06.09.2021

What are the rules to enter this country from an EU Member State or Schengen Associated country?


The ban on non-essential travel, the requirement to take a Covid-19 test and go in self-isolation when entering Latvia has been lifted since 16 June, if a person can present a digital Covid-19 certificate confirming the completion of vaccination or recovery from the disease.

More information on entry restrictions and security measures here: Overview of entry restrictions and security measures | Covid-19 (covid19.gov.lv)

All travellers must fill in an electronic confirmation form at Covidpass.lv. Electronic confirmation must be completed no earlier than 48 hours before crossing the Latvian border.


Entering this country with the EU Digital COVID certificate


Travellers can enter Latvia without being subject to additional restrictions if their EUDCC contains one of the following:

  • a certificate of vaccination. The full vaccination course is reached 15 days after the second doses of Pfizer, Moderna and AstraZeneca vaccines, or 15 days after the single dose of the Janssen vaccine. A vaccinated person also will considered a person on the fifteenth day after a single dose of vaccine (registered by the European Medicines Agency or equivalent regulators or recognized by the World Health Organization) received no later than 180 days after a laboratory confirmed episode of SARS-CoV-2 infection as determined by SARS-CoV-2 viral RNA.
  • a certificate of recovery from COVID-19
  • a pre-departure negative PCR test taken within 72 hours prior to arrival (for unvaccinated/non recovered)
  • a pre-departure negative rapid antigen test taken within 48 hours before boarding the carrier’s vehicle or entering Latvia (for unvaccinated/non recovered)

Children under 12 years old are exempted from the requirements above.


Entering this country without the EU Digital COVID certificate or with a certificate not compliant with national requirements


Persons entering the Republic of Latvia by land through border crossing points: Grebņeva, Terehova, Pāternieki, or Silene who do not possess an inter-operational EU certificate of vaccination, testing or recovery; or other valid document issued from a European Union Member State or European Economic Area country; the Swiss Confederation; or the United Kingdom must immediately take a COVID-19 test at their own expense at the above-mentioned border crossing point.

This requirement does not apply to:

  • children under 12 years of age;
  • staff of diplomatic and consular missions, international organisation and their representations accredited in Latvia and their family members;
  • persons arriving in Latvia at the invitation from the President of Latvia, the Saeima, the Cabinet of Ministers or members thereof, the Constitutional Court, the Supreme Court, the State Audit Office or a ministry;
  • Latvian or foreign diplomatic couriers or ad hoc diplomatic couriers who present an official document specifying their status and the number of packages constituting their diplomatic pouch; 
  • holders of the diplomatic passport of the Republic of Latvia, technical staff accompanying them, officials and employees of the diplomatic and consular service in the performance of their official duties. 

Travellers from EU/EEA countries can enter Latvia by presenting one of the following:

  • a certificate of vaccination. The full vaccination course is reached 15 days after the second doses of Pfizer, Moderna and AstraZeneca vaccines, or 15 days after the single dose of the Janssen vaccine. A vaccinated person also will considered a person on the fifteenth day after a single dose of vaccine (registered by the European Medicines Agency or equivalent regulators or recognized by the World Health Organization) received no later than 180 days after a laboratory confirmed episode of SARS-CoV-2 infection as determined by SARS-CoV-2 viral RNA.
  • a certificate of recovery from COVID-19
  • a pre-departure negative PCR test taken within 72 hours prior to arrival (if entering from high risk country)
  • a pre-departure negative rapid antigen test taken within 48 hours before boarding the carrier’s vehicle or entering Latvia (if entering from high risk country)

Children under 12 years old are exempted from the requirements above.

Documents must be provided in English, French, Russian, or in an official language of the country from which travellers are beginning their trip to Latvia.

This requirement also applies to those arriving in Latvia in a personal vehicle.

Persons entering Latvia to perform their job duties or travelling to or from their place of work, and employees of transport companies, are exempt from the COVID-19 test requirement.

Data on the incidence of COVID-19 cases in the EU and third countries is updated every Friday on the website of Latvia’s Centre for Disease Prevention and Control.


Find out more:
Latvian Centre for Disease Prevention and Control
covid19.gov.lv
Latvia Travel

What are the rules to enter this country from outside an EU Member State or Schengen Associated country?



From 1st September persons from the United Kingdom, the United States, Australia, Israel, New Zealand and Canada who have been vaccinated with the vaccine registered by the European Medicines Agency or an equivalent regulator or recognized by the World Health Organization and will have the appropriate Proof can enter Latvia without additional restrictions.

  • Vaccinated persons and persons recovered from Covid-19 do not have to get tested for Covid-19 prior to travel unless they are travelling to a particularly high-risk country with a very high incidence or spread of a new strain of Covid-19. It is not required to get tested when returning unless the person has been in a particularly high-risk country;
  • Other travellers are required to get tested before traveling from any country. When returning from a high-risk or particularly high-risk third country, getting tested for Covid-19 is obligatory.

Is a coronavirus test required?

Non-vaccinated or non-recovered travellers entering Latvia will be asked to show proof of a negative PCR test performed no earlier than 72 hours or a negative rapid antigen test performed no earlier than 48 hours before boarding or crossing the Latvian border. If a traveller is unable to show a test result (printed or on an electronic device), he will not be allowed to board the plane, train, bus, ferry, or other means of transportation. The test result must be in English, French, Russian or in an official language of the country of departure.

This requirement also applies to those arriving in Latvia in a personal vehicle.

The negative COVID-19 test results must be indicated in the Covidpass.lv form, which will be checked by the State Border Guard and Police officers.

After entering Latvia, an additional Covid-19 test must be taken at the nearest point of testing. Children and vaccinated persons are also subject to this obligation.

Is a quarantine required?

Self-isolation is required:

  • Persons who have not been vaccinated or have not had Covid-19 and recovered from it should observe self-isolation when returning from high-risk countries (EU, EEA, Switzerland, United Kingdom and other countries);
  • All travellers entering from a high-risk country (including the EU, EEA, Switzerland and the United Kingdom) with a very high incidence or prevalence of a new Covid-19 strain. More information on this are available on the website of the Centre for Disease Control and Prevention.

Self-isolation is not required:

  • Persons who can provide proof with an EU digital certificate (via smart device or printed) or a certificate issued in the EU, EEA countries, Switzerland or the United Kingdom, stating that the person has received full vaccination (i.e. 15 days have elapsed since the completion of a full vaccination course or fifteen days after a single dose of vaccine (registered by the European Medicines Agency or equivalent regulators or recognized by the World Health Organization) received no later than 180 days after a laboratory confirmed episode of SARS-CoV-2 infection as determined by SARS-CoV-2 viral RNA) and what vaccine he/she were vaccinated with (exemption from self-isolation only applies to vaccines registered by the European Medicines Agency or equivalent regulators or recognised by the World Health Organisation);
  • Persons who have had Covid-19 in the last 6 months and have recovered from it and can provide proof with an EU digital certificate (via smart device or printed) or a certificate issued in the EU, EEA countries, Switzerland or the United Kingdom;
  • Children under 13 years of age travelling with adults who are exempt from the requirement of self-isolation. However, in such cases, children do not make close contacts with persons outside their household, do not attend public events, children's groups, do not use public transport for 10 days after leaving the high-risk country.

Mandatory Travel Documentation

All travellers must fill in an electronic confirmation form on the Covidpass.lv website. Electronic confirmation must be completed no earlier than 48 hours before crossing the Latvian border.

Documents proving the purpose of entry will have to be presented to the Border Guard or the Police.


Find out more:

Overview of entry restrictions and security measures | Covid-19 (covid19.gov.lv)
Latvian Centre for Disease Prevention and Control
Covidpass.lv website
Latvia Travel

May I transit this country?


Entry is allowed to foreigners transiting through the territory of Latvia on their return to their country of residence. Quarantine does not apply to persons who cross the territory in transit. Persons crossing Latvia in transit must leave Latvia within 12 hours from the submission of the certification questionnaire on the Covidpass.lv.


Partially


Entry is allowed to foreigners transiting through the territory of Latvia on their return to their country of residence. Quarantine does not apply to persons who cross the territory in transit. Persons crossing Latvia in transit must leave Latvia within 12 hours from the submission of the certification questionnaire on the Covidpass.lv.

