Like other European Union countries, authorities in Latvia accept vaccines approved by the European Medicines Agency (EMA), meaning that the approved vaccines are Comirnaty (BioNTech, Pfizer), Moderna Vaxzevria ( AstraZeneca, Oxford), Janssen (Johnson & Johnson).
On June 16, Latvia’s government allowed the entry for travellers from the EU, EEA, UK, and Switzerland, completely free of restrictions, provided they hold a digital COVID-19 certificate.
In June, the Latvian Minister of Transport, Tālis Linkaits, announced that the country had abolished entry requirements for vaccinated travellers.
Such a decision came in order to facilitate the travel process during the summer season and prevent another devastating situation for its industry, especially the tourism sector that has been profoundly affected by the virus.
“Coordinated and united action of the European Union for free travel will allow both citizens to plan summer vacations and the international passenger transport industry to return to business as usual,” Linkaits pointed out in this regard.
What to Expect When Visiting Latvia?
At present, there is not much that citizens or travellers can do when entering Latvia, as the country has imposed strict preventive measures in its fight against the virus.
“From October 21 until November 15, people must be at their registered place of residence from 20:00 until 05:00 unless they have a good reason to travel outside these hours. These reasons include travelling to and from work, and necessary medical or psychological treatment, veterinary treatment or visiting a pharmacy. If outside during these hours, you need to carry identification and, if applicable, a self-certification form stating the reason for breaking curfew,” the statement published by Latvia travel shows.
Besides, from October 21 until November 15, all stores except those excluded, such as grocery stores, pharmacies, those carrying essential goods, are closed, and only essential services are available.
Cultural venues, libraries, exhibitions will also remain closed during the lockdown. In addition, beauty and physical activities and entertainment services will also remain closed during the lockdown.
Besides, gatherings indoors and outdoors, including sports, entertainments, cultural events, are not permitted, while private gatherings are permitted only among one household.
“After November 15, it is planned to return to the ‘green mode’ rules which are currently in force and which apply different rules to vaccinated and unvaccinated persons,” the statement reads.
Travel Insurance
Before travelling to Latvia, travellers are urged to purchase travel insurance packages that will protect them if their trip gets cancelled due to Coronavirus or other reasons. In addition, travel insurance will also cover all costs in case of needed medical treatments, illnesses, or accidents.
In Latvia, passengers can find reasonably priced travel insurance from or Europ Assistance.
Current COVID-19 Situation in Latvia
Based on the figures provided by the World Health Organization, a total of 3,206 people in the Baltic State have tested positive for the Coronavirus in the last 24 hours, while 33 people have died during the last 24 hours.
At present, a total of 80.2 per cent of the population in the Baltic State are fully vaccinated against the Coronavirus, according to the figures published by the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control.
NOTE: This article was originally published on August 31. Since then, the same has been continuously updated with the most recent changes. The last changes to the article were made on October 28, in line with the most recent updates of the Latvian authorities.
Source link : https://schengen.news/travelling-to-latvia-during-covid-19-what-you-need-to-know/
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Publish date : 2021-10-28 07:00:00
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