The Entry/Exit System becomes fully operational in Latvia

On 10 April 2026, the Entry/Exit System (EES) will become fully operational in 29 European countries, facilitating travel to Europe for non-EU nationals travelling for short-term stays. In Latvia, more than 16 thousand individuals have already been registered in the EES since it began operating on 12 October 2025.

The following changes will be introduced to the border control process for non-EU nationals:

• digital registration of data, replacing the current practice of stamping travel documents;
• registration of non-EU nationals’ biometric data (fingerprints and facial images);
• registration of entry and exit dates (an automatic short-stay calculator will be activated, ensuring precise and automated tracking of the length of stay, significantly reducing the risk of human error and speeding up the border control process).

The EES applies to non-EU nationals entering Latvia or other Schengen Member States for short stays of up to 90 days within any 180-day period.

The EES does not apply to EU citizens, permanent residents of Latvia, or holders of long-term visas.

The introduction of the EES is a significant reform that:

• simplifies travel to Europe for non-EU nationals during short-term stays;
• significantly speeds up border checks;
• modernizes and improves the management of the EU’s external borders;
• provides reliable data on border crossings;
• enables the timely detection of violations of residence rules and strengthens border security, as well as the detection of document and identity fraud;
• helps prevent illegal migration and protect the safety of European citizens;
• enables EU Member States to exchange traveller information electronically.

The EES meets the highest standards of data protection and privacy, ensuring the protection and security of travellers’ personal data.

More information is available on the State Border Guard website: www.rs.gov.lv

Further information about the EES: travel-europe.europa.eu

If you have any questions regarding entry into or exit from Latvia, please contact the State Border Guard by telephone on +371 67913300 or by email at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.