Latvia to simplify entry procedures for NATO and EU member states' military personnel

RIGA - In order to make entering Latvia easier for NATO and European Union (EU) member states’ military personnel, the Defense Ministry will be issuing ID cards to these persons.

The Defense Ministry noted that the number of NATO and EU military personnel arriving in Latvia and their length of stay have been growing lately, which has created the necessity to provide a simplified travel mechanism that would allow such persons enter Latvia repeatedly for lengthier service periods.

Since soldiers are being deployed to Latvia not only from the United States and Canada but also from other NATO and EU member states, the regulation on the ID cards would have to be applied to military personnel from all NATO and EU member states in cases stipulated in binding international agreements.

The Defense Ministry will enter the data necessary for the issuance of the ID cards in a special registry created for this purpose in the national visa information system.