Today, January 7, the government adopted stricter regulations for all people entering the country to facilitate more epidemiologically safe movement and reduce the introduction of COVID-19 infection into the country. When entering Latvia both with passenger transport and a personal vehicle, one must present confirmation of a negative COVID-19 test result. The regulations will take effect on January 15, simultaneously with the introduction of similar rules in Lithuania and Estonia.
The additional security measures aim at preventing the introduction of a viral infection and encouraging the population to travel only for significant reasons, family circumstances, or work.
To prevent the introduction of the virus, it is stipulated that upon entering Latvia, there must be a confirmation of a negative COVID-19 test result. One must undergo the test not earlier than 72 hours before boarding a carrier’s vehicle or before crossing the Latvian border individually, for example, by road.
Proof of a negative test (test result, medical certificate, antibody certificate, or other medical document proving that the individual is not infectious) must be presented to the carrier, such as an airline; otherwise, any individual shall be denied boarding.
When entering Latvia by private car, a mark on a negative test result must be in the filled-out Covidpass.lv questionnaire. The Latvian State Border Guard or the Latvian State Police will check the compliance with this requirement randomly.
There are also exceptional cases determined when the test may be not performed before entering Latvia, that is, children under 11 years of age, individuals who have been vaccinated against COVID-19, employees and crew members of carriers, seamen going to or from their place of work, transit passengers who do not leave the controlled area of an airport, and representatives of the diplomatic corps. The test will also be not required for borderland residents who cross the border daily for work, education, and similar needs and can provide proof of employment or education.
By strengthening epidemiological security measures for travellers, the government also decided to lift bans on international passenger transport to ensure controlled and safe movement. International passenger transport through airports, ports, by bus and by rail will be allowed within the European Union and the European Economic Area, Switzerland, and the United Kingdom.
The condition on 10 days of self-isolation and other epidemiological safety instructions provided by the Centre for Disease Prevention and Control of Latvia must be followed after entry from abroad with a high risk of infection remains unchanged.
We still call for a responsible assessment of the need to travel and a thorough examination of the epidemiological safety requirements of the countries through or to which a traveller must go.
Contacts:
Communication Division
Phone number 67028003
E-mail: komunikacijas@sam.gov.lv