Baltic states open internal borders as of May 15, 2020

RIGA - The Baltic states plan to open their internal borders on May 15 for the free movement of residents of the three countries.

During a video conference held on 6 May 2020, Latvian Prime Minister Krisjanis Karins, Lithuanian Prime Minister Saulius Skvernelis and Estonian Prime Minister Juri Ratas agreed to open their internal borders from May 15 for the free movement of the residents of the three countries.

At the same time, Karins also added that person arriving from any other country will have to undergo a 14-day self-quarantine.

The prime minister's office informed that the prime ministers of the Baltic States agreed that the successful measures taken by all three countries to curb the spread of Covid-19 were sufficient grounds for the abolition of internal border controls between the three countries from May 15.

"Residents of the Baltic states will thus will be able to enjoy free movement in the region. In turn, residents who will arrive from other countries will continue to have to observe 14 days of self-quarantine," Karins' office explained.

The foreign ministers of the Baltic states have been instructed to agree on practical steps to lift restrictions and exchange information on persons entering the region from third countries.

In order to coordinate the cooperation of the Baltic States in the phasing out of the of Covid-19 restrictions, a video conference between the health ministers of the Baltic states is also taking place today.