Lithuania to close two more border checkpoints with Belarus, limit disembarkation from transit trains

From March 1, Lithuania will close two more border crossings with Belarus, leaving only the Medininkai and Salcininkai checkpoints open for vehicles, according to the government’s website. In 2023, Lithuania closed two out of the six crossings on the border with Belarus.

Vilnius also plans to limit passengers from embarking and disembarking at railway checkpoints on the border with Russia’s Kaliningrad region and the border with Belarus. According to LRT, this is because passengers on transit trains heading to Kaliningrad who have E.U. visas and residency permits get off at these stations.

The Lithuanian authorities said they would also issue fewer permits to Belarusian and Lithuanian carriers operating international bus services for passengers.

Vilnius explained these steps as a response to national security issues, smuggling, and violations of international sanctions.