Country Guide: Latvia
Updated: November 23, 2015
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 shipper’s 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.
- Repatriates 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.
- 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 shipper’s 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 1 year (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.
Restricted/Dutiable Items
Weapons
- For the import of personal arms, hunting weapons, gas pistols (revolvers) and munitions, the shipper 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 shipper can import all medicines as long as the shipper 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.
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.
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.
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