Crossing the border with Latvia by car. Features of crossing the Belarus-Latvia border by car. The total price does not include

European Union Customs Regulations:

Foodstuffs

From member states of the European Union, Norway, Andorra, San Marino, Switzerland and Liechtenstein, it is allowed to import food products of animal origin in quantities suitable for personal consumption.
From the Faroe Islands, Iceland, Greenland and Croatia, it is allowed to import meat and dairy products, as well as other products of animal origin (for example honey, live oysters, mussels and snails) up to 10 kg per person. Fish and fish products are allowed to be imported from Croatia and Greenland up to 20 kg, and from the Faroe Islands and Iceland - in quantities suitable for personal consumption.
From other countries outside the European Union:
o the import of meat and dairy products is prohibited (it is allowed to import baby and medical food in sealed original packaging up to 2 kg per person);
o other products of animal origin, such as honey, live oysters, mussels and snails, are allowed to import up to 2 kg per person (valid in the case of recognized countries);
o fish and fish products, including shrimp, crayfish, non-live oysters and mussels, fish roe (except black caviar), are allowed to import up to 20 kg per person.
From all countries it is allowed to import food products of non-animal origin (sweets, chocolate, biscuits, cakes) in quantities suitable for personal consumption.

Tobacco products

800 cigarettes,
400 cigarillos, the weight of one cigarillo does not exceed 3 g,
200 cigars,
1 kg of smoking tobacco,
1 kg of chewing tobacco.

40 cigarettes* or
100 cigarillos* or
50 cigars* or
50 g smoking tobacco* or
50 g chewing tobacco*.

* Quantities marked with an asterisk (*) are allowed to be combined, taking into account that each quantity is 100% and 100% of the total can be brought. Combination example: 20 cigarettes is 50% of 40 cigarettes, you can additionally add 25 cigars, which is 50% of 50 cigars.

Alcohol

From member states of the European Union you can import duty-free for personal consumption:

Up to 90 liters of wine, including up to 60 liters of sparkling wine,
up to 110 liters of beer,
up to 10 liters of strong alcoholic drinks (with alcohol content over 22%),
20 liters of other alcoholic beverages not listed above (with an alcohol content of less than 22%).

From countries outside the European Union you can import duty-free for personal consumption:

Up to 4 liters of wine;
up to 16 liters of beer;
in addition, 2 liters of alcoholic drinks with an alcohol content of less than 22% (including sparkling wine, liqueur wine) or 1 liter of strong alcoholic drinks (with an alcohol content of over 22%)*.
* Quantities marked with an asterisk (*) are allowed to be combined, taking into account that each quantity is 100% and 100% can be brought in total. Combination example: 1.5 liters of an alcoholic drink with an alcohol content of up to 22% is 75% of 2 liters, to this you can additionally add 0.25 liters of a strong alcoholic drink with an alcohol content of over 22%, which is 25% of 1 liter.

Plants and plant products

A passenger may enter from countries outside the European Union:

5 plants (including trees and bushes),
3 kg of citrus fruits,
5 kg of fruits and vegetables,
20 cut flowers or branches, or a wreath or bouquet made from them,
5 indoor flowers,
2 kg flower bulbs or tubers,
5 five-gram commercial packages of seeds.

Without a phytosanitary certificate, it is not allowed to import potatoes and soil, as well as the following plants: serviceberry, Japanese quince or chaenomeles, cotoneaster, hawthorn, quince, loquat, apple tree, German medlar, pyracantha, pear, rowan, David's photinia or sparkle leaf, citrus plants, Fortunella japonica or kumquat, Japanese orange, grape. In addition, it is not allowed to import cut parts of chrysanthemums, carnations and orchids, as well as potted plants. There are no quantitative restrictions when arriving from member states of the European Union.
Additional information at the Agricultural Department, tel. 671 2602

Endangered animal and plant species

Individuals of any species of endangered plants and animals, as well as their parts and products made from them, can only be imported from countries outside the European Union with the appropriate permits from CITES (the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Wildlife). flora).

Articles and products made from the following representatives of flora and fauna are exempt from the requirement for a permit to be carried in passenger luggage:

Sturgeon caviar (Acipenseriformes spp.) - 125 g,
umbrellas made from any type of cactus (Cactaceae spp.) - 3 pcs.,
products made of crocodile skin (Crocodylia spp.) - 4 pcs.,
giant strombus (Strombus Gigas) - 3 pcs.,
tridacna (Tridacnidae spp.) - 3 pcs. or 3 kg,
Seahorse (Hippocampus spp.) - 3 dead.
Additional information from the Ministry of Environment, tel. 626 2882.

