Last update: September 23rd, 2021.
Latvian authorities have fully integrated the Latvia COVID pass into the European Union’s COVID Certificate verification system, the EU Gateway.
The EU Digital COVID Certificate in Latvia benefited from an early launch. In late June, Latvian citizens could already download their copy in preparation for the EU-wide launch on July 1st.
Other countries also adopted the certificate early, including Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Czechia, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Iceland, Italy, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Poland, Portugal and Spain.
How to get the a COVID Certificate in Latvia
The National Health Service (NVD) has updated its website to enable the issue of the EU Digital COVID Certificate in Latvia, also known as the “green pass” for Latvia.
In the first month following the Latvia COVID pass launch, one million citizens and residents had already downloaded their certificate, locally known as “Digitālais Covid-19 sertifikāts”.
One can simply log onto the CovidPass Latvia website, where they create a certificate by following a few easy steps. Verification is done through a personal mobile ID, eID card, or Internet Banking.
The COVID certificate in Latvia will only include the holder’s name and birthdate, the name of the issuing state, the type of immunity, and a unique QR code.
The EU Gateway will insure data protection for COVID passes in Latvia and all participating countries.
The certificate will be available in English and Latvian and can be issued to vaccinated individuals as well as those who have tested negative in the last 72 hours, or who have recovered from COVID-19.
Latvian COVID passport holders can store the certificate issued by the website on their phone. It can also be printed out and used in partnership with the COVID19Verify app.
Latvia’s Health Minister tweeted on June 15th that “Latvia has fully implemented the system of #digitalcovid19certificate nationally and ready to interoperate at the EU level. As the last step, a national certificate verification app has been published on app stores.”
What can I do with a COVID pass in Latvia?
Latvia does not currently apply the strict COVID pass requirements that can be observed in other EU countries, such as France’s Pass Sanitaire mandate.
The Latvian government website explains that COVID certificates in Latvia are mainly used for international travel, but can also be used locally “as a confirmation for receiving a service or attending an institution or event.”
High-risk events and venues which may require proof of COVID-19 vaccination, recovery or a negative test include concerts, cinemas, and theaters.
Latvia’s COVID pass app COVID19Verify allows for the verification of vaccine certificates, even offline.
The app allows certificate holders to enter certain establishments and make use of public facilities, as mandated by the Cabinet.
For indoor spaces, social distancing and masks are still a requirement in Latvia.
Cultural events can also take place once more if the necessary restrictions are adhered to. This also includes visits to museums and libraries.
Is it safe to travel to Latvia now?
Latvia’s fast response to the initial outbreak in 2020 allowed them to delay their first wave until September. A peak of 1861 new infections per day was recorded on the last day of 2020.
A moderate decline in numbers was observed for much of 2021. But a sharp drop since May has been a positive reflection on their vaccine rollout and safety measures.
Over 1,600,000 vaccine doses have been administered. Over 42% of the Latvian population is fully vaccinated.
While precautionary measures are still in place around the country, free movement is restored between countries taking part in the EU COVID Certificate program.
Americans are also welcome to travel in Latvia once more: since September 1st, the CDC vaccination card has been accepted for non-essential travel in Latvia. Visitors who cannot show proof of vaccination or recovery will be subject to testing and isolation upon arrival.
However, all tourists (including minors) must complete a travel health declaration form before entering Latvia.