Latvia: Authorities extend COVID-19-related entry restrictions until April 6 /update 18

Latvia extends COVID-19-related international entry restrictions until April 6; domestic measures remain in place.

Event

Authorities in Latvia have announced that they will extend current restrictions on nonessential entry from abroad until at least April 6 in response to the COVID-19 pandemic; a state of emergency remains in effect until that date.

Travel via commercial transport to Latvia is only be permitted for returning residents and those traveling for limited urgent reasons, such as for work, study, or urgent family business. All permitted arrivals must fill out an online form within 48 hours prior to travel and have proof of a negative COVID-19 PCR test taken within the 72 hours prior to travel.

Individuals traveling from countries where the 14-day cumulative incidence of COVID-19 is greater than 50 cases per 100,000 inhabitants must also self-isolate for 10 days on arrival. As of Feb. 26, all countries other than Iceland, Australia, New Zealand, Rwanda, Singapore, South Korea, and Thailand exceed this incidence rate. In addition, passenger flights with the UK, Ireland, and Portugal are also suspended until April 6 due to variants of COVID-19 active in those countries.

The following domestic measures are also in force:

People from a maximum of two separate households are permitted to meet socially.
Only pharmacies, veterinary pharmacies, and shops that sell essential goods may operate; alcohol and tobacco sales are banned on weekends. Businesses that are open must adhere to strict hygiene and social distancing requirements.
No more than one customer per 25 square meters (160 square feet) of floor space is allowed inside shops at a time.
Cultural venues, exhibitions, and fairs are closed.
Facemasks are mandatory on public transport and all enclosed public spaces nationwide.

Restrictions could be reimposed, extended, or otherwise amended at short notice, depending on disease activity over the coming weeks.

Advice

Follow all official instructions. Abide by national health and safety measures. Reconfirm all travel arrangements. Consider delaying traveling if experiencing symptoms associated with COVID-19, as they could prompt increased scrutiny and delays. Liaise with trusted contacts for further updates and guidance. Maintain contact with your diplomatic representation. Ensure contingency plans account for further disruptive measures or extensions of current restrictions. Reconsider and reconfirm nonemergency health appointments. Plan for queues and delays at available shopping centers.