Country Guide: Latvia
Due to the current coronavirus/COVID-19 situation and restrictions in various countries, the below information may not be accurate. This pandemic is a fluid situation. Check with authorities for local laws and restrictions concerning movements.
Updated: January 24, 2017
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.
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.
Restricted/Dutiable Items
- 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.
Prohibited Items
- Pornographic materials
- Narcotics and illegal drugs
- Subversive materials
Consignment Instructions
Recommended: Contact the destination agent to ensure all requirements have been met prior to import, especially for differences regarding air / sea shipments.
Cultural and Other Information
CIA World Factbook Entry for Latvia
Wikipedia Entry for Latvia