General measures


All the measures that are currently in place in Latvia can be found at Covid-19 control measures (in English, Latvian and Russian). 


Use of facemasks


  • Using face masks outdoor is not obligatory
  • Face masks must be used in all indoor places, where there is more than 1 person. Wearing a face mask is not obligatory for children under 7 years of age or for people who have difficulty wearing a mask due to medical reasons, for example, due to functional impairments.
  • Face masks are mandatory in public transport and in educational institutions.
  • The face mask may not be used indoors, outdoors, in private or public events where vaccinated people or people recovered from Covid-19 gather. 


Physical Distancing


People must respect 2 metres physical distancing (applies to both public indoor and public outdoor spaces). Physical distancing is not applied to members of the same household.


Indoor and outdoor meetings, public or private gatherings and events


Public events

Persons who are vaccinated, recovered from Covid-19, or tested:

  • Are allowed to attend events subject to the requirements to use face masks, distancing and personalized seating.
  • A public indoor event can take place for up to 4 hours, gathering up to 500 people.
  • A public outdoor event can take place without a time limit, gathering up to 1000 people.
    Parents may attend events together with their children who have not been vaccinated and haven’t recovered from Covid-19 if the children are under the age of 13, no Covid-19 tests will be required in these cases.

Persons that are not vaccinated, recovered from Covid-19, or tested:

  • Public indoor and outdoor events are not allowed


Private events

Persons who are vaccinated, recovered from Covid-19, or tested:

  • Are allowed to gather indoors for up to 500 people, outdoors for up to 1000 people.

Persons that are not vaccinated, recovered from Covid-19, or tested:

  • are allowed to gather indoors for up to 20 people
  • are allowed to gather outdoors for up to 50 people (also marches and pickets follow this category)


Safety measures for public transportation


The use of face masks is mandatory in public transport (as well as in taxis) for everyone over the age of 7.  The number of passengers in a public transport vehicle must not exceed 65% of its capacity. Outside the destinations of regional traffic routes, the number of passengers in a vehicle may not exceed 75% of its capacity.


Places of worship


Open with limitations


No restrictions for vaccinated and/or recovered persons from Covid-19


For other persons:

  • Places of religious activity may be open from not earlier than 6.00 and end work no later than 24:00.
  • In the places of indoor religious activity visitors shall wear mouth and nose covering.
    At least 10 m2 of the publicly available area of premises are provided per visitor. If everyone is immunized, a distance of 2 m2 is enough.
  • Information is publicly available at the entrance for visitors, including in English, regarding the maximum number of people who may be located in the place of worship at the same time
  • Choir singing at a place of religious activity is allowed outdoors.
  • Sunday schools are allowed in person, subject to strict safety measures.


Quarantine


In the 14 days quarantine period:

  • The infected person must stay at home, under the supervision of a GP.
  • Avoid contact with other people as much as possible (do not go to work, school, public places, etc.).
  • Monitor your health condition (measure your temperature twice a day, contact your GP). If you experience symptoms such as fever, cough, sore throat, or difficulty breathing, contact your GP immediately (if the situation becomes critical, call 113). 
  • Do not have guests. 
  • If you share your house with somebody else, stay as much isolated as possible and use a medical face mask.
  • If possible, agree with your employer on working remotely (if necessary, it is possible to receive sick leave for the quarantine period).
  • Clean your home and use disinfectants, especially for cleaning frequently used surfaces, toilets, and shared spaces.


Non-essential (other than medicine and food) shops


Open with limitations


  • Wearing face masks is mandatory;
  • Clear instructions regarding physical distancing and current safety measures must be displayed;
  • At least 15 square metres per customer must be ensured;
  • An internal control system for the implementation of epidemiological safety measures must be present.


Tourist accommodations


Open


Accommodations are open on the condition that physical distancing and epidemiological safety measures are being followed. By complying with the general recommendations, including disinfection and social distancing, hotels and guest houses can operate and host guests.


Catering establishments


Open with limitations


Persons who are vaccinated, recovered from Covid-19, or tested:

Indoor and outdoor catering are allowed following the requirements:

  • No more than 4 adults, excluding children under age 13 (but not more than 10 persons in total), from no more than 2 households may be present at one table;
  • a distance of at least 2 metres is ensured between persons sitting at different tables.

Persons who are not vaccinated, recovered from Covid-19, or tested:

Public outdoor catering is allowed from 6.00 to 24.00 following the requirements:

  • No more than 20 persons excluding minors (but no more than 30 persons in total) may be present at one table
  • If there are no partition between the tables, there must be a distance of at least 2 m between the people sitting at different tables;
  • Staff and visitors must use mouth and nose coverings during their stay, except while seated at a table;
  • Tables must be disinfected after every meal (after every visitor);
  • Cutlery, sets of dishes, and napkins must be individually issued to every visitor;
  • There must be a designated person who organises and manages the implementation of the established epidemiological safety measures;
  • Clearly legible publicly available information, including in foreign languages, must be displayed in places visible to visitors on the maximum number of persons and with contact details of the designated person and the direct phone number 110 of the police service;

Indoor catering is not allowed.


Cinemas, museums and indoor attractions


Open with limitations


  • Archives, libraries, museums and places with art and history exhibitions are gradually resuming work as soon as the site is prepared for opening for work, subject to epidemiological safety requirements;
  • One-way visitor flow must be ensured at cultural sites;
  • 10 m2 per visitor or members of one household;
  • Regular ventilation of the premises must be ensured;
  • Preparation of epidemiological safety rules and appointment of a person responsible for their observance.


Personal care services


Open with limitations


The vaccinated provider may provide the service to any person, including a person who is unable to present an interoperable certificate, provided that the service is provided individually (in a separate room). At the place of provision of beauty and wellness services, the area must be 10 m2 per person.


Outdoors areas and beaches


Public spaces (including parks and other recreational spaces, public service institutions, shopping areas and market places) are open with general epidemiological conditions applicable.


Other measures


It is prudent for travellers who are sick to delay or avoid travel, in particular for elderly travellers and people with chronic diseases or underlying health conditions. Further information in English is available at COVID-19 and travelling to Latvia | Latvia Travel

Information on Tourism at National level


National website with coronavirus-related information for TOURISM

http://www.liaa.gov.lv

_____________________________________________________________________

22.07.2021

What are the rules to enter this country from an EU Member State or Schengen Associated country?


Unessential travel from a very high-risk countries is not allowed. Unessential entry from a high-risk countries is allowed only for vaccinated/recovered persons

More information on entry restrictions and security measures here: Overview of entry restrictions and security measures | Covid-19 (covid19.gov.lv) 

All travellers must fill in an electronic confirmation form at Covidpass.lv. Electronic confirmation must be completed no earlier than 48 hours before crossing the Latvian border. 


Entering this country with the EU Digital COVID certificate


Travellers can enter Latvia without being subject to additional restrictions if their EUDCC contains one of the following:

  • a certificate of vaccination. The full vaccination course is reached 15 days after the second doses of Pfizer, Moderna and AstraZeneca vaccines, or 15 days after the single dose of the Janssen vaccine.
  • a certificate of recovery from COVID-19
  • a pre-departure negative PCR test taken within 72 hours prior to arrival
  • a pre-departure negative rapid antigen test taken within 48 hours before boarding the carrier’s vehicle or entering Latvia

Children under 12 years old are exempted from the requirements above.


Entering this country without the EU Digital COVID certificate or with a certificate not compliant with national requirements


From 12 July 2021 to 1 September 2021, persons entering the Republic of Latvia by land through border crossing points: Grebņeva, Terehova, Pāternieki, or Silene who do not possess an inter-operational EU certificate of vaccination, testing or recovery; or other valid document issued from a European Union Member State or European Economic Area country; the Swiss Confederation; or the United Kingdom must immediately take a COVID-19 test at their own expense at the above-mentioned border crossing point.

This requirement does not apply to:

  • children under 12 years of age;
  • staff of diplomatic and consular missions, international organisation and their representations accredited in Latvia and their family members;
  • persons arriving in Latvia at the invitation from the President of Latvia, the Saeima, the Cabinet of Ministers or members thereof, the Constitutional Court, the Supreme Court, the State Audit Office or a ministry;
  • Latvian or foreign diplomatic couriers or ad hoc diplomatic couriers who present an official document specifying their status and the number of packages constituting their diplomatic pouch; 
  • holders of the diplomatic passport of the Republic of Latvia, technical staff accompanying them, officials and employees of the diplomatic and consular service in the performance of their official duties. 

