The procedure for visiting the Russian Embassy in Riga has changed. Now, all visitors to the diplomatic mission must undergo document checks by State Police officers. The new measure came into effect on July 1. Throughout the day, there was an increased police presence near the embassy building; however, the embassy itself operated as usual, without a noticeable increase in the number of visitors, reports [TV3 News](https://tv3.lv/zinas/latvija/atbildes-solis-krievijai-latvija-skaidro-kapec-agresorvalsts-vestniecibas-apmekletajiem-parbaudis-dokumentus/). The Ministry of Foreign Affairs emphasizes that this measure is not related to any emergency situation or a change in the level of threat. The decision was made based on the principle of reciprocity. According to the press secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Diana Eglīte, Russia has been applying similar checks at the Latvian Embassy in Moscow for a considerable time, which is why the Latvian side decided to implement the same procedure. Foreign Minister Baiba Broka also noted that document checks are being conducted specifically in response to the current Russian practice. "The State Police will check the documents of all visitors. This step is based on the principle of reciprocity, as Russia has long applied such practices at our embassy and many other diplomatic missions in Moscow," the minister stated. The State Police reminds that their officers have previously ensured public order near foreign diplomatic missions daily. Now, the responsibility of checking the identity of visitors to the Russian embassy has been added to these duties. "Starting from July 1, the State Police will also check the personal data and documents of visitors," said police representative Simona Gravīte. The Russian embassy itself announced the new procedure the day before, warning visitors through its official social media pages. In the message, the diplomatic mission recommended having valid identification documents on hand. Although diplomatic missions have special status and their premises are inviolable, the adjacent territory is under the jurisdiction of Latvia. Therefore, the State Police has the right to carry out legally prescribed control measures. According to representatives of the Latvian authorities, the checks will continue as long as a similar procedure is maintained for visitors to the Latvian Embassy in Moscow. Latvian authorities emphasize that the new checks at the Russian embassy are not an emergency measure but a mirror response to the already existing Russian practice.