COVID-19 Precautionary Measures in Latvia (7 December Update)

Can a resident enter the country?

• Yes

• Latvian nationals, immediate family members of Latvian citizens, and permanent or long-term residents are allowed entry.

Can a foreigner enter the country?

• Yes with exceptions

• Foreigners are allowed to enter. However, direct passenger travel is restricted from countries that have a 14-day cumulative number of COVID-19 cases greater than twice the average of EU/EEA and the UK per 100,000 population. The list of countries can be found here.

Is transit allowed through the country?

• Yes

• Passengers are allowed to transit through Latvia.

Is a test required on arrival?

• No

• There are currently no special health screening measures in place for travellers.

Test certificate required?

• No

• There are no requirements for a COVID-19 test certificate.

Is quarantine required on arrival?

• Yes with exceptions

• Passengers arriving from countries that have a 14-day cumulative number of COVID-19 cases greater than 50 per 100,000 population must self-isolate for ten days on arrival.

• Travellers who have been in contact with a confirmed COVID-19 patient or who work in Latvia as teachers, social workers, or medical professionals are required to self-quarantine for 14-days upon arrival. These travellers will be allowed to take a COVID-19 test on the eighth day. If the results are negative, they will be allowed to return to work on the 11th day. Travellers who are unwilling to take the test will be required to stay in isolation for 14-days.

• The list of approved countries and countries that are under the quarantine list is updated regularly every Friday and can be accessed here.

Insurance required?

• Yes with exceptions

• It is recommended that travellers get travel insurance that will cover COVID-19 related expenses.

Entry form required?

• Yes

• Travellers must complete an electronic questionnaire within 48 hours before arriving in Latvia. After completing the form, travellers will receive a unique QR code. The form/questionnaire can be accessed from any smart device and is available at the following website: https://covidpass.lv/en/.

Recommended Border App

• Yes

• A COVID-19 tracing app is available, known as “Apturi Covid Latvia.” The app is available on android and iOS and can be downloaded from here.

Airline restrictions

• Minimal

• International and domestic, commercial passenger airline services have resumed.

• AirBaltic is operating local and international flight operations.

• All travellers above the age of seven are required to wear face masks in airports.

Border restrictions

• Moderate

• Borders are open, except borders with Belarus and Russia.

Curfew restrictions

• Minimal

• No curfew is in place. A State of Emergency will be in effect until 11 January 2021.

Social distancing restrictions

• Moderate

• Physical distance of up to 2 meters must be maintained in public indoor and outdoor places, as well as, 2+2 measures must be maintained (distance of 2 meters and meetings limited to 2 people).

Internal travel restrictions

• Minimal

• There are no restrictions on inter-state or inter-city travel.

• Face masks that cover the nose and mouth are mandatory for passengers on public transport.

Non-essential shops open?

• Yes

• Grocery stores, shopping centres and leisure facilities are open.

• On weekends and holidays, only grocery stores, pharmacies, veterinarian pharmacies, bookstores, newsstands, optical stores, pet stores, hygiene goods, household stores, and telecommunication stores may open in shopping centres. Stores must ensure that there are 15 square meters per customer. Masks will be mandatory in stores and marketplaces.

Accommodations open?

• Yes

• Hotels are open. Customers must have food delivered directly to their rooms. Dining at a common area or bar is restricted.

Restaurants open?

• No with exceptions

• Catering services are only allowed to open for takeaway services. However, this does not apply to catering services at Riga Airport, preschools and schools where canteens are not publicly accessible and provided the following protocols are followed:

• Masks are mandatory for staff members and customers.

• Tables must be kept 2 meters apart unless a partition separates the tables.

• Tables are limited to 2 customers at a time unless they are from the same household.

• At least 10 meters square of space per visitor must be maintained.

Bars and cafes open?

• No

• Entertainment venues, including discos, bars, gambling halls, nightclubs, and children’s party venues are closed.

Beaches and tourism sites open?

• No with exceptions

• Water parks, swimming pools, baths, skating rinks, entertainment centres, jump parks are closed. Natural trails are open for individual recreational purposes.

• Beaches are open.

Museums and heritage sites open?

• Yes

• Museums are open.

Personal care services open?

• No with exceptions

• Spas, beauty care, piercing, and tattoo services are closed.

• Hairdressers may open by appointment.

Places of worship open?

• Yes

• Religious facilities are permitted to operate adhering to strict social distancing measures.

Events allowed?

• Yes with exceptions

• During the period of the State of Emergency, all public events will remain banned, except for outdoor rallies, meetings, and protests.

• Private events are allowed; however, no more than one household will be allowed to get together, except for funerals.

• No more than 50 people can gather outdoors for funerals, meetings, and protests. More than two households can gather for funerals.

• Public sports events are banned. Up to ten people, excluding coaches, may attend competitions. Changing rooms must not be used. A 10-square meter distance per person must be maintained while training indoors.

• Elite or professional sports are allowed without spectators.

Masks required in public?

• Yes

• Face masks are required in enclosed and crowded public places, including stores, public transport, supermarkets, railway stations, airports, petrol stations. Children under 13 years of age are exempt, however children between 7 to 13 years of age must wear masks in public transport.

• Face masks must be worn in all places where two meters of social distance is not possible, and all indoor places where more there is more than 1 individual, and presence exceeds 15 minutes.

• Individuals found not wearing the face masks can be fined.

Other

• Sports centres and religious facilities are permitted to operate adhering to strict social distancing measures. These establishments may open at 06:00 and must close by 20:00, except for sports facilities/centres which may remain open until 22:00.

• Grades 1 to 6 may attend school in person. Classes for grades 7 to 12 and high education will continue distance learning will be allowed, as well as for higher education.

• Cultural, exhibition venues and fair markets are closed.

Neuvo

The COVID-19 epidemic is changing constantly worldwide. This information is subject to change as the situation evolves. Travel and border restrictions may change with little or no notice. Some countries are beginning to remove some restrictions gradually. Check with your airline, booking agent, or country’s embassy for information on your specific travel plans.