Travellers from EU/EEA countries can enter Latvia by presenting one of the following:

  • a certificate of vaccination. The full vaccination course is reached 15 days after the second doses of Pfizer, Moderna and AstraZeneca vaccines, or 15 days after the single dose of the Janssen vaccine.
  • a certificate of recovery from COVID-19
  • a pre-departure negative PCR test taken within 72 hours prior to arrival
  • a pre-departure negative rapid antigen test taken within 48 hours before boarding the carrier’s vehicle or entering Latvia

Children under 12 years old are exempted from the requirements above.

Documents must be provided in English, French, Russian, or in an official language of the country from which travellers are beginning their trip to Latvia.

This requirement also applies to those arriving in Latvia in a personal vehicle.

Persons entering Latvia to perform their job duties or travelling to or from their place of work, and employees of transport companies, are exempt from the COVID-19 test requirement.

Data on the incidence of COVID-19 cases in the EU and third countries is updated every Friday on the website of Latvia’s Centre for Disease Prevention and Control.


Find out more:
Latvian Centre for Disease Prevention and Control
covid19.gov.lv
Latvia Travel

Documents you need to travel in Europe
Health cover for temporary stays

What are the rules to enter this country from outside an EU Member State or Schengen Associated country?



  • Vaccinated persons and persons recovered from Covid-19 do not have to get tested for Covid-19 prior to travel unless they are travelling to a particularly high-risk country with a very high incidence or spread of a new strain of Covid-19. It is not required to get tested when returning unless the person has been in a particularly high-risk country;
  • Other travellers are required to get tested before traveling from any country. When returning from a high-risk or particularly high-risk third country, getting tested for Covid-19 is obligatory.

Is a coronavirus test required?

Non-vaccinated or non-recovered travellers entering Latvia will be asked to show proof of a negative PCR test performed no earlier than 72 hours or a negative rapid antigen test performed no earlier than 48 hours before boarding or crossing the Latvian border. If a traveller is unable to show a test result (printed or on an electronic device), he will not be allowed to board the plane, train, bus, ferry, or other means of transportation. The test result must be in English, French, Russian or in an official language of the country of departure.

This requirement also applies to those arriving in Latvia in a personal vehicle.

The negative COVID-19 test results must be indicated in the Covidpass.lv form, which will be checked by the State Border Guard and Police officers.

After entering Latvia, an additional Covid-19 test must be taken at the nearest point of testing. Children and vaccinated persons are also subject to this obligation.

Is a quarantine required?

Self-isolation is required:

  • Persons who have not been vaccinated or have not had Covid-19 and recovered from it should observe self-isolation when returning from high-risk countries (EU, EEA, Switzerland, United Kingdom and other countries);
  • All travellers entering from a high-risk country (including the EU, EEA, Switzerland and the United Kingdom) with a very high incidence or prevalence of a new Covid-19 strain. More information on this are available on the website of the Centre for Disease Control and Prevention.

Self-isolation is not required:

  • Persons who can provide proof with an EU digital certificate (via smart device or printed) or a certificate issued in the EU, EEA countries, Switzerland or the United Kingdom, stating that the person has received full vaccination (i.e. 15 days have elapsed since the completion of a full vaccination course) and what vaccine he/she were vaccinated with (exemption from self-isolation only applies to vaccines registered by the European Medicines Agency or equivalent regulators or recognised by the World Health Organisation);
  • Persons who have had Covid-19 in the last 6 months and have recovered from it and can provide proof with an EU digital certificate (via smart device or printed) or a certificate issued in the EU, EEA countries, Switzerland or the United Kingdom;
  • Children under 13 years of age (until 1 September 2021 - also other minors) travelling with adults who are exempt from the requirement of self-isolation. However, in such cases, children do not make close contacts with persons outside their household, do not attend public events, children's groups, do not use public transport for 10 days after leaving the high-risk country.

Mandatory Travel Documentation

All travellers must fill in an electronic confirmation form on the Covidpass.lv website. Electronic confirmation must be completed no earlier than 48 hours before crossing the Latvian border.

Documents proving the purpose of entry will have to be presented to the Border Guard or the Police.


Find out more:

Overview of entry restrictions and security measures | Covid-19 (covid19.gov.lv)
Latvian Centre for Disease Prevention and Control
covid19 oficiālā valsts mājaslapa | covid19 Latvija
Latvia Travel
Ekonomikas ministrija (em.gov.lv)

May I transit this country?


Entry is allowed to foreigners transiting through the territory of Latvia on their return to their country of residence. Quarantine does not apply to persons who cross the territory in transit. Persons crossing Latvia in transit must leave Latvia within 12 hours from the submission of the certification questionnaire on the Covidpass.lv.


Partially

Entry is allowed to foreigners transiting through the territory of Latvia on their return to their country of residence. Quarantine does not apply to persons who cross the territory in transit. Persons crossing Latvia in transit must leave Latvia within 12 hours from the submission of the certification questionnaire on the Covidpass.lv.

General measures


All the measures that are currently in place in Latvia can be found at Covid-19 control measures (in English, Latvian and Russian).



Use of facemasks


  • Using face masks outdoor is not obligatory
  • Face masks must be used in all indoor places, where there is more than 1 person. Wearing a face mask is not obligatory for children under 7 years of age or for people who have difficulty wearing a mask due to medical reasons, for example, due to functional impairments.
  • Face masks are mandatory in public transport and in educational institutions.
  • The face mask may not be used indoors, outdoors, in private or public events where vaccinated people or people recovered from Covid-19 gather. 


Physical Distancing


People must respect 2 metres physical distancing (applies to both public indoor and public outdoor spaces). Physical distancing is not applied to members of the same household.


Indoor and outdoor meetings, public or private gatherings and events


Public events

Persons who are vaccinated, recovered from Covid-19, or tested:

  • Are allowed to attend events subject to the requirements to use face masks, distancing and personalized seating.
  • A public indoor event can take place for up to 4 hours, gathering up to 500 people.
  • A public outdoor event can take place without a time limit, gathering up to 1000 people.
    Parents may attend events together with their children who have not been vaccinated and haven’t recovered from Covid-19 if the children are under the age of 13, no Covid-19 tests will be required in these cases.

Persons that are not vaccinated, recovered from Covid-19, or tested:

  • Public indoor and outdoor events are not allowed


Private events

Persons who are vaccinated, recovered from Covid-19, or tested:

  • Are allowed to gather indoors for up to 500 people, outdoors for up to 1000 people.

Persons that are not vaccinated, recovered from Covid-19, or tested:

  • are allowed to gather indoors for up to 20 people
  • are allowed to gather outdoors for up to 50 people (also marches and pickets follow this category)


Safety measures for public transportation


The use of face masks is mandatory in public transport (as well as in taxis) for everyone over the age of 7.  The number of passengers in a public transport vehicle must not exceed 65% of its capacity. Outside the destinations of regional traffic routes, the number of passengers in a vehicle may not exceed 75% of its capacity.

Information on Tourism at National level


National website with coronavirus-related information for TOURISM

http://www.liaa.gov.lv

Useful Info for tourists

Before starting your journey, please check visa requirements for your destination at: The Schengen visa

EU Digital COVID Certificates


This country is already connected to the Gateway and is issuing and/or verifying at least one EU Digital COVID Certificate (Vaccination, Recovery, Test)


Information on "EU Digital COVID Certificates" issued in Latvia

_________


The EU Digital COVID Certificate Regulation entered into force on 01 July 2021. EU citizens and residents will now be able to have their Digital COVID Certificates issued and verified across the EU. National authorities are in charge of issuing the certificate. 

The certificate provides a standardised recognition of the holder's status related to vaccination, recovery from Covid-19, or test result. Despite the European Digital COVID Certificate, each country continues to be responsible for the definition of its own entry requirements and rules, which are not standardised at the EU level. This means that what is required to enter upon presentation of this certificate, depends on the measures and entry rules in place at your destination. 


Find out more: 

Information on the "EU Digital COVID Certificate" 

Press Release 

Questions & Answers 

Factsheet 

Further information: https://reopen.europa.eu/en/map/LVA/7011

_______________________________________________________________________________________________

18.06.2021


What are the rules to enter this country from an EU Member State or Schengen Associated country?



