Health Alert – U.S. Embassy Riga, Latvia (December 30, 2020)
Location: Latvia
Event: Latvia Extends State of Emergency until February 7, 2021 and Announces Curfew. The U.S. Embassy Riga continues to monitor the rapidly changing conditions due to COVID-19 in Latvia and in other locations worldwide. The most current information regarding the impact of COVID-19 may be found at our COVID Information Page.
On December 29 and December 30, the Cabinet of Ministers of Latvia announced an extension of the state of emergency until February 7, 2021 and the implementation of a curfew. For the full announcement, please visit https://mk.gov.lv/lv/aktualitates/valdiba-konceptuali-vienojas-par-gadumijas-majsedi.
Curfew
Everyone present in Latvia must stay inside his or her place of residence nightly from 10 pm until 5 am from December 30 – January 4, January 8 and January 9, 2021. Those found not following the curfew are subject to be fined between 100 and 2000 euros.
Anyone needing to travel for valid work or emergency reasons during curfew hours must do the following:
- Carry valid photo identification documents (passports, resident cards, etc.)
- Fill in, print, and carry a self-declaration form found on the State Police website at https://www.vp.gov.lv/lv/pasapliecinajums. The completed self-certification must be presented at the request of the State or municipal police and representatives of the State Border Guard
Businesses can operate from 6 am until 9 pm ensuring that their employees are able to return to their place of residence before curfew hours. This includes take-away restaurants and food delivery services.
Previously announced restrictions remain in place.
Flights from the United Kingdom
Flights to and from the UK will resume on January 2, 2021. Passengers flying from the UK will be required to present a negative COVID test from within the previous 72 hours.
Travelers to Latvia
All travelers to Latvia are required to fill out and complete the electronic form at https://covidpass.lv/en/ at least 48 h before crossing the border. For minors, the form must be completed by the parent/legal representative. The form requires personal information, contact details, and the previous 14 days travel history. Travelers will receive a QR code that must be submitted to the border guard official (in case of border control or random inspection). The data entered in the form will be forwarded to the competent Latvian authorities (Latvian police, border guard, and disease prevention and control center) and will be kept for 30 days. More information is available at: https://mk.gov.lv/en/aktualitates/october-12-when-crossing-border-republic-latvia-electronic-questionnaire-will-have-be.
Actions to Take:
- Visit our Embassy webpage on COVID-19 for information on conditions in Latvia.
- Consult the CDC website for the most up-to-date information.
- Visit the COVID-19 crisis page on travel.state.gov for the latest information.
- Visit the Department of Homeland Security’s website on the latest travel restrictions to the U.S.
- Follow travel.state.gov on Facebook and Twitter.
- Visit https://reopen.europa.eu/ for information on border openings and entry/exit requirements for countries within the European Union.
Assistance:
- U.S. Embassy Riga, Latvia
Samnera Velsa iela 1
Riga LV-1510
+371 6710 7000
+371 6710 7000 (after hours)
askconsular-riga@state.gov - After-hours emergency number for U.S. citizens is +371 2920 5708
- State Department – Consular Affairs
888-407-4747 or 202-501-4444 - Latvia Country Information
- Enroll in Safe Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive security updates
- Follow us on Facebook and Twitter.
