As the Lithuanian customs reported on Monday, the flow of cars with Russian registration numbers decreased every day during the week, now only isolated cases are recorded when such cars try to enter Lithuania.
Lithuanian customs officers at border control posts warn those arriving with cars registered in Russia that they will not be allowed in, and citizens traveling in such cars are informed that if they try to enter again, they face liability for violating international sanctions – a fine and confiscation of the car.
According to the clarification provided by the European Commission more than a week ago, cars purchased or registered in Russia cannot be admitted to the EU.
Customs has been following these interpretations since last Monday, they do not apply to transit to or from the Kaliningrad region.
Sanctions, according to which cars purchased or registered in Russia and personal belongings cannot enter the EU, are intended to limit the entry of goods from Russia into the Community.
In turn, Lithuania, together with the Baltic States and Poland, has made it difficult for Russians to enter the country and the European Union.
Only persons who meet the criteria approved by the Government are allowed to enter Lithuania: Russian diplomats, dissidents, employees of transport companies, family members of EU citizens, as well as Russians holding residence permits or long-term national visas from Schengen countries.
In addition, Russian citizens can continue to travel to and from the Kaliningrad region via Lithuania via transit trains.
Cars with Russian registration numbers are also not allowed in Latvia, Estonia, Poland and Finland.
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#Customs #week #cars #Russian #license #plates #allowed #Lithuania
**Interview with Andrius Vasiliauskas, a Lithuanian Customs Officer**
**Interviewer**: Thank you for joining us today, Andrius. Can you tell us about the current situation regarding Russian-registered vehicles trying to enter Lithuania?
**Andrius Vasiliauskas**: Thank you for having me. As of now, we have noticed a significant decrease in the number of cars with Russian registration attempting to cross into Lithuania. Over the past week, the number has fallen sharply, and we are only seeing occasional attempts by such vehicles.
**Interviewer**: That’s interesting to hear. What procedures are in place for vehicles that do arrive at the border?
**Andrius Vasiliauskas**: When any vehicle with Russian plates arrives at our border control posts, we immediately inform the drivers that entry is prohibited. Our officers make it clear that those attempting to enter the country with such vehicles face serious consequences, including fines and possibly having their cars confiscated. It’s crucial that everyone understands the implications of attempting to breach these international sanctions.
**Interviewer**: Have there been any recent changes or clarifications regarding these regulations?
**Andrius Vasiliauskas**: Yes, just over a week ago, the European Commission provided clarification that vehicles purchased or registered in Russia cannot be allowed entry. This has reinforced our approach and has helped in communicating the rules more effectively to those at the border.
**Interviewer**: What message would you like to convey to those traveling in vehicles registered in Russia?
**Andrius Vasiliauskas**: Our message is simple: be aware of the sanctions in place. If you are traveling in a car registered in Russia, do not attempt to enter Lithuania, as the consequences can be severe. It’s important for travelers to respect international regulations to avoid unnecessary complications.
**Interviewer**: Thank you for shedding light on this important issue, Andrius.
**Andrius Vasiliauskas**: Thank you for having me.
