To improve order at Latvia’s external land border and reduce waiting times, from 1 October drivers will be required to register in an online queue before crossing the external land border. Drivers planning to cross the border with a vehicle will need to register in advance online, selecting the border checkpoint, date, and time. This is stipulated by the amendments to the Law on the State Border of the Republic of Latvia, approved in the final reading by the Saeima on Thursday, 19 June.

Currently, drivers of freight vehicles with a gross weight exceeding 3,500 kilograms are registered in a queue at designated border crossing points by border guards. Under the new amendments, all drivers of both passenger cars and freight vehicles will be able to register electronically before approaching the external border. During registration, information on the vehicle and driver, as well as cargo details (if applicable) will be required. Registration will be a paid service provided by the Road Transport Administration. The system will be maintained by the Latvia State Radio and Television Centre.

Authors of these amendments note that, along with the online queue, a new digital system will be developed to manage the process of border control, which will become fully operational in 2028. It will allow for a quicker exchange of information between the authorities regarding vehicles, drivers, passengers, and cargo, thereby significantly improving the efficiency of border control procedures. The system will be managed by the State Revenue Service. This system will also be maintained by the Latvian State Radio and Television Centre.

Saeima Press Service