Customs regulations and required documents
Personal effects import regulations
Latvia
Customs regulations
The transit of goods through Latvia is not subject to import and export duties or Value Added Tax (VAT).
The applicable import rates vary depending on the origin and the type of goods imported. Since Latvia is a member of the WTO and the EU, rating practices required by these organizations have been adopted. As an EU member state, import tariffs are dependent and regulated by the pertinent EU-U.S. bilateral agreements.
There are no import or export tariffs for the movement of goods between Latvia and other EU countries.
The Customs Law provides for customs duty exemptions, and foreign investors commonly exempt the temporary import of goods.
Besides customs duties, imports are subject to VAT and may also be subject to excise tax and tax on natural resources.
Used Household Goods and Personal Effects
Documents Required
- Copy of passport
- Diplomatic franchise (diplomats)
- Detailed inventory in English
- Pro-forma invoice with values
- Formal letter to Customs with detailed information about reasons of moving into Latvia (the first time or return, temporary move or permanent, etc.)
- Letter of employment (foreigners)
- Copy of employment contract (foreigners)
- Rental agreement (foreigners) / proof of real estate ownership (returning citizens or EU citizens from outside the EU)
- Proof of living abroad from origin shipping country of European Union (EU) for a period of at least 12 months) (returning citizens, EU citizens from outside the EU)
Specific Information
- The shipment must arrive within 12 months of the owner of the goods’ arrival.
- Diplomats may import household shipments duty free.
- Returning citizens may import household shipments duty free if having lived abroad for at least 12 months.
- Returning citizens must present a letter issued by the Repatriation Centre of Latvian Citizenship and Migration Affairs of their status and may import household shipments duty free.
- If the owner of the goods is not a resident of Latvia, they must have a residence and work permit before arriving to Latvia.
- If these documents are not present at the time of Customs clearance, the shipment will be delayed.
- For shipments entering by roadway, Customs must be notified and receive documents at least 1 hour prior to shipment arrival.
Don’t become involved with drugs. Possession of even very small quantities can lead to lengthy pre-trial detention and possible custodial sentences.
Drinking alcohol in public is prohibited and may lead to detention and a financial penalty.
For identification purposes, you should carry a photocopy of your passport at all times. If possible, leave your passport and other important documents in hotel safes.
There are on the spot fines for those found travelling on public transport without a ticket or with a ticket which has not been validated. Tickets can be bought from the driver or from shops/kiosks but must be validated by using machines sited within the bus/tram. Additional tickets should be purchased from drivers for large pieces of luggage and/or pets.
Taking food and drink into the EU
You cannot take meat, milk or products containing them into EU countries. There are some exceptions for medical reasons, for example certain amounts of powdered infant milk, infant food, or pet food required for medical reasons. Check the rules about taking food and drink into the EU on the European Commission website.
Dutiable Items
The National Customs Board of Latvia is part of the State Revenue Service, an institution of direct administration subordinate to the Minister of Finance. Latvia has been a member of the World Customs Organization (WCO) since 1992.
When products enter the EU, they need to be declared to customs according to their classification in the Combined Nomenclature (CN). The CN document is updated and published every year, and the latest version can be found on the European Commission`s website: European Commission – The Combined Nomenclature
U.S. exports to the EU are subject to an average tariff of just three percent. U.S. exporters should consult “The Integrated Tariff of the Community,” referred to as TARIC (Tarif Intégré de la Communauté), to identify the various rules which apply to specific products being imported into the customs territory of the EU. To determine if a license is required for a particular product, check the TARIC.
The TARIC can be searched by country of origin, Harmonized System (HS) Code, and product description on the interactive website of the Directorate-General for Taxation and the Customs Union. The online TARIC is updated daily.
- Weapons:
- For the import of personal arms, hunting weapons, gas pistols (revolvers) and munitions, the owner of the goods must apply for a license at the Home Affairs Ministry Police Department.
- The license must be obtained prior to import as a valid firearms license from abroad must be presented upon entry.
- Medications:
- The owner of the goods can import all medicines as long as the owner of the goods can provide proof that they are for personal use only.
- It is recommended to attach a doctor’s prescription to prove the necessity.
- Drugs and psychotropic substances, as well as equipment for the use of them, cannot be imported.
- Alcohol:
- The import of alcohol is restricted.
- Some exceptions may be allowed depending on the mode of transport used to enter the country.
- Contact the destination agent for specific information.
- Excise goods:
- Excise goods such as tobacco, coffee, lemonade, etc. may be restricted.
