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COVID-19 and travelling to Latvia
In order to curb the spread of Covid-19, the state of emergency is declared in Latvia for a time period from November 9 until February 7!
Citizens of the European Union, the European Economic Area, and the Swiss Confederation, as well as people with permanent residence status in those countries, when travelling from their home countries to Latvia no longer face 10 days self-isolation period, if 14-day cumulative number of COVID-19 cases per 100 000 inhabitants does not exceed the rate in Latvia.
Epidemiological data is updated every Friday on the website of SPKC (Latvia’s Centre for Disease Prevention and Control) website. Arriving from other countries 10 days quarantine is still neccessary, until further notice.
From January 15 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 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. Those exempted from doing the test are children under the age of 11, persons vaccinated against Covid-19 (who can prove the fact), passenger carrier staff, sailors traveling for work, transit passengers who do not leave the airport control area, and members of the diplomatic corps. Tests will also not be required for those who live near the border and cross it daily for work or education.
Electronic questionnaires are available from any smart device to be filled in on a special website covidpass.lv. People crossing the border of the Republic of Latvia must fill in a questionnaire and show the received QR code to border guards! Completion of the certificate is mandatory for all immigrants, and it must be completed no earlier than 48 hours before crossing the border of the Republic of Latvia. The data indicated in the questionnaire will be automatically transferred to law enforcement authorities - the State Police (VP), the State Border Guard (VRS) and Disease Prevention and Control Center (SPKC). Personal data will be stored for 30 days for the purpose of using the information received for epidemiological security and traceability of contact persons. After 30 days, personal data will be automatically deleted.
- People must observe 2 meters distance (applies to both public indoor and public outdoor spaces) and must meet only within one household!
- Face mask 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 children from 7 years must wear a mask in public transport!
- During the state of emergency, all public events are banned.
- For private events, not more than one household is allowed to get together, with the exception of funerals.
- Culture, sport, exhibition venues fair markets, museums etc. are closed during emergency state.
- During state of emergency stores can be selling food producs, hygiene goods and necessity goods, tobacco products, plant tobacco goods, electronic smoking devices and liquids, pet food and products, press, public transport tickets, face masks and individual protection products, agricultural produce, pre-paid mobile cards, flowers and Christmas trees. Construction materials and goods may be sold in wholesale.
- Stores have to ensure 15 square meters per customer, and masks are mandatory in stores.
- Services related with entertainment and wellbeing are banned during the state of emergency.
- 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. Then it was extended to May 12th until June 9th.
Information about COVID-19 by the Centre of Disease Prevention and Control of Latvia
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Last updated:
11.01.2021