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Latvia officially reopened for tourism summer of 2020, but closed again in the late fall. Now in 2021, Latvia is showing signs of reopening once again, but with specific rules and entry requirements.
Below you’ll find all the information about traveling to Latvia, including which countries are permitted access, all testing and/or quarantine requirements, and everything else you need to know about travel to Latvia during the pandemic.
Which countries are allowed to travel to Latvia?
As of mid-2021, entry into Latvia for non-essential tourism is not permitted. Entry only for essential reasons, and only by EU+ residents is currently allowed. Tourism and non-essential travel is expected to reopen once again June/July 2021.
Countries that are permitted to enter Latvia for essential reasons include:
- EU nations
- EEA/Schengen nations
- UK
Testing Rules For Latvia
All passengers arriving to Latvia by air will need to show proof of a negative 72-hour PCR test.
Testing Exemptions
The following passengers are exempt from the above testing rule:
- Children under 11
- Those with a positive PCR test between 14-180 days old, showing they’ve recovered from a previous infection
Quarantine Rules For Latvia?
The Latvian government site reads “When entering Latvia from a country where the 14-day cumulative number of Covid-19 cases per 100,000 population exceeds 50, it is mandatory to observe 10-day self-isolation.”
As of mid-2021, most EU nations are in the category requiring isolation. The list is updated weekly and can be seen here.
Quarantine Exemptions
The following passengers are exempt from the above testing rule:
- Those who have received the last/final shot of the vaccine, and at least 15 days have elapsed.
- Those with a positive PCR test between 14-180 days old, showing they’ve recovered from a previous infection
Covid-Pass Form
All passengers will need to complete the online Covid-Pass form at least 48 hours before entering Latvia.
Can the USA Travel To Latvia?
No, not at this time, not even with agreeing to quarantine. The USA is currently banned for non-essential travel.
Read More: See our complete guide of countries now reopen for international tourism, and which countries have reopened for vaccinated travelers.
Sources: Government of Latvia / Riga Airport / @edgarsrinkevics
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Disclaimer: Current travel rules and restrictions can change without notice. The decision to travel is ultimately your responsibility. Contact your consulate and/or local authorities to confirm your nationality’s entry and/or any changes to travel requirements before traveling. Travel Off Path does not endorse traveling against government advisories
Originally published July 5, 2020 with updates
Berto
Friday 13th of November 2020
Can you travel to Latvia for surgery and medical purposes and is quarantine mandatory coming from Canada?
Kashlee Kucheran
Saturday 14th of November 2020
Latvia removed Canada for entry at the end of October. I am unsure if they will make an exception for medical reasons, but for that you will need to get guidance from the consualte
Leoma Barazan
Wednesday 11th of November 2020
Is Philippine national can enter to Latvia?
Kashlee Kucheran
Thursday 12th of November 2020
No sorry not at this time
Youbert
Thursday 29th of October 2020
Is there a mandatory quarantine in Latvia travelling from Canada?
Kashlee Kucheran
Friday 30th of October 2020
Yes there is
Tammy
Wednesday 22nd of July 2020
Excellent Summary. I have appreciated all the work you have put into keeping this website up to date! My daughter is looking to attend university in Lithuania and there is a lot of confusion on the entry requirements. Do you have any basic info on Lithuania and travel for Canadians? Or do you know if once in Latvia, a Canadian traveller can cross the border into Lithuanian? From what I can see it looks like only air and sea borders are restricted in Lithuania. Any info is helpful! Thanks.
Kashlee Kucheran
Thursday 23rd of July 2020
Hi Tammy! I am sorry I do not have any info on Lituania at this time, nor about how entry would work from Latvia
Joe Scarangella
Sunday 12th of July 2020
Sorry. I fell into this trap too. Latvia is NOT open to Canadian citizens.
It is open to: 1) Citizens of the EU 2) Residents of the EU 3) Residents of the "safe list" countries (including Canada).
This means: If you are a German citizen, residing in Germany, you can enter If you are a Canadian citizen, residing in Germany, you can enter If you are a German citizen, residing in Canada, you can enter if you are a Canadian citizen, residing in Canada, you can NOT enter.
Kashlee Kucheran
Sunday 12th of July 2020
Sorry Joe, you are misinterpreting the text. Canadian citizens residing in Canada ARE allowed to enter. Here is a direct copy/paste with my discussion with the ministry of the interior.
"Dear Kashlee,
You sent a question to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs about whether Latvia will be abiding by the EU's suggestion of letting in travelers from "safe-14" countries. Your e-mail was forwarded to me, as border policy is in the competence of the Ministry of the Interior of Latvia. The answer is yes - the border policy of Latvia towards third party countries will operate in accordance with the EU recommendations. The 14 nations can travel to Latvia now the same way other EU nations can.
Best regards, Beata Jonite Advisor to Minister of the Interior of Latvia"
I have also verified this with other local authorities. It is accurate. Residents of the safe list countries, living in one of those countries, CAN visit Latvia.