When travelling from countries where the 14-day cumulative number of Covid-19 cases per 100 000 inhabitants exceeds 50, 10-day self-isolation should be observed. The list of countries from which the 10-day self-isolation is to be observed on arrival in Latvia can be found in the section on the website of the Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (SPKC) entitled “National incidence rates with COVID-19”.
As from 11 February, persons from the European Union and the European Economic Area countries, the Swiss Confederation and the United Kingdom with international passenger transport or a private vehicle will only be able to enter Latvia in urgent cases to limit the risks of spreading Covid-19 infection:
- work,
- training, studies,
- family combination,
- receipt of medical services,
- transit,
- unaccompaniing minors,
- return to the permanent place of life,
- funeral.
It is important that passenger carriers should not accommodate passengers who have not indicated the purpose of travelling in the covidpass.lv system.
Anyone entering Latvia using international passenger transport services must show a negative result of the Covid-19 infectious molecular biological PCR test (conducted from nasal and oral smears). The proof must not be longer than 72 hours. On the other hand, persons who have re-skated Covid-19 in the last 3 months must present a medical statement or a medical document certifying that the person is not infectious
If the passenger is not able to show the test result - printed or electronically in a smart device - or a doctor's statement, it will be refused boarding. The test result or medical statement must be in the official language of English, French, Russian or country of departure. The use of the services of the carrier will only be possible by producing a negative test result. This provision also applies to those who intend to come to Latvia with a private vehicle. The result of the test will have to be indicated in the covidpass.lv questionnaire, which will be verified by the Latvian Border Guard and the police. [1]
There are also exceptional cases where the test is not to be carried out before entering Latvia:
- Children under 11 years of age
- For transport personnel and crew members, seafarers travelling to or from their workplace, transit passengers who do not leave the aerodrome-controlled area, representatives of the diplomatic corps
- The test will not be required for border residents who cross borders daily due to work, education and similar needs and can show proof of employment or education
As of March 17, persons returning from non-essential trips to third countries must undergo a Covid-19 test for their means. In the event of a positive result, you should immediately go to the 10-day self-containment hotel where you are required to stay for your own funds. Learn more!
Persons crossing Latvia in transit must do so within 12 hours from the submission of a certificate to the website, covidpass.lv. Learn more!
After returning from foreign countries with high incidence of Covid-19, it is mandatory that 10-day self-isolation be observed, but for certain categories of persons (medical practitioners, educational staff, etc.) a 14-day self-isolation, which may be interrupted in certain cases on day 10.
Non-compliance with self-containment in the workplace and during work
Derogations may be granted to foreign residents from risk countries who:
- arrival in Latvia is necessary for the fulfilment of the obligations of Latvian merchants (self-isolation may not be applied during the performance and place of work duties) (learn more!)
- the purpose of arrival in Latvia is participation in international sports events (learn more!)
More about entering Latvia ON THE website “If returned/entered Latvia”.
[1] Latvian nationals with private transport may also visit Latvia with a positive test result. The main thing is to have proof of a positive/negative test. However, it should be noted that when travelling to Latvia with private road transport, the entry restrictions imposed by other countries may have to be faced, including through transit.