Government Reopens the Šalčininkai and Medininkai Border Crossing Points with Belarus

At its meeting, the Government approved the proposal of the Ministry of the Interior to reopen the Šalčininkai and Medininkai border crossing points with Belarus and to declare the Government Resolution of 29 October this year null and void. Movement through these points will resume from 20 November at 00:00.

Taking into account the proposals submitted by the National Security Commission on 18 November, it was decided that relevant circumstances have changed and that restrictions on crossing the state border are no longer necessary to ensure internal security.

"The Government has always made it clear that people's safety is our top priority. Recently, we have been observing a significant decrease in smuggling by air and 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 to developments, and have achieved significant results in the fight against organised smuggling. We know that the Belarusian side has all the tools to control such illegal and dangerous activities in its territory, and we hope that the Government will not have to repeat similar decisions. I can assure you that in the future, in defending the safety of our people and the interests of our country, we will do everything possible," said Prime Minister Inga Ruginienė.

Under the previous Government resolution, it was decided to suspend movement through the Šalčininkai state border crossing point until 30 November this year. Movement through the Medininkai border control point was also restricted, with certain exceptions.

By reinstating the restrictions valid until 30 October, the aim is to respond promptly and effectively to national security threats related to illegal migration across the border with Belarus and to strengthen the protection of the state border, taking into account the state-level emergency declared on 2 July 2021, which remains in force.

Accordingly, Government Resolution No. 517 of 2 July 2021, "On the Declaration of a State-Level Emergency, the Appointment of a State-Level Emergency Operations Manager, and the Strengthening of the Protection of the State Border of the Republic of Lithuania", has also been amended.

The aforementioned Government resolution has been supplemented with the less strict border-crossing requirements that were in force until 30 October.

It is established that movement through the Šalčininkai and Medininkai border crossing points will be permitted only by car.

Temporary restrictions on the movement of persons through the Šalčininkai and Medininkai points may also be introduced when there is sufficient reason to believe that such movement is being artificially organised, encouraged, or permitted with the involvement of neighbouring states and poses threats to the national security interests of the Republic of Lithuania.

The State Border Guard Service has been instructed to ensure the implementation of these provisions.

Last updated: 19-11-2025

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