COVID-19 Information

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COVID-19 Information
Last updated: 21 June 2021

*** Effective January 26, all airline passengers to the United States ages two years and older must provide a negative COVID-19 viral test taken within three calendar days of travel. Alternatively, travelers to the U.S. may provide documentation from a licensed health care provider of having recovered from COVID-19 in the 90 days preceding travel.  Check the CDC website for additional information and Frequently Asked Questions. 

Waivers to the testing requirement may be granted by the CDC on an extremely limited basis when extraordinary emergency travel (like an emergency medical evacuation) must occur to preserve someone’s health and safety, and testing cannot be completed before travel.  There are no waivers available for individuals who test positive for COVID-19.  Individuals – or air carriers seeking to allow boarding by potentially qualifying individuals – who believe they meet the criteria for a waiver should contact the U.S. Embassy at askconsular-riga@state.gov, and provide the information below.  The U.S. Embassy will then submit the request to the CDC for consideration.

Country-Specific Information

The Government of Latvia has reported 136,544 confirmed cases of COVID-19 within its borders (+141 cases out of 9644 tests reported on June 17) and 2482 COVID-19 related deaths (+7 deaths reported on June 17).

  • The Department of State has issued a Level 4 Advisory advising U.S. citizens to not travel to Latvia due to the global impact of COVID-19.  Availability of services in Latvia is good.  Visit https://covid19.gov.lv/en for updated information.
  • On June 16 new regulations for travelers entering Latvia went into effect.  The new regulations outline updated requirements for travelers based on vaccination status including allowing vaccinated travelers who can present an interoperable digital EU certificate (either in an electronic smart device or printed out) or a vaccination certificate issued in the EU, the EEA countries, Switzerland or the United Kingdom to travel to Latvia for nonessential travel without a negative COVID test or requiring self isolation.
  • Please visit the Ministry of Foreign Affairs website for the full announcement.
  • Travelers entering Latvia aged 11 and over who do not meet the above requirements will be required to present a negative COVID-19 test from within the previous 72 hours.
  • Regular flights are available out of Latvia; however, flight schedules remain limited and have not returned to pre-pandemic levels.
  • Please visit the website of the Embassy of Latvia in Washington D.C. here for information regarding entry into Latvia and here for consular information and consult with your airline regarding any documents they may require for boarding.
  • Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Latvia Information for Travelers to Latvia Page
  • State Chancellery of Latvia COVID-19 Information Page
  • Alerts and Messages for U.S. Citizens

COVID-19 Testing

  • Are PCR and/or antigen tests available for U.S. citizens in Latvia?  Yes
  • If so, are test results reliably available within 72 hours? Yes
    • Anyone with symptoms can be tested for free.  For those without symptoms, only citizens and residence permit holders with a doctor`s referral can be tested for free.  If you do not meet these criteria, the cost, per test, is 37 euros.
    • For more information on testing, please visit the Government of Latvia COVID-19 website (https://covid19.gov.lv/en/covid-19/about-covid-19/who-can-be-tested-covid-19-free).
    • A map of COVID-19 testing sites in Latvia
    • Individuals with severe symptoms please call the emergency line at 113.
    • For a COVID-19 questions, call the COVID-19 Hotline at 8345.

COVID-19 Vaccine Information:

  • Has the government of Latvia approved a COVID-19 vaccine for use?  Yes
  • Are vaccines available in Latvia for U.S. citizens to receive? No
    • The United States Government does not plan to provide COVID-19 vaccinations to private U.S. citizens overseas.  Please follow host country developments and guidelines for COVID-19 vaccination.

