The Ministry of Foreign urges everyone to refrain from travelling unless it is absolutely necessary.
All travellers, including citizens and permanent residents of Latvia, who have arrived from or were crossing in transit countries, in which are a high number of confirmed COVID-19 cases, must self-isolate for a 10-day period upon arrival in Latvia. Particular groups of persons (for example, health and social workers, teachers) who intend to work in Latvia, have to self-isolate for 14-day period.
As of 12 October, all persons who intend to enter Latvia must fill in an electronic confirmation form on the Covidpass.lv website. Electronic confirmation must be completed not earlier than 48 hours before crossing the Latvian border.
Beginning on 15 January, all international arrivals to Latvia must present a negative COVID-19 test result or other medical document proving that the person is not infectious. The certificate must be issued no earlier than 72 hours before.
On 25 January and thereafter, upon arriving in Latvia only a negative result of a molecular PCR (polymerase chain reaction) test (done with nasal and throat swabs) will be accepted. Those who have recovered from COVID-19 must present a doctor’s note confirming that they have had COVID-19.
Passengers who are unable to present proof of a negative COVID-19 test – either printed out or in their smart device – or a doctor’s note, will be denied boarding. The negative test result or the doctor’s note must be in English, French, Russian or in the official language of the country where the traveller’s journey begins.
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 transport companies are exempt from the COVID-19 test requirement.
The requirement of a negative COVID-19 test result also does not apply to children under 11 years of age. For other exemptions, please see Paragraph 35.4 of the Cabinet Regulation No 360 “Epidemiological Safety Measures to Limit the Spread of Covid-19 Infection” issued on June 09, 2020.
After arriving from a country with a high incidence of COVID-19, a ten-day self-isolation is compulsory. Separate categories of persons – for example, medical staff and employees of educational institutions – must go into a 14-day self-isolation, which can end already on the 10th day.
Epidemiological statistical data regarding the European Union and third countries on the incidence of COVID-19 cases is being updated every Friday on the website of the Latvia’s Centre for Disease Prevention and Control.
Rules for self-isolation, social distancing, international passengers carriers and categories of people allowed to cross the Latvian external borders from third countries are provided by the Regulations of the Cabinet of Ministers No.360 Epidemiological Safety Measures for the Containment of the Spread of COVID-19 Infection, adopted on June 9, 2020.
Useful links:
Cabinet of Ministers
Ministry of Health
Centre for Disease Prevention and Control
State Border Guard