The State Border Guard explains the differences between the new Entry/Exit System (EES) and the Electronic Travel Declaration!
Starting on October 12, 2025, in Latvia, as in other European countries, the new Entry/Exit System (EES), established with the support of EU co-financing, will start operating.
It applies to third-country nationals who travel to Europe for a short-term stay (up to 90 days in any 180-day period).
What is the EES?
EES is a new digital system that will register entry and exit data, replacing the stamps currently placed in passports.
It will help to:
speed up border check procedures;
strengthen security in the Schengen area;
reduce cases of false identity;
prevent overstaying the authorised duration of stay.
Third-country nationals must provide biometric data (facial image and/or fingerprints) during the first border crossing, so the border check may take a little longer.
Afterwards, border crossing will be faster and more convenient.
It is an online form (https://eta.gov.lv) that must be completed at least 48 hours before entering Latvia by foreign nationals who do not have a visa or a residence permit issued by Latvia.
The purpose of the Declaration is to strengthen state security and timely identify potential risks.
Data Security
Data provided in both the EES and the declaration are processed securely and only in legally justified cases, complying with all EU and Latvian data protection regulations.
Data security and system operation are supervised by the EU agency eu-LISA.
Transition Period
The gradual implementation of the EES will take place over the next six months, with the system becoming fully operational from April 10, 2026.
Until then, passport stamps will still be used during border checks.
More information (in Latvian): https://www.rs.gov.lv/lv/jaunums/valsts-robezsardze-skaidro-jaunas-iecelosanasizcelosanas-sistemas-un-elektroniskas-celosanas-deklaracijas-atskiribas?fbclid=IwY2xjawNa4zJleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETBxTGoxSFNHMVBlUlh6cFV1AR5cyMVUaoGe9v0qth-qqyMLyFjs_pjkI5PRsosmDOT_1tN59uiY7BtOAAp7Fg_aem_rPJW96fm5Z9rJujkJ_6qSw.
About EES: https://travel-europe.europa.eu/lv/ees/faq.
About the Electronic Travel Declaration: https://eta.gov.lv.