Entering this country with the EU Digital COVID certificate



Travellers can enter Latvia without being subject to additional restrictions if their EUDCC contains one of the following:

  • a certificate of vaccination. The full vaccination course is reached 15 days after the second doses of Pfizer, Moderna and AstraZeneca vaccines, or 15 days after the single dose of the Janssen vaccine.
  • a certificate of recovery from COVID-19
  • a pre-departure negative PCR test taken within 72 hours prior to arrival

Children under 12 years old are exempted from the requirements above.


Mandatory Travel Documentation

All travellers must fill in an electronic confirmation form at Covidpass.lv. Electronic confirmation must be completed no earlier than 48 hours before crossing the Latvian border.


Find out more:
Latvian Centre for Disease Prevention and Control
covid19.gov.lv
Latvia Travel


Entering this country without the EU Digital COVID certificate or with a certificate not compliant with national requirements



Latvia adopts its own national classification of risk areas.

Travellers from EU/EEA countries can enter Latvia by presenting one of the following:

  • a certificate of vaccination. The full vaccination course is reached 15 days after the second doses of Pfizer, Moderna and AstraZeneca vaccines, or 15 days after the single dose of the Janssen vaccine.
  • a certificate of recovery from COVID-19
  • a pre-departure negative PCR test taken within 72 hours prior to arrival

Children under 12 years old are exempted from the requirements above.

Documents must be provided in English, French, Russian, or in an official language of the country from which travellers are beginning their trip to Latvia.

This requirement also applies to those arriving in Latvia in a personal vehicle.

Persons entering Latvia to perform their job duties or travelling to or from their place of work, and employees of transport companies, are exempt from the COVID-19 test requirement.

Data on the incidence of COVID-19 cases in the EU and third countries is updated every Friday on the website of Latvia’s Centre for Disease Prevention and Control.


Mandatory Travel Documentation

All travellers must fill in an electronic confirmation form at Covidpass.lv. Electronic confirmation must be completed no earlier than 48 hours before crossing the Latvian border.


Find out more:
Latvian Centre for Disease Prevention and Control
covid19.gov.lv
Latvia Travel

Documents you need to travel in Europe
Health cover for temporary stays


What are the rules to enter this country from outside an EU Member State or Schengen Associated country?




All travellers arriving from outside the EU+ area or the United Kingdom are subject to double test and mandatory isolation.


Is a coronavirus test required?

Travellers entering Latvia will be asked to show proof of a negative PCR test performed no earlier than 72 hours before boarding or crossing the Latvian border. If a traveller is unable to show a test result (printed or on an electronic device), he will not be allowed to board the plane, train, bus, ferry, or other means of transportation. The test result must be in English, French, Russian or in an official language of the country of departure.

This requirement also applies to those arriving in Latvia in a personal vehicle.

The negative COVID-19 test results must be indicated in the Covidpass.lv form, which will be checked by the State Border Guard and Police officers.

After entering Latvia, an additional Covid-19 test must be taken at the nearest point of testing. Children and vaccinated persons are also subject to this obligation.


Is a quarantine required?

In the case of negative result to the COVID-19 test performed in Latvia, 10-day self-isolation at the traveller's residence or tourism accommodation is mandatory.

If the test result is positive, or if it is not performed at all, the person must notify it at Covidpass.lv and undergo 10-day isolation at a freely selected Latvian tourist accommodation that is suitable for the reception of Covid-19 patients, and in which all the necessary safety protocols are in place (list of allowed tourist accommodation).

If the test result is positive, the tourism service provider must ensure the transport of the concerned traveller(s) to the tourist accommodation for isolation, and must inform the Police in case the traveller leaves the tourist accommodation during the isolation period.

The isolation may be avoided or interrupted if a person can prove that he or she has been ill with Covid-19, has recovered and is not infectious.


Mandatory Travel Documentation

All travellers must fill in an electronic confirmation form on the Covidpass.lv website. Electronic confirmation must be completed no earlier than 48 hours before crossing the Latvian border.

Documents proving the purpose of entry will have to be presented to the Border Guard or the Police.


Find out more:
Latvian Centre for Disease Prevention and Control
covid19.gov.lv
Latvia Travel
Ekonomikas ministrija (em.gov.lv)



May I transit this country?


PARTIALLY

Entry is allowed to foreigners transiting through the territory of Latvia on their return to their country of residence. Quarantine does not apply to persons who cross the territory in transit. Persons crossing Latvia in transit must leave Latvia within 12 hours from the submission of the certification questionnaire on the Covidpass.lv.



General measures



All the measures that are currently in place in Latvia can be found at Covid-19 control measures (in English, Latvian and Russian).



Use of facemasks



In indoor spaces outside the household, a face mask must be worn if there is more than one person in the room.
Face masks are mandatory in public transport and in educational institutions.

Children under 7 years of age are exempted from the obligation.


Physical Distancing


People must respect 2 metres physical distancing (applies to both public indoor and public outdoor spaces). Physical distancing is not applied to members of the same household.

Indoor and outdoor meetings, public or private gatherings and events



Public events

Public events are not allowed. From 15 June, public events will be possible for people who have been vaccinated or recovered from Covid-19.

Private events

Up to 10 people from two households can meet indoors.

Up to 20 people can meet outdoors (with no household restriction).

From 15 June, a relaxation of these measures is planned for people who have been vaccinated or recovered from Covid-19.


Information on Tourism at National level



National website with coronavirus-related information for TOURISM


http://www.liaa.gov.lv



EU Digital COVID Certificates


THIS COUNTRY IS ALREADY CONNECTED TO THE GATEWAY AND IS ISSUING AND/OR VERIFYING AT LEAST ONE EU DIGITAL COVID CERTIFICATE (VACCINATION, RECOVERY, TEST)



Information on "EU Digital COVID Certificates" issued in Latvia

_________


The "EU Digital COVID Certificate" (available from 1 July 2021) provides proof that a person has either:

  • been vaccinated against COVID-19 (vaccine type and manufacturer, number of doses, date of vaccination);
  • received a negative test result, PCR or rapid antigen, with the name of the test, date and time of test, test centre and result (self-tests are not valid);
  • recovered from COVID-19.

When travelling, holders of the "EU Digital COVID Certificate" will have the same rights as citizens of the visited Member State who have been vaccinated, tested or recovered.

The certificate provides a standardised recognition of the holder's status related to vaccination, recovery from COVID or test result. Each country continues to be responsible for the definition of its own entry requirements and rules, which are not standardised at the EU level. This means that what you will be eligible for, upon presentation of this certificate, depends on the measures and entry rules in place at your country of destination.


How does it work:

  1. Member States issue a certificate automatically or upon request, which is issued either digitally or on paper, and has a QR code with an electronic signature;
  2. Citizens store the certificate in their digital app or wallet and can use it when they travel;
  3. When the verifier asks the citizen for the certificate, the QR code is shown and the digital signature is verified.


Find out more:
Information on the "EU Digital COVID Certificate"

Press Release
Questions & Answers
Factsheet


                                                                                                    

06.05.2021

From an EU Member State or Schengen Associated Country, may I enter this country without being subject to extraordinary restrictions?


No


Latvia adopts its own national classification of risk areas, hence travel restrictions for Latvia are not based on the common "EU Traffic Lights" map.

From 11 February, only essential travel to Latvia is permitted. Entry to Latvia from EU Member States, the European Economic Area or the Swiss Confederation is permitted for the following urgent and essential reasons only:

  • work;
  • training, studies;
  • family reunion;
  • in order to receive medical services;
  • transit;
  • accompanying a minor;
  • return to one's permanent place of residence;
  • attending a funeral.


Is a coronavirus test required?

All travellers are subject to the requirement for a pre-departure negative PCR test.
The test must be taken within 72 hours prior to arrival.
Accepted test: molecular (PCR)

Children aged 11 and under are exempted.

Travellers who have already contracted the COVID-19 coronavirus will need to show a doctor's note attesting it.

If a traveller is unable to show a test result (printed or on an electronic device), or a note from the doctor, the traveller will not be allowed to board the plane, train, bus, ferry, or other means of transportation. The test result or the note from the doctor must be in English, French, Russian, or in an official language of the country from which they are beginning their trip to Latvia.

