Latvia’s Saeima on 24 September 2026 adopted in the final reading amendments to the Law on the Circulation of Weapons. The changes ban the issuance of weapons permits to Latvian citizens who also hold Russian or Belarusian citizenship and create a legal basis for revoking permits already granted.
The ban covers permits to acquire, store and carry firearms and high-powered pneumatic weapons, as well as permits to collect weapons. The initiative was drafted by the National Alliance. The authors said the previous rules did not serve national and public security, because people holding a Russian or Belarusian passport could legally possess firearms in Latvia.
A transition period applies to those who already hold permits. Latvian citizens, as well as citizens of other EU or European Economic Area countries who also have Russian or Belarusian citizenship, may continue to exercise their weapons rights until 1 December 2026. After that date, the permits are to be cancelled.
The same package also clarifies rules for sport shooters. A person aged 21 or over who has been a member of a registered shooting sports organisation for at least 12 months and holds at least a second sports rank may acquire or store up to 15 firearms and high-powered pneumatic weapons, not counting interchangeable essential parts.
The bill passed its first reading in April 2026, when 70 MPs voted in favour and four voted against. Final adoption closed a legal loophole highlighted by the bill’s authors and security agencies.
