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Lithuanian Ministry of Internal Affairs provides details regarding decision to reopen border with Belarus
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MINSK, 19 November (BelTA) - The Lithuanian government has decided to reopen two checkpoints on the border with Belarus earlier than planned. The Lithuanian Ministry of Internal Affairs has provided details of this decision, Lithuanian media report.
The Medininkai checkpoint (Kamenny Log on the Belarusian side) and Šalčininkai checkpoint (Benyakoni on the Belarusian side) are set to resume operations starting Thursday, 20 November. The Ministry of Internal Affairs noted that the government resolution will come into effect at 00.00 (Vilnius time).
According to Lithuanian Minister of Internal Affairs Vladislav Kondratovich, the decision to reopen the checkpoints was made based on recommendations from the Lithuanian National Security Commission.
The restrictions on crossing the state border, imposed by the Lithuania government, are no longer necessary for ensuring internal security. “In this regard, we propose to recognize the government resolution of 29 October 2025 as no longer in effect,” Vladislav Kondratovich said.
For its part, the Lithuanian National Road Carriers Association Linava welcomed the decision to open the border checkpoints with Belarus. Previously, Lithuanian carriers had repeatedly stated that the border shutdown negatively impacts the transport sector and results in significant losses for the industry.
On 29 October the Lithuanian government decided to close two border checkpoints on the Lithuanian-Belarusian border until 30 November. Traffic through the Šalčininkai checkpoint (Benyakoni on the Belarusian side) was completely closed, while only certain categories of individuals were permitted to cross the border via Medininkai (Kamenny Log).
Earlier, on 18 November, Lithuanian Prime Minister Inga Ruginienė stated that the National Security Commission recommended reopening these checkpoints ahead of schedule. She mentioned that preparations for reopening the border would take one day. Inga Ruginienė also noted that she would support such a decision.
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