COVID-19 Information

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COVID-19 Information
Last updated: 16 September 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 149 081 confirmed cases of COVID-19 within its borders (+596 cases out of 32 915 tests reported on September 16) and 2625 COVID-19 related deaths (+4 deaths cases reported on September 16).

  • The Department of State has issued a Level 3 Advisory advising U.S. citizens to reconsider 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 September 1, new regulations for travelers entering Latvia went into effect. The new regulations permit vaccinated travelers who can present either a US Centers for Disease Control (CDC) paper vaccine certificate, an interoperable digital EU certificate (either in an electronic smart device or printed out) or a vaccination certificate issued in specific other countries including the EU, the EEA countries, Switzerland or the United Kingdom to enter Latvia for nonessential purposes without a negative COVID test or requiring self-isolation.
  • Please visit the Ministry of Foreign Affairs website for the full announcement.
  • Regulations for travelers over the age of 11 who have not been vaccinated or do not have proof of vaccination remain the same. Please see below for more specific details on testing and self-isolation regulations for non-vaccinated travelers.
  • 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

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

Entry and Exit Requirements

  • Are U.S. citizens permitted to enter? Yes
    • U.S. Citizens arriving to Latvia from the United States or other countries included by the Centre for Disease Prevention and Control of Latvia (SPKC) in the list of third countries with high levels of Covid-19 infections may enter Latvia if they are fully vaccinated against COVID-19.
    • In order to be considered “fully vaccinated” for purposes of travel to Latvia, travelers must
      • have had the full course of vaccine (1 shot of the Johnson and Johnson COVID vaccine, or 2 shots of Astra-Zeneca, Moderna or Pfizer vaccines) and it must have been at least 14 days since your last vaccination.
      • show a U.S. Centers for Disease Control (CDC) Vaccine Card, 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.  
    • Travelers who have not yet been vaccinated against COVID-19 and who are arriving in Latvia from the U.S. or other countries with a high risk of COVID may not enter Latvia unless:
    • U.S. citizens arriving from other countries designated by Latvia as low-risk for COVID (see list here) may enter Latvia for non-essential purposes including tourism.
    • Consult with your airline regarding any documents it 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 reason for travel.
    • PLEASE NOTE – There are no direct flights between the United States and Latvia. It is the traveler’s responsibility to be informed about the entry/exit requirements of the countries the traveler intends to transit on the way to/from Latvia.
    • PLEASE NOTE – U.S. Embassy Riga cannot assist those travelers who are not allowed entry into Latvia due to a failure to comply with the entry/exit requirements imposed by the Latvian Government.
  • Is a negative COVID-19 test (PCR and/or serology) required for entry for U.S. citizens? No
  • Vaccinated travelers who can present either a U.S. Centers for Disease Control (CDC) paper vaccine certificate, 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 can travel to Latvia for nonessential purposes without a negative COVID test or required self-isolation.
  • All unvaccinated travelers or travelers who are unable to prove their vaccination status entering Latvia and who are aged 11 and over will be required to present a negative COVID-19 test taken within the previous 72 hours or an antigen test taken not more than 48 hours before boarding the flight or entering Latvia.
  • 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 time in 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.
      • For minors, the form must be completed by the parent/legal representative.
      • Travelers will receive a QR code that must be submitted to the border guard official upon arrival (each traveler is expected to have their own QR code).
      • The form must be completed at least 48 hours before crossing the border.

Movement Restrictions

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

Transportation Options

  • Are commercial flights operating? Yes
    • Passenger flights from Riga Airport remain limited.  However, airlines have begun to resume many previous routes. Check Riga Airport website  for the current list of available destinations.
  • Is public transportation operating? Yes
    • Masks are required to be worn on all public transportation and 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 in Riga is processing the full slate of American Citizen Services, including CRBA and passport appointments, as well as immigrant visas. Appointments for non-immigrant visas are limited. Please contact askconsular-riga@state.gov for more information.
  • 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 September, 2021 | Topics: Alert, Messages for U.S. Citizens

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