latvia’s external borders or also to arrivals from other E.U. countries.