This requirement also applies to those arriving in Latvia in a personal vehicle.

The negative COVID-19 test results must be indicated in the Covidpass.lv form, which will be checked by the State Border Guard and police officers.

Persons entering Latvia to perform their job duties or travelling to or from their place of work, and employees of commercial transport companies are exempt from the COVID-19 test requirement.


Is a quarantine required?

All passengers arriving from countries in which the 14-day cumulative number of COVID-19 cases has exceeded the threshold of 50 per 100,000 inhabitants must complete a 10-day mandatory quarantine.

Data on the incidence of COVID-19 cases in the EU and third countries is updated every Friday on the website of Latvia’s Centre for Disease Prevention and Control.

Particular groups of persons (for example, health and social workers, teachers) who intend to work in Latvia have to self-isolate for 14 days.


Mandatory Travel Documentation

All travellers must fill in an electronic confirmation form on the Covidpass.lv website. Electronic confirmation must be completed no earlier than 48 hours before crossing the Latvian border.

Documents proving the purpose of entry will have to be presented to the State Border Guard or the State Police. It will not be possible to complete registration with the covidpass.lv website without entering a self-certification that any of the above-mentioned reasons exist.


Find out more:
Latvian Centre for Disease Prevention and Control
covid19.gov.lv
Latvia Travel


What are the rules to enter this country from outside an EU Member State or Schengen Associated country?




All travellers arriving from outside the EU+ area or the United Kingdom are subject to double test and mandatory isolation.


Is a coronavirus test required?

Travellers entering Latvia will be asked to show proof of a negative PCR test performed no earlier than 72 hours before boarding or crossing the Latvian border. If a traveller is unable to show a test result (printed or on an electronic device), he will not be allowed to board the plane, train, bus, ferry, or other means of transportation. The test result must be in English, French, Russian or in an official language of the country of departure.

This requirement also applies to those arriving in Latvia in a personal vehicle.

The negative COVID-19 test results must be indicated in the Covidpass.lv form, which will be checked by the State Border Guard and Police officers.

After entering Latvia, an additional Covid-19 test must be taken at the nearest point of testing. Children and vaccinated persons are also subject to this obligation.


Is a quarantine required?

In the case of negative result to the COVID-19 test performed in Latvia, 10-day self-isolation at the traveller's residence or tourism accommodation is mandatory.

If the test result is positive, or if it is not performed at all, the person must notify it at Covidpass.lv and undergo 10-day isolation at a freely selected Latvian tourist accommodation that is suitable for the reception of Covid-19 patients, and in which all the necessary safety protocols are in place (list of allowed tourist accommodation).

If the test result is positive, the tourism service provider must ensure the transport of the concerned traveller(s) to the tourist accommodation for isolation, and must inform the Police in case the traveller leaves the tourist accommodation during the isolation period.

The isolation may be avoided or interrupted if a person can prove that he or she has been ill with Covid-19, has recovered and is not infectious.


Mandatory Travel Documentation

All travellers must fill in an electronic confirmation form on the Covidpass.lv website. Electronic confirmation must be completed no earlier than 48 hours before crossing the Latvian border.

Documents proving the purpose of entry will have to be presented to the Border Guard or the Police.


Find out more:
Latvian Centre for Disease Prevention and Control
covid19.gov.lv
Latvia Travel
Ekonomikas ministrija (em.gov.lv)


May I transit this country?

Partially

Entry is allowed to foreigners transiting through the territory of Latvia on their return to their country of residence. Quarantine does not apply to persons who cross the territory in transit. Persons crossing Latvia in transit must leave Latvia within 12 hours from the submission of the certification questionnaire on the Covidpass.lv.


General measures



All the measures that are currently in place in Latvia can be found at Covid-19 control measures (in English, Latvian and Russian).



Use of facemasks



In indoor spaces outside the household, a face mask must be worn if there is more than one person in the room.
Face masks are mandatory in public transport and in educational institutions.

Children under 7 years of age are exempted from the obligation.


Physical Distancing


People must respect 2 metres physical distancing (applies to both public indoor and public outdoor spaces). Physical distancing is not applied to members of the same household.

Source: https://reopen.europa.eu/en/map/LVA/7001

                                                                                                    


31.03.2021

From an EU Member State or Schengen Associated Country, may I enter this country without being subject to extraordinary restrictions?


NO


Latvia adopts its own national classification of risk areas, hence travel restrictions for Latvia are not based on the common "EU Traffic Lights" map.

From 11 February, only essential travel to Latvia is permitted. Entry to Latvia from EU Member States, the European Economic Area or the Swiss Confederation is permitted for the following urgent and essential reasons only:

  • work;
  • training, studies;
  • family reunion;
  • in order to receive medical services;
  • transit;
  • accompanying a minor;
  • return to one's permanent place of residence;
  • attending a funeral.


Is a coronavirus test required?

All travellers are subject to the requirement for a pre-departure negative PCR test.
The test must be taken within 72 hours prior to arrival.
Accepted test: molecular (PCR)

Children aged 11 and under are exempted.

Travellers who have already contracted the COVID-19 coronavirus will need to show a doctor's note attesting it.

If a traveller is unable to show a test result (printed or on an electronic device), or a note from the doctor, the traveller will not be allowed to board the plane, train, bus, ferry, or other means of transportation. The test result or the note from the doctor must be in English, French, Russian, or in an official language of the country from which they are beginning their trip to Latvia.

This requirement also applies to those arriving in Latvia in a personal vehicle.

The negative COVID-19 test results must be indicated in the Covidpass.lv form, which will be checked by the State Border Guard and police officers.

Exemptions:

Persons entering Latvia to perform their job duties or travelling to or from their place of work, and employees of commercial transport companies are exempt from the COVID-19 test requirement.

vaccination-benefits Provisions for vaccinated people

Travellers who have been vaccinated for COVID-19 are exempted from providing a negative COVID-19 test (a certificate of vaccination is needed).


Is a quarantine required?

All passengers arriving from countries in which the 14-day cumulative number of COVID-19 cases has exceeded the threshold of 50 per 100,000 inhabitants must complete a 10-day mandatory quarantine.

Data on the incidence of COVID-19 cases in the EU and third countries is updated every Friday on the website of Latvia’s Centre for Disease Prevention and Control.

Particular groups of persons (for example, health and social workers, teachers) who intend to work in Latvia have to self-isolate for 14 days.


Mandatory Travel Documentation

All travellers must fill in an electronic confirmation form on the Covidpass.lv website. Electronic confirmation must be completed no earlier than 48 hours before crossing the Latvian border.

Documents proving the purpose of entry will have to be presented to the State Border Guard or the State Police. It will not be possible to complete registration with the covidpass.lv website without entering a self-certification that any of the above-mentioned reasons exist.


Find out more:
Latvian Centre for Disease Prevention and Control
covid19.gov.lv
Latvia Travel

Documents you need to travel in Europe



What are the rules to enter this country from outside an EU Member State or Schengen Associated country?




All travellers arriving from outside the EU+ area or the United Kingdom are subject to double test and mandatory isolation.


Is a coronavirus test required?

Travellers entering Latvia will be asked to show proof of a negative PCR test performed no earlier than 72 hours before boarding or crossing the Latvian border. If a traveller is unable to show a test result (printed or on an electronic device), he will not be allowed to board the plane, train, bus, ferry, or other means of transportation. The test result must be in English, French, Russian or in an official language of the country of departure.

This requirement also applies to those arriving in Latvia in a personal vehicle.

The negative COVID-19 test results must be indicated in the Covidpass.lv form, which will be checked by the State Border Guard and Police officers.

After entering Latvia, an additional Covid-19 test must be taken at the nearest point of testing. Children and vaccinated persons are also subject to this obligation.


Is a quarantine required?

In the case of negative result to the COVID-19 test performed in Latvia, 10-day self-isolation at the traveller's residence or tourism accommodation is mandatory.

If the test result is positive, or if it is not performed at all, the person must notify it at Covidpass.lv and undergo 10-day isolation at a freely selected Latvian tourist accommodation that is suitable for the reception of Covid-19 patients, and in which all the necessary safety protocols are in place (list of allowed tourist accommodation).

If the test result is positive, the tourism service provider must ensure the transport of the concerned traveller(s) to the tourist accommodation for isolation, and must inform the Police in case the traveller leaves the tourist accommodation during the isolation period.

