You are here
COVID-19 and travelling to Latvia
As of April 7 the state of emergency has ended in Latvia, but most epidemiological safety rules remain in place.
Entry to Latvia from European Union Member States and the European Economic Area Member States, the Swiss Confederation is permitted for "urgent and essential" reasons only. These are defined as: 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.
From March 17 international passenger flights to and from third countries are permitted, including flights organized by tour operators for purposes of tourism and recreation. On arrival in Latvia from third countries, there is an obligation to perform a repeat Covid-19 test, the so-called “quick test”. Arriving from other countries 10 days quarantine is still necessary. More information is available at the Ministry of Economics, as well as the covidpass.lv website. Non-essential travel from third countries to Latvia is prohibited.
The negative Covid-19 test is mandatory for entry to Latvia, the rule applies to all arrivals, including those traveling by private transport. The test must be done no more than 72 hours before arrival at the Latvian border or boarding a passenger carrier such as an airline. The test result must be presented in the question. Boarding will not be allowed without the document. When traveling by private transport, a negative test must be indicated on the Covidpass form. This will be checked at random by the State Police and State Border Guard.
- People must observe 2 meters distance (applies to both public indoor and public outdoor spaces).
- Face masks must be used in all indoor places, where there is more than 1 person, including public transport, shops, post offices, petrol stations, railway stations, bus stations, airports, as well as cultural and religious venues, etc. Children up to 13 years old do not need to use masks, but from 7 years must wear a mask in public transport.
- All public events are banned.
- Two households (up to 10 people) are able to meet privately outdoors.
- Culture, sport, exhibition venues, museums, etc. are closed.
- Regardless of the assortment of goods and retail space, all stores having a separate entrance and not located in a shopping center with a sales area of more than 7,000 square meters are able to work. Only grocery and hygiene stores, pharmacies, optical stores, florists, bookstores, and press outlets are able to operate in shopping centers/malls with an area of more than 7,000 square meters. Street trade is allowed.
- Services related to entertainment and wellbeing are banned but it is allowed to provide manicure, pedicure, podiatrist and hairdresser services.
- Public catering places are allowed to hand out takeaway meals only.
- As the situation in the world develops daily, the Latvian authorities monitor the situation and share their information with the World Health Organization (WHO).
- In general, the Ministry of Health of the Republic of Latvia reminds all travelers that taking care of good hygiene – e.g. careful washing of hands and using hand disinfectants - is a reasonable use of common sense. If you have any questions regarding the novel coronavirus and COVID-19 and your travels, please call Latvian Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (SPKC) helpline (00 371) 67501590 or (00 371) 67387661 (open 8.30-17.00 working days). In case of emergency call 113.
Previously, in order to curb the Covid-19 pandemic, the state of emergency in Latvia was declared for a time period of March 13th until April 14th and then it was extended to May 12th until June 9th. Last state of emergency ended in April 6 (2021).
Information about COVID-19 by the Centre of Disease Prevention and Control of Latvia
Tips for safe travel in Latvia
In order to reduce the crowding in the most popular tourist destinations in Latvia, we invite you to broaden your horizons and get to know...
Where to seek for help
The single emergency Hotline number 112 will provide information on what to do in certain situations, or connect you to the appropriate...
Last updated:
07.04.2021