Latvia has reportedly detected an increasing number of irregular attempts to enter its border from Belarus. State authorities report that from August 10, 2021 to June 27, 2026, a total of more than 47,000 cases of foreign nationals have attempted to irregularly cross the Latvian-Belarusian border.
Latvian border security forces used tear gas to prevent the irregular crossing of five people trying to enter from Belarus, the army said on Wednesday (July 22).
In incidents that transpired over 24-hours, the individuals attempting to cross the border reportedly behaved aggressively towards the border guards, throwing wooden logs in their direction. The soldiers first used tear gas and then fired a warning shot to deescalate the situation. The group were said to have retreated into Belarus after the shot was fired.
"This is yet another confirmation that illegal migration is being used as a tool of hybrid warfare and a deliberate provocation against Latvia and other countries on the external border of the European Union (EU) and NATO," the government said in a statement published on Sargs.lv, the official military news portal of Latvia’s Ministry of Defense.
Latvia's border with Belarus, identified as Russia's close ally, is around 172 kilometers long and forms part of the EU's external border. A double mesh fence topped with barbed wire stretches along the entire distance.
Increasing number of attempted border crossings
Data published by the State Border Guard, indicate a rise in the number of irregular attempts to cross the border. The increased number is also partially attributed to the warmer weather.
Number of persons prevented from irregularly crossing the border
- April 2026: 1,700 cases
- May 2026: 2,433 cases
- June 2026: 2,263 cases
From August 10, 2021 to June 27, 2026, a total of more than 47,000 cases of foreign nationals attempted to irregularly cross the Latvian-Belarusian border.
Number of cases of prevented entry
- 2023: 13,863 attempts were prevented
- 2024: 5,388 attempts
- 2025: 12,046 attempts
- 2026: 6,718 attempts, with data as of June 30
Read Also
Latvia: 'Belarus route' increasingly active, says border guard chief
Enhanced border system
On June 30, the Latvian government extended the operating regime of the enhanced border security system in Ludza municipality, Krāslava municipality, Augšdaugava municipality, Daugavpils city, and Kaunata parish of Rēzekne municipality until December 31, 2026.
The enhanced border guard system operating regime in certain administrative territories in Latvia has been in effect since August 11, 2021. The National Armed Forces and the State Police provide support to the State Border Guard for surveillance. As part of a bilateral cooperation, Finland and Estonia also provide border control support.