The isolation may be avoided or interrupted if a person can prove that he or she has been ill with Covid-19, has recovered and is not infectious.


Mandatory Travel Documentation

All travellers must fill in an electronic confirmation form on the Covidpass.lv website. Electronic confirmation must be completed no earlier than 48 hours before crossing the Latvian border.

Documents proving the purpose of entry will have to be presented to the Border Guard or the Police.


Find out more:
Latvian Centre for Disease Prevention and Control
covid19.gov.lv
Latvia Travel
Ekonomikas ministrija (em.gov.lv)



May I transit this country?


PARTIALLY

Entry is allowed to foreigners transiting through the territory of Latvia on their return to their country of residence. Quarantine does not apply to persons who cross the territory in transit. Persons crossing Latvia in transit must leave Latvia within 12 hours from the submission of the certification questionnaire on the Covidpass.lv.



General measures



All the measures that are currently in place in Latvia can be found at Covid-19 control measures (in English, Latvian and Russian).


Health cover for temporary stays


Use of facemasks



In indoor spaces outside the household, a face mask must be worn if there is more than one person in the room.
Face masks are mandatory in public transport and in educational institutions.

Children under 7 years of age are exempted from the obligation.


Source: https://reopen.europa.eu/en/map/LVA/7001

                                                                                                    



26.01.2021

From an EU Member State or Schengen Associated Country, may I enter this country without being subject to extraordinary restrictions?


No


Latvia adopts its own national classification of risk areas, hence travel restrictions for Latvia are not based on the common "EU Traffic Lights" map.


Is a coronavirus test required?

YES. All international travellers arriving by passenger carrier or by private transport are required to present a negative PCR test.
Travel by a passenger carrier: the test has to be presented to the carrier prior to boarding the vehicle.
Travel by private transport: a negative test must be indicated on the Covidpass form. This will be checked by the State Border Guard and the State Police.

vaccination-benefits Provisions for vaccinated people

Travellers who have been vaccinated for COVID-19 are exempted from providing a negative COVID-19 test (a certificate of vaccination is needed).

Coronavirus test details

Only PCR tests are accepted.

  • The test must be performed no earlier than 72 hours before boarding the carrier’s vehicle, or crossing the Latvian border individually;
  • The test must be recognised in the country of departure;
  • In case a negative test is not provided to the carrier (either printed form or in electronic format), boarding will be denied;
  • The test result or certificate may be written in English, French, German, Russian or, in the case of using a carrier service, also in the language of the country from where an individual travels to Latvia.
  • If the certificate is presented to the State Border Guard or the State Police when entering Latvia from Estonia or Lithuania, it may also be provided in Lithuanian or Estonian.

Children under the age of 11, passenger carrier staff, sailors travelling for work, transit passengers who do not leave the airport control area, and members of the diplomatic corps are exempted from doing the test. Tests will not be required for those who live near the border and cross it daily for work or education.


Is a quarantine required?

YES for travellers, including citizens and permanent residents of Latvia, arriving from countries in which the 14-day cumulative number of COVID-19 cases has exceeded the threshold rate of 50 per 100,000 inhabitants.
Data on the incidence of COVID-19 cases in the EU and third countries is updated every Friday on the website of Latvia’s Centre for Disease Prevention and Control.

Quarantine duration

10 days. Particular groups of persons (for example, health and social workers, teachers) who intend to work in Latvia have to self-isolate for 14 days.


Other

People who have developed COVID-19 recently (up to three months) must show a medical certificate that they are no longer infectious.


Mandatory Travel Documentation

All travellers must fill in an electronic confirmation form on the Covidpass.lv website. Electronic confirmation must be completed no earlier than 48 hours before crossing the Latvian border.


What are the rules to enter this country from outside an EU Member State or Schengen Associated country?




Citizens from Australia, Japan, New Zealand, Rwanda, Singapore, South Korea, and Thailand, as well as people with permanent residence status in those countries, can travel to Latvia. The entry from other third-countries, China and administrative territories of Hong Kong and Macao is allowed only for essential purposes and exceptions.

All international travellers arriving by passenger carrier or by private transport are required to present a negative COVID-19 PCR test taken up to 72 hours prior to arriving in Latvia. When travelling to Latvia by passenger carrier, the test has to be presented to the carrier prior to boarding the vehicle. When travelling to Latvia by private transport, a negative test will have to be indicated with a special mark on the Covidpass form. This will be checked by the State Border Guard and the State Police.

Children under the age of 11, passenger carrier staff, sailors travelling for work, transit passengers who do not leave the airport control area, and members of the diplomatic corps are exempted from doing the test. Tests will also not be required for those who live near the border and cross it daily for work or education.

People who have developed COVID-19 recently (up to three months) will need to show a doctor’s certificate that they are not infectious.

vaccination-benefits Provisions for vaccinated people

Travellers who have been vaccinated for COVID-19 are exempted from providing a negative PCR test (a certificate of vaccination is needed).


Mandatory Travel Documentation

Prior to the arrival in the Republic of Latvia, a person who enters the country by using services of international carriers must confirm in writing that, upon arrival in Latvia, the epidemiological safety measures established in the country will be observed. In the statement, the person must indicate his or her name, surname, personal identification code, contact telephone number and the address of the actual place of residence where the person can be reached, as well as the countries and dates of departure in which the person has stayed during the last 14 days before the arrival in Latvia.

Electronic questionnaires are accessible from any smart device and it is possible to complete them on a special website covidpass.lv/en.

After filling in the form, the traveller will receive a QR code which is assigned to them personally and which also confirms that the information they submitted on the electronic questionnaire was received. In case the QR code is lost, the traveller can go back to the website and retrieve their QR code again by clicking on the “Receive QR Code” function and entering their e-mail address.

The data indicated in the questionnaire is automatically transferred to law enforcement authorities – the State Police (VP), the State Border Guard (VRS) – and the Disease Prevention and Control Center (SPKC). Personal data will be stored for 30 days for the sake of epidemiological safety and so that travellers can be contacted. After 30 days, personal data will be automatically deleted.


May I transit this country?


Yes


Entry is allowed to foreigners transiting through the territory of Latvia on their return to their country of residence. Quarantine does not apply to persons who cross the territory in transit.

Find out more:
Latvian Centre for Disease Prevention and Control
covid19.gov.lv
Latvia Travel

Documents you need to travel in Europe



A curfew is in place from 22:00 to 5:00 during the weekends (the night hours from 22.00 to 5.00 from Friday to Saturday and from Saturday to Sunday). For urgent reasons to move, the ID card or passport and a specific form must be presented to controlling authorities.

During the weekends, the working hours of shops and services is limited to 21:00.

Find out more: https://covid19.gov.lv/en/majsede

Health cover for temporary stays


Use of facemasks



It is mandatory to wear a face mask:

  1. in all indoor spaces where there is more than 1 person, except within households;
  2. in public transport (the only exceptions are children under the age of 7 and disabled people (with movement disorders or mental health problems impeding to wear the mask)


Physical Distancing


People must respect 2 metres physical distancing (applies to both public indoor and public outdoor spaces). Physical distancing is not applied to family members and members living in the same household.

                                                                                                    

15.12.2020

From an EU Member State or Schengen Associated Country, may I enter this country without being subject to extraordinary restrictions?


PARTIALLY


Entry Restrictions

Citizens from EU Member States plus Schengen Associated countries, as well as people with permanent residence status in those countries, can enter Latvia withour additional restrictions, if the 14-day cumulative number of COVID-19 cases per 100 000 inhabitants is below 50. 

Epidemiological data is updated every Friday on the website of Latvia's Centre for Disease Prevention and Control. If the country is marked in red or yellow, all travellers, including citizens and permanent residents of Latvia, who have arrived from these countries, must quarantine for a period of 10 days.

If the 14-day cumulative incidence rate of COVID-19 cases per 100 000 inhabitants exceeds twice the average value for the EU/EEA and the UK, all direct international passenger transport is prohibited and non-essential travel not recommended. 

Mandatory Travel Documentation

Prior to the arrival in the Republic of Latvia, a person who enters the country by using services of international carriers must confirm in writing that, upon arrival in Latvia, the epidemiological safety measures established in the country will be observed. In the statement the person must indicate his or her name, surname, personal identification code, contact telephone number and the address of the actual place of residence where the person can be reached, as well as the countries and dates of departure in which the person has stayed during the last 14 days before the arrival in Latvia.

