Latvia

COVID-19

There is a state of emergency in Latvia.

You’ll be allowed to leave Latvia if you can show proof of your travel itinerary to return home to Australia.

If you wish to leave, we recommend you confirm your travel arrangements immediately. Please contact the Australian Embassy in Stockholm for assistance on +46 8 613 2900.

If you remain in Latvia, follow the advice of local authorities, make arrangements for an extended stay and take care to minimise exposure to COVID-19. Stay in touch with family and friends so they know you’re safe.

Public health measures have been introduced, including closures of schools, restrictions on public events, the maintenance of social distancing, limits on public gatherings of up to 25 people remaining two meters apart, and the mandatory covering of the nose and mouth by passengers on public transport. Further measures may be introduced and eased at any time. Monitor the media for information on the latest developments and follow the advice of local authorities.

If you need to extend your resident permit or visa (including for study), contact the Office of Citizenship and Migration Affairs. If your visa for Latvia expires during the state of emergency, Latvian authorities have advised that you won’t be penalised and you’ll be able to leave Latvia once departure restrictions are lifted.

To enter Latvia, you must have a valid health insurance policy. Your cover must include any health-related expenses during your stay, including the cost of flying you home.

If you don’t have adequate insurance, authorities may ask you to buy a policy when you arrive.

More information:

Travel in the Schengen area

Latvia is part of the Schengen area, and is only permitting entry to Latvian citizens, foreign nationals who hold residence cards and residents of Baltic countries who have not visited a third country within the last 14 days.

On 15 May, Latvia, Estonia and Lithuania announced the re-opening of borders allowing citizens and residents to move freely between the three countries, however non-essential travel and tourism is discouraged.

The borders have not been opened to citizens from non-Baltic countries.  

As some border controls remain, you must still carry personal documents. Health checks will be carried out at some border crossings to detect symptoms of COVID-19. You may be asked to complete a form regarding your journey, potential contact with infectious individuals, and whether you have displayed symptoms of the virus in recent days.

If returning to the Baltic states from third countries that transit through Latvia, Estonia and Lithuania, you’ll still be required to self-isolate and can do so at home. You’ll need to show proof of your travel itinerary to return home. If in doubt, seek further guidance from the Latvian, Estonian and Lithuanian embassies for transit and quarantine details.

Read the original advice at SmartTraveller.gov.au by Australian Government