The Latvian government has banned non-scheduled passenger transportation by bus across its borders with Russia and Belarus. The restriction applies to organized group trips — for example, excursions or journeys to sporting events — Current Time reports.
The ban applies to all carriers, regardless of their country of registration. Border crossings will now only be permitted on regular bus routes. However, even these may be suspended, Latvian Minister of Transport Atis Švinka said at the end of September.
The ban on non-scheduled trips will take effect in November. Since autumn, Riga has tightened controls on citizens of countries outside the EU and NATO, including Russia. Travelers heading to Latvia must now fill out a pre-entry questionnaire with their personal and trip details.