Electronic questionnaires are accessible from any smart device and it is possible to complete them on a special website covidpass.lv/en.

After filling in the form, the traveller will receive a QR code which is assigned to them personally and which also confirms that the information they submitted on the electronic questionnaire was received. In case the QR code is lost, the traveller can go back to the website and retrieve their QR code again by clicking on the “Receive QR Code” function and entering their e-mail address.

The data indicated in the questionnaire is automatically transferred to law enforcement authorities – the State Police (VP), the State Border Guard (VRS) – and the Disease Prevention and Control Center (SPKC). Personal data will be stored for 30 days for the sake of epidemiological safety and so that travellers can be contacted. After 30 days, personal data will be automatically deleted.

What are the rules to enter this country from outside an EU Member State or Schengen Associated country?


Entry Restrictions

Citizens from Australia, Japan, New Zealand, Rwanda, Singapore, South Korea, and Thailand, as well as people with permanent residence status in those countries, can travel to Latvia. The entry from other third-countries, China and administrative territories of Hong Kong and Macao is allowed only for essential purposes and exceptions.

Mandatory Travel Documentation

Prior to the arrival in the Republic of Latvia, a person who enters the country by using services of international carriers must confirm in writing that, upon arrival in Latvia, the epidemiological safety measures established in the country will be observed. In the statement the person must indicate his or her name, surname, personal identification code, contact telephone number and the address of the actual place of residence where the person can be reached, as well as the countries and dates of departure in which the person has stayed during the last 14 days before the arrival in Latvia.

Electronic questionnaires are accessible from any smart device and it is possible to complete them on a special website covidpass.lv/en.

After filling in the form, the traveller will receive a QR code which is assigned to them personally and which also confirms that the information they submitted on the electronic questionnaire was received. In case the QR code is lost, the traveller can go back to the website and retrieve their QR code again by clicking on the “Receive QR Code” function and entering their e-mail address.

The data indicated in the questionnaire is automatically transferred to law enforcement authorities – the State Police (VP), the State Border Guard (VRS) – and the Disease Prevention and Control Center (SPKC). Personal data will be stored for 30 days for the sake of epidemiological safety and so that travellers can be contacted. After 30 days, personal data will be automatically deleted.

May I transit this country?


YES

Entry is allowed to foreigners transiting through the territory of Latvia on their return to their country of residence. Quarantine does not apply to persons who cross the territory in transit.

Find out more:

Latvian Centre for Disease Prevention and Control
https://covid19.gov.lv/en

Documents you need to travel in Europe



                                                                                                    

15.09.2020

Travelling to Latvia


Entry is allowed to foreigners transiting through the territory of Latvia on their return to their country of residence. Self-isolation does not apply to persons who cross the territory in transit.

An updated list of countries for which entry to Latvia is restricted is available on the Latvian Centre for Disease Prevention and Control. Countries marked as red or yellow have registered infections above the allowed threshold.


Travelling from Latvia or returning to Latvia
Travelling to countries with COVID-19 incidence rates above 25 cases per 100,000 inhabitants over a 14-day cumulative period is not recommended.

You must self-isolate if you enter Latvia or return from a country which is subject to special precautionary and restrictive measures due to a high number of confirmed COVID-19 cases.

The list of affected countries can be found on the website of the Latvian Centre for Disease Prevention and Control.

Rules and Exceptions


Citizens from EU+ and persons lawfully residing in these countries are allowed to enter Latvia, provided that the incidence of COVID-19 (coronavirus infection) in their country of origin has not exceeded 16 cases per 100,000 inhabitants in the last 14 days.

A list of countries for mandatory 14-day isolation upon arrival is periodically updated.

All travellers, including citizens and permanent residents of Latvia, who have arrived from countries in which the 14-day cumulative number of COVID-19 cases has exceeded 16 cases per 100,000 inhabitants, must self-isolate for a 14-day period upon arrival in Latvia.

Mandatory Travel Documentation
Prior to the arrival in the Republic of Latvia, a person who enters the country by using services of international carriers must confirm in writing that, upon arrival in Latvia, the epidemiological safety measures established in the country will be observed. In the statement the person must indicate his or her name, surname, personal identification code, contact telephone number and the address of the actual place of residence where the person can be reached, as well as the countries and dates of departure in which the person has stayed during the last 14 days before the arrival in Latvia.

Links to national sources

Latvian Centre for Disease Prevention and Control
https://covid19.gov.lv/en
Driving abroad

Source: https://reopen.europa.eu/en/map/LVA


21.04.2020

Emergency situation declared throughout national territory 

Suspension of international transit of passengers through airports and ports, by bus and rail, except for the travel of passengers by State aircraft and military transport. Prohibition of the movement of passengers and vehicles through border crossing points at airports and ports, on road and railway lines at the external border of the European Union, as well as through the border crossing points intended for local border traffic, with the exception of the carriage of goods.

Start date: 17.03.2020

End date: 12.05.2020

Further information can be found on the website of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Cabinet of Ministers






21.10.2021

Covid-19 update: restrictions of movements at night in Latvia

From 21 October to 14 November 2021, the Government introduced restrictions on movement at night. From 20:00 to 05:00, people are obliged to stay in their places of residence or workplace. Anyone leaving its place of residence/workplace during this time must complete a self-declaration (see templates below in Latvian, English, and Russian).

As there is no specification for international freight and passenger transport, it is recommended to fill out these forms.

https://www.vp.gov.lv/lv/media/1171/download

http://www.vp.gov.lv/sites/vp/files/media_file/pasapliecinajums_-en.docx

https://www.vp.gov.lv/lv/media/1177/download

Source: Latvijas Auto

______________________________________________

19.07.2021

COVID-19 update: New regulations in Latvia

On Tuesday, July 6, Republic of Latvia adopted new regulations, which provides for the immediate possibility, for anyone entering the territory crossing the external land borders, to perform COVID-19 test at four crossing points - “Grebnaw”, “Terehov”, “Pathermen” and “Silen”.

Currently, the rules prescribe that a person, on entry into the Republic of Latvia from the country concerned, carries out a Covid-19 test, later than within 24 hours, at the nearest available test point. At border crossing points, too, the Grebneva, the Terehov, the Pathermen and Silen tests will have to be carried out by their own means.

According to the amended rules, the persons who have carried out the Covid-19 test at the crossing point will also await the result at the site. Only after the presentation of the results of the Covid-19 test to the State Border Guard and after the permit given thereto, persons will be able to leave the territory of the border crossing point.

The tests will not be carried out on persons who can show a valid Covid-19 certificate of vaccination, diseasement or Covid-19 test, as well as children under 12 years of age.

In cases where the Covid-19 test is positive or if a person refuses to perform the test, the Emergency Medical Service will bring the person to the tourist accommodation for the purposes of mandatory isolation.

In cases where cases of Covid-19, such as the driver of the freight vehicle or passenger transport, the carrier concerned is obliged to ensure that the issues arising from the transport in question are addressed.

In view of the need for a period for the deployment of test points at the relevant crossing points, it is foreseen that the rules will enter into force on 12 July 2021.

Source: Communications Department of the Ministry of the Interior- Latvia

                                                                                                     

01.03.2021

COVID-19 update: Latvia lifts the mandatory COVID-19 testing requirements for truck drivers

Latvia waived the requirement for COVID-19 testing for lorry drivers. Upon the authorities' request, drivers should present the driving licence of the appropriate category, the driver card of the digital tachograph or the time of the last working day, as well as the certificate of the International Transport Officer, and proof of Covidpass registration.

By way of reminder, in February Latvia established that professional truck drivers who spent more than 72 hours in a Covid-19 high risk country in the past 14 days before entering Latvia, must carry a negative PCR Covid-19 test when entering Latvia. Equally, a professional truck driver who spends more than 72 hours in Latvia must get a PCR Covid-19 test in Latvia even when it comes from a low risk country. 

List of countries with high level of 14-day Covid-19 cases is available here.

