Latvia to Ban Bus Service to Russia and Belarus

Latvian authorities plan to ban regular bus service to Russia and Belarus starting January 2027. The Transport Ministry has drafted amendments to the ban, which currently prohibits irregular bus passenger transport to the two countries. One regular bus route currently operates between Latvia and Russia, but its permit is set to expire on January 9, 2027. Officials acknowledge that restricting regular routes from Latvia would have limited practical effect, as passengers can still travel via connecting routes through Estonia and Lithuania, or use minibus services. The ban is part of Latvia's efforts to restrict travel to Russia and Belarus, with authorities urging residents to refrain from traveling to the two countries.