- Contract the destination agent for specific information.
- Fur and hunting trophies:
- A license is required for import.
Import regulations:
Free import to passengers arriving with goods purchased within the EU which are for personal use only:
1. tobacco products:
- 800 cigarettes;
- 400 cigarillos (max. 3 grams each);
- 200 cigars;
- 1 kilogram of smoking tobacco;
2. alcoholic beverages:
- 10 liters of spirits over 22%;
- 20 liters of alcoholic beverages less than 22%;
- 90 liters of wine (though no more than 60 liters of sparkling wine);
- 110 liters of beer.
Free import to passengers arriving from non-EU Member States (incl. Aland Island, Canary Islands, Channel Islands and other similar territories) :
1. tobacco products, for passengers aged 17 and older:
- 200 cigarettes; or
- 100 cigarillos (max. 3 grams each); or
- 50 cigars; or
- 250 grams of tobacco; or
- proportional assortment;
2. alcoholic beverages, for passengers aged 17 and older:
- 1 liter of spirits over 22% volume, or non-denatured ethyl alcohol with more than 80% volume; or
- 2 liters of spirits or aperitifs made of wine or similar beverages less than 22% volume, or sparkling wines or liquor wines; or
- a proportional mix of these products; and in addition
- 4 liters of wine; and
- 16 liters of beer;
3. medicinal products sufficient for personal needs;
4. other goods (for air travelers) up to a total value of EUR 430.- per traveler.
The provision of free import is applicable for only one entry within a 48 hour period. If a person enters more than once during a 48 hour period and has imported goods under the provision of free import on the first arrival, then customs duties will have to be paid.
Products of animal origin, not originating from an EU Member State, Andorra, Liechtenstein, Norway, San Marino or Switzerland, are not permitted to be imported into an EU Member State, with the exception of limited amounts from Andorra, Faroe Isl., Greenland, Iceland and small amounts of specific products from other countries.
- pets need to be identifiable (tattoo or an electronic identification system), vaccinated against rabies and have a health certificate. For more information please refer to the nearest embassy.
- maximum of 10 kg of meat, milk and dairy products coming from Croatia, Færøer Islands, Greenland and Iceland
- powdered milk for babies, food for children and special medical food (including pets food) may be allowed if they need not to be refrigerated prior opening and that it is brand packaged food and the packaging has original seal (unless in use at the time) and its quantity must not exceed the weight of 10 kg originating from Croatia, Færøer Islands, Greenland and Iceland, and of 2 kg if originating in other countries.
- fish only if it is disembowelled and does not exceed the weight of 20 kg,
- currency – no restrictions if coming from EU country. Declarable for all travelling outside EU when the amount exceeds 10.000 euro or equivalent in another currency.
- coats, fur and leather shoes made of protected animals will need special authorization
Prohibited Items
- Pornographic materials
- Narcotics and illegal drugs
- Subversive materials
- Meat and milk and any items thereof from non-EU countries with the exception of limited amounts from Andorra, Croatia, the Faeroe Islands, Greenland, Iceland and small amounts of specific products from other countries
- Protected species and products thereof as listed by the CITES (Washington Convention) for example ivory, tortoise shell, coral, reptile skin, wood from Amazonian forests.
Miscellaneous (Pets, Motors, and others.)
Pets:
Cats and dogs are subject to Regulation (EC) No. 998/2003 and Regulation (EU) 576/2013 .
Birds are subject to Decision (EC) No. 25/2007.
For more information contact the nearest embassy of Latvia.
Baggage Clearance regulations:
Baggage is cleared at the first airport of entry in Latvia.
Exempt: baggage of transit passengers with a destination outside of Latvia if it is labeled to that destination.
Currency
Currency Import regulations:
Same regulations as for export apply.
Currency Export regulations:
Local currency (Euro-EUR) and foreign currencies: no restrictions if arriving from or traveling to another EU Member State .
If arriving directly from or traveling to a country outside the EU: amounts exceeding EUR 10,000.- or more or the equivalent in another currency (incl. banker’s draft and cheques of any kind) must be declared.
Motor Vehicles
Documents Required
- Technical passport
- Proof of ownership for a period of at least 6 months
Specific Information
- Motor vehicles must be registered in the owner of the goods’ name.
- Motor vehicles may enter duty free only if owned and operated for a minimum of 6 months and the vehicle meets European requirements.
- The vehicle must have a valid license plate and third party liability (TPL) insurance policy valid within the entire territory of the European Economic Area (EEA) and Switzerland.