Source: Ministry of Transport of the Republic of Latvia and Latvijas Auto

                                                                                                    

15.02.2021

COVID-19 update: Goods transport drivers required to present negative Covid-19 test if they stay longer than 72 hours in Latvia or if they come from high risk countries

Professional truck drivers who spent more than 72 hours in a Covid-19 high risk country in the past 14 days before entering Latvia, must carry a negative PCR Covid-19 test when entering Latvia. Equally, a professional truck driver who spends more than 72 hours in Latvia must get a PCR Covid-19 test in Latvia even when it comes from a low risk country.  

At the same time, the following safety precautions should be taken: mouth and nose shields should be worn in public places, precautions should be taken during work, as well as not exposing others to the risk of infection and limiting contact with other people (e.g. not visiting). If a person experiences any signs of respiratory infection, it is mandatory to begin self-isolation and contact a doctor.

The requirements referred to in the regulations regarding the performance of Covid-19 tests do not apply to citizens and permanent residents of the Member States of the European Union who cross the land border of the Republic of Latvia with other European Union countries on a daily basis in connection with employment, if the border crossing is necessary for the performance of basic duties of work or service and the person has a document certifying the fact of employment.

Professional truck drivers do not have to take the Covid-19 test, if they plan to stay in Latvia for less than 72 hours or have spent less than 72 hours in countries with high risk of severe illness during the past 14 days. As until now, these drivers will only be required to present a driver's licence of the relevant category and a driver card of a digital tachograph or a record sheet of the last working day, as well as a Certificate for International Transport Workers issued by the employer the form and content of which correspond to the template developed by the European Commission (Annex III of the Green Lanes).

List of countries with high level of 14-day Covid-19 cases is available here.

Source: Latvia Autos

                                                                                                    

10.02.2021

List of additional documents necessary for freight and passenger service providers

The Government of the Republic of Latvia has provided the list of additional documents necessary for the employees of the freight and passenger service providers.

Required documents:

1 - Driving licence.

2 - The driver's card of the digital tachograph or the tachograph of the last working day.

3 - International transport worker's certificate (issued and completed by the employer).(Copy of the same is attached)

These documents may be in paper form or in electronic form (smart device)

As in the past, transport workers are required to complete the questionnaire at Covidpass Website before arriving in Latvia, but a negative COVID-19 test is not required.

Source : Ministry of Transport, Latvia 

                                                                                                    

04.12.2020

The Latvian State Revenue Service informed that this week the number of vehicles waiting for border crossing at Terekhova customs office has dramatically increased. Yesterday morning at 8:00, 330 trucks were waiting for exit to Russia, while there were only 10 vehicles waiting at Grebnevo customs office. The increase is mainly due to the fact that more and more carriers from Lithuania choose the route through Latvia. Also, the seasonal deliveries have an impact on the traffic. To avoid long queues, the State Revenue Service of Latvia recommends to use Grebnevo customs office. Please be reminded that the TIR procedure can be used at the Grebnevo-Ubylinka checkpoint.

Source: Latvijas Auto

                                                                                                    

12.10.2020

Starting from 12 October every person entering Latvia must fill in an electronic questionnaire (available here:www.covidpass.lv), they will then receive a QR code to show to customs.Until 12 October, those entering Latvia will be required to fill in a paper questionnaire.

Filling in the questionnaire is mandatory for all visitors and must be completed no less than 48 hours prior to entering Latvia.

The person must indicate their name, surname, personal code for Latvian citizens (social insurance number – for other citizens), contact telephone number, address of actual place of residence where the person is available, as well as name of the country (including date of departure) where the person has been during the last 14 days before arriving in Latvia, etc.

Each adult person must fill in a separate questionnaire, the questionnaires of minors are filled out by their parent or legal guardian.

Once the questionnaire is completed, the person who arrives on the territory of Latvia will receive a QR code confirming the submission of data. If you lose the QR code, a function on the home page will be available where you can enter your email address and receive the QR code again.

The obtained data will be transmitted to the authorities, namely: State Police, State Border Guard and the Centre for Disease Prevention and Control. Personal data will be stored for 30 days in order to use the information received for epidemiological safety and contact tracing. After 30 days, personal data will be automatically deleted.

The Traveller Registration Control Information System (IECIS), which will further serve as an electronic self-declaration system (confirmation questionnaire) for persons arriving or returning to Latvia from foreign countries, have been developed by the Information Centre of the Ministry of the Interior in cooperation with State Police, State Border Guard and Centre for Disease Prevention and Control.

More information: https://www.mk.gov.lv/en/aktualitates/october-12-when-crossing-border-republic-latvia-electronic-questionnaire-will-have-be

Source: Cabinet of Ministers of the Republic of Latvia

                                                                                                    

24.09.2020

Over the past few days longer queues have been observed at the border crossing point between Terekhovo (LVA) and Burachki (RUS).

More traffic and ongoing reconstruction works have led to a waiting time of up to 20 hours to cross the borders.

Transport operators are kindly requested to take this information into consideration and use nearby border crossing points, particularly between Grebnevo (LVA) and Ubylinka (RUS). Queues are minimal and TIR carnets can be used to enter Russia at this crossing point.

 

Source: Latvijas Auto, State Revenue Service of Latvia

                                                                                                    

30.06.2020

The State of Emergency ended in Latvia on June 9.  However, borders are only open to residents of Latvia, other EU Member States, countries in the European Economic Area and Switzerland, that hold proper residency documentation. The Government of Latvia is monitoring the rates of COVID-19 in these countries and passenger from countries with more than 15 cases per 100,000 inhabitants will be required to self-isolate for 14 days upon arrival.

As of 9 June, face masks are mandatory on public transport.  International passenger transport operations cannot be performed to countries listed by the Centre for Disease Prevention and Control. The transport of workers that is specifically carried out so that they can fulfil their work duties is exempted from this provision.

From 10 June, movements of people to and from countries at risk is banned; road transport workers are exempt from this provision, as well as from quarantine requirements upon entry into Latvia.

Borders with Russia and Belarus remain closed for all international passenger travel.

Source: Latvian Government

                                                                                                    

15.05.2020

International passenger transport between the Baltic States is authorised from 15 May. The government decided to authorise the resumption of international passenger transport by air, sea, bus and rail from and to Lithuania and Estonia.

International passenger transport to other destinations will still require the permission of the Minister for Transport, based on a case-by-case basis.

Latvian nationals and permanent residents, as well as foreigners who have not visited other countries in the last 14 days, except Lithuania or Estonia, as well as Lithuanian and Estonian nationals who cross Latvia in transit, do not have to spend 14 days in self-isolation. Persons who transit through Latvia do not have to spend 14 days in self-isolation either.

Amendments to the Order provide that persons who have arrived in Latvia from abroad, except Estonia and Lithuania, may only use public transport if they have self-isolated and they must cover their mouth and nose within the public transport network.

More detailed information can be found on the official website here.

Source: LATVIJAS AUTO

                                                                                                    

18.04.2020

On 27 March, the Latvian government notified a set of relaxations on driving and rest times rules, which apply until 25 April and are as follows:

-       Art. 6.1: increase of the maximum daily driving time from 9 hours to 11 hours

-       Art. 6.2: increase of the maximum weekly driving time from 56 hours to 60 hours

-       Art. 6.3: increase of the maximum fortnightly driving time from 90 hours to 96 hours

-       Art 7: the driver shall have an uninterrupted break of at least forty-five minutes if he does not take a rest period after five and a half hours of driving

-       Art. 8: a regular weekly rest period of 45 hours may be reduced to 24 hours without the requirement of compensation.

Source: ITF

                                                                                                       

22.03.2020

From 18 March 2020, people entering Latvia will have to fill out the following application forms and submit them to the State Border Service:

  • Form for Latvian citizens and persons permanently residing in Latvia (holders of permanent/temporary residence permits and long-term "D" visas, provided they were issued in the Republic of Latvia).
    The form is available in LatvianRussian and English.
  • Form for Lithuanian and Estonian citizens and residents (holders of permanent/temporary residence permits and long-term "D" visas, provided they were issued in Lithuania or Estonia), returning to Lithuania or Estonia.
    By signing the form, the person “undertakes not to visit publicly available spaces”. Parkings and refuelling station are not concerned by these measures.
    The form is available in Russian and English.
  • Form for all freight carriers (including foreigners transiting through Latvia), by which the person “undertakes not to visit publicly available spaces”. Parkings and refuelling station are not concerned by these measures.
    The form is available in LatvianRussian and English.

Source: Latvian Ministry of Transport