Latvia bans entry for some Russian property owners near strategic sites

Latvian authorities have imposed entry bans on some Russian citizens who own real estate near strategically important facilities in the country, citing national security concerns.

According to official sources, the State Security Service (SSS) conducted security checks over the past few years on Russian nationals owning such properties. Although the names of those affected have not been disclosed, the agency reportedly identified potential risks to Latvia’s national security in multiple cases, Caliber.Az reports per foreign media.

Based on the SSS's recommendations, these individuals have been added to the list of foreign nationals prohibited from entering Latvian territory.

The move comes amid broader legislative efforts to limit the influence of Russian and Belarusian interests in Latvia. In February, the Latvian Parliament (Saeima) approved in the first reading a bill that would ban citizens of Russia and Belarus, as well as companies registered in these countries or controlled by them (with at least a 25 per cent ownership stake), from purchasing real estate in Latvia.

By Sabina Mammadli