Entry and Exit Requirements

  • Are U.S. citizens permitted to enter? Yes
    • U.S. citizens residing in the United States may enter Latvia for non-essential travel including tourism, starting June 19, 2021.
    • U.S. citizens will be required to present a negative COVID-19 test from within  72 hours of arrival.
    • Consult with your airline regarding any documents they may require for boarding.  The Embassy cannot request special exceptions to the travel restrictions.  You must contact the Latvian Embassy in Washington if you believe you have a compelling travel reason.
  • Is a negative COVID-19 test (PCR and/or serology) required for entry for U.S. citizens? Yes 
    • Vaccinated travelers who can present an interoperable digital EU certificate (either in an electronic smart device or printed out) or a vaccination certificate issued in the EU, the EEA countries, Switzerland or the United Kingdom are excepted from this requirement and can travel to Latvia for nonessential travel without a negative COVID test or requiring self isolation.
    • Upon entering Latvia, all travelers entering Latvia aged 11 and over who do not meet the exception will be required to present a negative COVID-19 test from within the previous 72 hours.
    • Travelers arriving from outside of the EU/Schengen zone will also be required to take a COVID-19 test upon arrival at their own expense.  If the result is positive, the traveler must pay for self-isolation in one of the tourist accommodations specified by the Latvian Investment and Development Agency.

  • Are health screening procedures in place at airports and other ports of entry?  No
    • All travelers, except children under the age of 7 must wear a medical mask in the Airport.  Entry into the Airport terminal is only allowed for passengers wearing a mask who have a boarding pass or booking confirmation.
    • The Airport urges travelers to observe the requirement to wear a mask during their stay at the Airport.  If a passenger arrives at the Airport without a mask, s/he can purchase one at the entrance or in the terminal.
    • Before entering Latvia, all passengers are requested to fill out a electronic questionnaire https://covidpass.lv/en/ confirming that they will observe the established epidemiological safety measures upon arrival.
    • If a passenger has arrived from a country with a Covid-19 cumulative 14-day incidence over 50 per 100 000 inhabitants, this person is subject to 10-day self-isolation when entering Latvia.  The list of these countries is available on the website of the Latvia’s Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (SPKC).

Movement Restrictions

  • Is a curfew in place?  No
  • Are there restrictions on intercity or interstate travel?  No

Quarantine Information 

  • Are U.S. citizens required to quarantine? No
    • From June 19, U.S. citizens arriving from the United States are no longer required to self-isolate upon arrival.
    • Passengers traveling from the EU, EEA, Switzerland and the UK who are fully vaccinated and 15 days have past since their last vaccination shot are not required to self-isolate upon entering Latvia. A certificate filed by the healthcare provider who administered the vaccine must be presented.
    • Passengers traveling from the EU, EEA, Switzerland and the UK who have recovered from COVID-19 and 6 months have passed post recovery and who can prove this fact with a note from the relevant health professional are not required to self-isolate upon entering Latvia.

Transportation Options

  • Are commercial flights operating? Yes
    • Passenger flights from Riga Airport continue to remain limited.  However, airlines have begun to resume many previous flight paths. Check Riga Airport website  for the current list of available destinations.
  • Is public transportation operating? Yes
    • For those arriving from countries with a high number of confirmed COVID-19 cases, masks are required on public transportation and in taxis when traveling to the place of self-isolation.  The list of countries can be viewed on the website of the Latvia Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (Slimību profilakses un kontroles centrs).
    • Following the 10-day period of self-isolation, masks are required to be worn on public transportation or in taxis.

Fines for Non-Compliance

  • Individuals not complying with the health and safety requirements can be subject to a fine from 100 – 2000 euros.

Consular Operations

  • The U.S. Embassy Riga has limited, emergency, in-person passport and CRBA appointments, certain emergency visa appointments and other emergency services as needed.  American citizens should contact us at  askconsular-riga@state.gov if assistance is needed.
  • U.S. Citizens seeking information on the CARES Act, including stimulus checks for individuals and assistance for small business owners, are encouraged to visit the   IRS Coronavirus Tax Relief and Economic Impact Payment site for more information.

Local Resources:

Other Resources:

 

By | 16 June, 2021 | Topics: Alert, Messages for U.S. Citizens

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