Pets
Documents Required
- Rabies vaccination certificate valid for 12 months (dogs)
- Original international vaccination book
- Certificate of origin
- Veterinary health certificate in English or Latvian
Specific Information
- The veterinary health certificate must be issued by a licensed veterinarian within 10 days of import.
Antiques, Artifacts, Carpets, Paintings
- Antiques and artwork:
- All antiques and artwork must be declared.
- Two photographs for each item need to accompany documentation.
- Contact the destination agent for specific information.
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No airport tax is levied on passengers upon embarkation at the airport.
The information on this page covers the most common types of travel and reflects the UK government’s understanding of the rules currently in place. Unless otherwise stated, this information is for travellers using a full ‘British Citizen’ passport.
The authorities in the country or territory you’re travelling to are responsible for setting and enforcing the rules for entry. If you’re unclear about any aspect of the entry requirements, or you need further reassurance, you’ll need to contact the embassy, high commission or consulate of the country or territory you’re travelling to.
You should also consider checking with your transport provider or travel company to make sure your passport and other travel documents meet their requirements.
If you need further information about entry requirements, contact the local immigration authorities or the nearest Latvian embassy/consulate. You should also check with your airline or travel company for the latest information.
Entry rules in response to coronavirus (COVID-19)
From 11 February to 6 April 2021, entry into Latvia is permitted for essential travel only, defined as for work, studies, transit, medical treatment, funerals, family reunions, returning to your residence, and accompanying a minor.
Everyone who intends to enter Latvia is required to complete and submit an electronic form no earlier than 48 hours before entering Latvia. Further information is available on the Latvian Government’s COVID-19 website.
All travellers entering Latvia, including children aged 11 and above, are required to present evidence of a negative COVID-19 test result taken not earlier than 72 hours before boarding or before crossing the Latvian border individually, for example by road. Passengers who are unable to present evidence of a negative COVID-19 test will be denied boarding. The certification must be in English, French, Russian or in the official language of the country from where the journey begins. There are very limited exemptions to the requirementto present evidence of a negative COVID-19 test. The test must be a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test.
Quarantine requirements
Asymptomatic travellers arriving in Latvia from a country (or who have been in a country in the previous 14 days) where the cumulative incidence of COVID-19 cases in 100,000 of population over the previous 14 days exceeds 50 are required to self-isolate for 10 days after leaving that country. These countries are listed in the table of comparative epidemiological data published every Friday on the Latvian Centre for Disease Prevention and Control website. Travellers who have been in contact with a COVID-19 infected person or who work in Latvia in the medical professions, as teachers, or as social workers are still required to self-isolate for 14 days.
Further details on self-isolation are on the Latvian Centre for Disease Prevention and Control website and the Latvian Government’s COVID-19 website:
- if you are required to self-isolate you must carefully monitor your health for the period of self-isolation, including by taking your body temperature twice a day (in the morning and evening)
- if you experience mild flu-like (increased body temperature, cough, sore throat) symptoms for at least two days you should call 8303. The dispatcher will then evaluate on a case-by-case basis and refer you to a testing point or send a medical unit to you if you are unable to travel to a testing point
- in case of sudden onset of at least one of the following symptoms – dry cough, fever, shortness of breath – restrict contact with people nearby, but in case this is not possible, keep a distance of at least two metres from them, and call 113 immediately (State Emergency Medical Service).
If you have arrived in Latvia and are self-isolating but wish to leave Latvia before the end of your self-isolation period you should call the Latvian State Police on 110 and let them know of your intended departure.
Keep up to date with information from your tour operator, transport or accommodation provider on the impact on any existing travel plans.
Neighbouring countries
Check country-specific FCDO Travel Advice for details of travel restrictions in the neighbouring countries Estonia and Lithuania.
You should follow the local quarantine measures of the country that you are in.
Regular entry requirements
Visas
The rules for travelling or working in European countries changed on 1 January 2021:
- you can travel to countries in the Schengen area for up to 90 days in any 180-day period without a visa. This applies if you travel as a tourist, to visit family or friends, to attend business meetings, cultural or sports events, or for short-term studies or training
- if you are travelling to Latvia and other Schengen countries without a visa, make sure your whole visit is within the 90-day limit. Visits to Schengen countries within the previous 180 days before you travel count towards your 90 days
- to stay longer, to work or study, for business travel or for other reasons, you will need to meet the Latvian government’s entry requirements. Check with the Latvian Embassy what type of visa and/or work permit you may need
- if you stay in Latvia with a visa or permit, this does not count towards the 90-day limit
Any time you spent in Latvia or other Schengen countries before 1 January 2021 does not count towards your 90-day visa-free limit.
