Latvia Expands Blacklist of Georgian Citizens, Citing Undesirability

Latvian Foreign Minister Baiba Braže has announced an indefinite entry ban on 55 additional Georgian citizens, deepening diplomatic tensions between Georgia and the Baltic states.

“I have included 55 Georgian citizens on Latvia’s persona non grata list, imposing a ban on their entry into Latvia. This decision was made under Section 61(2) of the Immigration Law,” The Caspian Post reports, citing the minister’s message on X.

⛔️ I have included 55 Georgian citizens on Latvia’s persona non grata list, imposing a ban on their entry into 🇱🇻. This decision was made under Section 61(2) of the Immigration Law. https://t.co/BxTy6vWr0s

— Baiba Braže (@Braze_Baiba) July 14, 2025

The decision comes amid rising criticism from Georgian officials, who accuse the Baltic countries of employing double standards in their approach to Georgia. Georgian Foreign Minister Maka Bochorishvili recently remarked that the issue has become a matter of national interest for the Baltic states.

Latvia's latest action follows a broader pattern of sanctions imposed by other Baltic nations. In December 2024, Estonia sanctioned 25 Georgian officials, including Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze. Lithuania also imposed restrictions on the prime minister and 28 additional figures within the Georgian government.

Earlier, Latvia had already sanctioned officials from Georgia’s Interior Ministry as well as Bidzina Ivanishvili, the honorary chairman of the ruling Georgian Dream - Democratic Georgia party.