Customs rules for import of  goods to Latvia

Latvia is one of the historical centres of world tourism. Medieval castles and narrow streets with cosy cafes, ski resorts for professionals and beginners, clean and comfortable beaches of the Baltic Sea - all these attractions of the country are open to tourists. Latvia is famous for its picturesque natural landscapes - untouched deciduous and coniferous forests occupy about 45% of the country's territory, and there are over two thousand lakes. It is also a country of music festivals, so travellers will definitely not be bored here.

Going on a trip, pay attention to the rules for the import of goods. It will help to avoid trouble. The new rules for the import of goods from abroad to Latvia are available for review on our site.
 

Rules for the import of goods at the Latvian airport

The passenger must choose a green corridor when passing passport control if he has not got any products that required a declaration. If a passenger declares a product or his luggage requires special permission, he must choose the red corridor.

Passengers, arriving with goods purchased within the EU for personal use only, are allowed to import these goods without paying duties.

Customs rules for the import of goods from the European Union

1. Tobacco products for passengers 18 years and older:

• 800 cigarettes;

• 400 cigarillos (maximum 3 grams each);

• 200 cigars;

• 1 kilogram of smoking tobacco.

2. Alcohol beverages for passengers 18 years and older:

• 10 litres of alcoholic beverages over 22% (and ethyl alcohol);

• 20 litres of alcoholic beverages less than 22%;

• 90 litres of wine (no more than 60 litres of sparkling wine);

• 110 litres of beer.

Customs rules for the import of goods from countries outside the European Union

1. Tobacco products for passengers 18 years and older:

• 200 cigarettes;

• 100 cigarillos (maximum 3 grams each);

• 50 cigars;

• 250 grams of tobacco;

• proportional range.

2. Alcohol beverages for passengers 18 years and older:

• 1 litre of alcoholic beverages (more than 22%) or undenatured ethyl alcohol (more than 80%);

• 2 litres of spirits or aperitifs made from wine or similar drinks (less than 22%) or sparkling or liquor products;

• a proportional assortment of these products;

• optional: 4 litres of wine; 16 litres of beer.

3. Medications for personal needs.

4. Other goods (for air passengers) with a total value of 430 euros per passenger.

The passenger is allowed to select only one item from the lists of tobacco and alcohol beverages.

If the entry is made by land - by car or by bus - the value of luggage items must not exceed 300 euros. You can also carry a fuel canister through customs, but not more than 10 liters. In addition, before entering, you can fill up a full tank.

There is a certain rule for children: if a tourist is under 15 years old, he is allowed to carry goods worth up to 285 euros.

Rules for the import of foodstuffs 

It is forbidden to import:

• products containing meat (including sausage);

• canned food;

• dairy products (yoghurts, cheeses, sour cream, condensed milk, ice cream);

• lard;

• animal feed containing meat or milk.

It is allowed to import:

• powdered milk for baby food, baby food, pet foods that do not contain meat and milk.

- up to 10 kg:

• bakery and confectionery products, chocolate. The main condition is the absence of meat in the filling;

• pasta;

• dry broth and seasonings, even meat extract is allowed;

• oils containing fish;

• dry food additives;

• other products containing no more than 50% eggs and fish products.

- up to 2 kg:

• honey and bee products;

• eggs;

• oysters;

• snails (alive).

- up to 20 kg:

• fish (fresh fish, washed and cleaned of viscera, dried fish, heat-treated, salted, smoked and canned fish);

• seafood (crabs, shrimp, lobsters).

An exception to the rule is sturgeon caviar. Its maximum amount is 125 grams.

Rules for the import of money

The amount of cash in the amount of 10,000 euros and more is subject to mandatory declaration. This rule applies to all EU countries. It is also necessary to declare funds when it is not your own money that is being transported.

A declaration of cash is not filled if the border of another Schengen country is crossed.
 

Products prohibited for importation:

• pornographic materials;

• explosive and flammable substances;

• narcotic drugs;

• toxic substances;

• extremist materials;

• materials containing scenes of violence and cruelty, as well as sowing inter-ethnic, inter-religious, social and other discord and enmity.

TOP souvenirs and gifts from Latvia

• Riga balsam (in addition to the classic black, there are three more novelties that appeared in 2020: currant, cream, rum balm);

• fabulous handmade Riga`s candlestick houses;

• amber products;

• caramel imitating pieces of amber;

• sprats;

• Riga perfumes from the Dzintars brand (in addition to the traditional classic fragrances available in the distribution network, you can order perfumes with an exclusive fragrance directly from the factory laboratory, but this will cost from 20 to 40 thousand euros);

• eco-friendly and exclusive handmade shoes — light, bright, youthful felt boots of fashionable styles that can be worn not only in winter. They are treated with special substances against getting wet and slipping;

• hand-knitted items or a knitting kit;

• an exclusive crease-resistant hat (casual or carnival) made using a unique technology;

• Latvian chocolate.

We recommend contacting the Ministry of Foreign Affairs or the transport company in advance before your trip to find out more about the new rules for importing goods for personal use in Latvia. As well as familiarize yourself with the restrictions regarding hand luggage and baggage of the airline you have chosen.

Keep useful travel tips for travelling to Latvia. On our website, you can read the customs regulations of more than 140 countries around the world. It will help to prepare for a trip informing you how many and which goods can be imported without paying duties in the chosen country. When planning your travel, save and pre-order duty-free goods at Mydutyfree.net