Government Decides to Reopen Šalčininkai and Medininkai Border Checkpoints with Belarus
At a Government meeting, the proposal of the Ministry of the Interior to reopen the Šalčininkai and Medininkai border checkpoints with Belarus was approved, and the Government resolution of October 29 of this year was repealed. Movement through these checkpoints will resume from 00:00 on November 20.
Taking into account the recommendations of the National Security Commission submitted on November 18, it was decided that the circumstances have changed and that restrictions on crossing the state border are no longer necessary to ensure internal security.
“The Government has always clearly stated that the safety of people is our top priority. Recently, we have observed a significant decrease in air-borne smuggling, which has reduced risks and threats to national security, civil aviation, and our society. I am very grateful to our services, which continuously monitor the situation, respond promptly, and have achieved significant results in combating organized smuggling. We know that the Belarusian side has all the tools to control such illegal activities on its territory, and we hope the Government will not have to repeat similar measures. However, I can assure you that in the future, in protecting the safety of our people and the interests of the country, we will do everything possible,” said Prime Minister Inga Ruginienė.
A previous Government resolution had decided to suspend movement through the Šalčininkai state border checkpoint until November 30 of this year. Movement through the Medininkai border control checkpoint was also restricted, with certain exceptions.
The reopening of the previous border crossing restrictions aims to respond promptly and effectively to national security threats related to illegal migration across the Belarusian border and to strengthen state border protection, taking into account the state-level emergency that has been in effect since July 2, 2021. Accordingly, Government Resolution No. 517 of July 2, 2021, “On the Declaration of a State-Level Emergency, Appointment of the State Operations Commander for the State-Level Emergency, and Strengthening the Protection of the State Border of the Republic of Lithuania,” has been amended.
This Government resolution has been supplemented with milder border crossing requirements that were in effect until October 30.
It is established that crossing through the Šalčininkai and Medininkai border checkpoints is allowed only by car.
Temporary restrictions on movement through the Šalčininkai and Medininkai checkpoints may also apply when there is sufficient reason to believe that such movement is artificially organized, encouraged, or permitted with the participation of neighboring states and poses a threat to the national security interests of the Republic of Lithuania.
The State Border Guard Service is entrusted with ensuring compliance with these provisions.
Last updated: 19-11-2025
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