At Latvian border control, you may need to use separate lanes from EU, EEA and Swiss citizens when queueing. Your passport may be stamped on entry and exit. You may also need to:
- show a return or onward ticket
- show you have enough money for your stay
If you were legally resident in Latvia before 1 January 2021, your rights will be protected by the Withdrawal Agreement. You must apply for a new residence status by 30 June 2021 to secure your rights.
You should carry your residence document, as well as your valid passport, when you travel. If you have applied for but not yet received your document, carry a copy of your certificate of application.
There are separate requirements for those who are resident in Latvia. If you are resident in Latvia, you should carry proof of residence as well as your valid passport when you travel. For further information on these requirements, see our Living in Latvia guide.
Passport validity
Check your passport is valid for travel before you book your trip, and renew your passport if you do not have enough time left on it.
You must have at least 6 months left on an adult or child passport to travel to most countries in Europe (not including Ireland).
If you renewed your current passport before the previous one expired, extra months may have been added to its expiry date. Any extra months on your passport over 10 years may not count towards the 6 months needed.
Health insurance
You are required to have health insurance when you enter Latvia. This must include repatriation costs. Those who require visas for Latvia (other than EU family members) will need to show their policies upon arrival in Latvia.
UK Emergency Travel Documents
UK Emergency Travel Documents (ETDs) are accepted for entry, airside transit and exit from Latvia. *[FCDO]: Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office
Crime
There have been reports of petty theft and robbery. Beware of pickpockets, avoid unlit streets and parks at night, and be extra vigilant if walking alone. Most thefts have been reported in Riga Old town, Central Market, central train and bus stations. You should remain particularly vigilant in these areas.
Reports of foreign tourists being charged extortionate prices for drinks or having fraudulent transactions debited against credit/debit cards have fallen considerably. You should, however, remain vigilant. Seek recommendations for bars and clubs from trustworthy sources like your hotel or other holidaymakers. When paying by credit or debit card make sure the transaction is completed in your presence and be wary of attempts to make you re-enter your pin number. Don’t leave drinks unattended.
If you wish to report a crime, call the Riga tourism police on +371 67181818 or the national police on 110.
Car theft occurs. Wherever possible use guarded car parks and keep valuables out of sight.
Winter travel
Be prepared for extremely cold and possibly hazardous weather if you travel to Latvia in the winter (October to March). There is likely to be snow on the ground and temperatures may drop to -25 degrees Celsius or below.
Road travel
In 2019 there were 132 road deaths in the Latvia (source: Department for Transport). This equates to 6.9 road deaths per 100,000 of population and compares to the UK average of 2.6 road deaths per 100,000 of population in 2019.
Licences and documents
You can drive in Latvia with a UK driving licence.
If you’re living in Latvia, check the Living in Guide for information on requirements for residents.
Drivers should carry original vehicle registration documents when crossing the border into Latvia (including motorcycles). If you do not have these documents, you will not be allowed to take your vehicle back out of Latvia.
Road safety
There is a system called a Co-ordinated Accident Statement for use in case of road accidents when only two vehicles are involved in the accident, both vehicles are fit to continue the journey, there are no injuries and no other property has been damaged. Details of this are available from insurance companies. If you are not familiar with this protocol, or if the situation does not conform to the rules, then you should not attempt to move a vehicle that has been involved in an accident, even if it is blocking the road, until the police give permission.
Driving regulations
Don’t drink and drive. The legal limit is 0.05% (0.02% for drivers with less than two years of experience). Those found over the limit face a large fine, licence endorsement and probable imprisonment.
Using a mobile phone whilst driving is prohibited unless using a hands-free device.
Winter tyres are required between 1 December and 1 March.
Local law states that drivers must use their headlights at all times, including during daylight hours.
See the European Commission, AA and RAC guides on driving in Latvia.
Taxis
You should use a major taxi company such as Baltic Taxi (+371 2000 8500) or Red Cab (+371 661 83 83). They are generally able to tell you the type, colour and number of the car in advance. If you do pick up a taxi on the street or at the airport make sure you only use official registered vehicles. These display yellow license plates. Even when using official taxis agree the approximate price of the journey before setting off as reports have been received of some taxis using meters which have been adapted to clock up higher rates. Some taxis operating from Riga airport can charge highly inflated prices.