Medicines

Without permission from the Department of Medicines, you can take with you for personal consumption up to 10 medicinal products of different names and up to five retail packages of each drug, and for animals taken with you - up to five medicinal products of different names, with up to three retail packages of each name. The retail packaging size for solid dosage forms is up to 100 units, for powders used to prepare a solution - 500 g, for homeopathic granules - 50 g, for infusion solutions and solutions taken orally - 500 ml, for injection dosage forms - up to 10 ampoules or vials, for external medications - 200 ml or 200 g, dragees - 100 g. Medicines must be in the manufacturer's packaging.

Without permission from the Medicines Department, you can take with you one retail package of narcotic or psychotropic drugs up to 20 units in size. For medications there must be a doctor’s notice, and for medications intended for animals, a veterinarian’s notice about the need for the medication or a copy of the prescription.
If a person, whose permanent place of residence is in a state that is a party to the Schengen Treaty, wishes to travel to the territory of another state that is a party to the Schengen Treaty, then for each narcotic or psychotropic drug prescribed by a doctor, he must have a certificate issued by the state of residence in the form established Article 75 of the Schengen Convention. In Estonia, the certificate is issued by the Department of Medicines.
Additional information at the Department of Medicines, tel. 737 4140.

Weapons and ammunition

You can import weapons and ammunition from outside the European Union for personal use if you have a weapons acquisition permit issued by the Police and Border Guard Board. one-time special permit.
The right to travel with weapons and ammunition between the countries of the European Union is granted by a firearms passport, which contains a permit issued by the competent institution of the state. If the purpose of the trip is shooting sports or hunting, a firearms passport and an invitation are required.
Additional information from the Police and Border Guard Board, tel. 612 3300.

Cultural values

To export cultural property from Estonia, you must have an export permit from the Department of Heritage Protection.
For additional information, please contact the Department for the Protection of Antique Monuments, tel. 640 3018.

Explosives and pyrotechnic products
A passenger (at least 18 years of age) may bring into Estonia from the European Economic Area pyrotechnic products of class 1 and 2 registered with the Technical Supervision Department with a total weight of up to two kilograms. To import pyrotechnic products into Estonia from third countries, you must have an explosives import permit.
Additional information in the Department of Technical Supervision, tel. 667 2000

Cash

Any passenger entering or leaving the European Union carrying an amount equivalent to €10,000 in cash or more must submit a declaration to customs. Cash includes both cash and coins, as well as checks (including traveler's checks), bills of exchange, postal money orders, and shares.

A PASSENGER IS PROHIBITED TO CARRY ACROSS THE CUSTOMS BORDER:

Dangerous bladed weapons, firearms and electric shock weapons, as well as ammunition, prohibited in civilian use;
counterfeit goods, i.e. any consumer goods marked with a fake brand name, such as clothing, shoes, watches, etc.;
pirated goods, including pirated copies of CDs and DVDs, computer programs and games;
narcotic and psychotropic substances;
erotic or pornographic materials about minors;
alien species of animals and plants that threaten the natural balance.

Delivery of prohibited goods across the customs border is a violation of customs regulations, which entails a fine or arrest.

Customs has the right to confiscate prohibited and undeclared goods!

ATTENTION! The list of prohibited and restricted goods for import and export is not exhaustive.

To avoid misunderstandings, it is advisable to familiarize yourself with the requirements of the destination state before travel and request additional information from the customs office, customs information office or customs official.

Additional information can be obtained from:
880 0814 [email protected]
Mon.–Thu. 8.30–16.30
Fri. 8.30–15.30
Telephone number for information about violations:
800 4444
E-mail for information about violations:
[email protected]

States- members of the European Union: Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Estonia, Spain, Holland, Ireland, Italy, Greece, Cyprus, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Latvia, Malta, Poland, Portugal, France, Sweden, Romania, Germany, Slovakia, Slovenia, Finland , Denmark, Czech Republic, Hungary, United Kingdom.

States― participants of the Schengen Agreement: Austria, Belgium, Estonia, Spain, Holland, Iceland, Italy, Greece, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Latvia, Malta, Norway, Poland, Portugal, France, Sweden, Germany, Slovakia, Slovenia, Finland, Denmark, Czech Republic , Hungary.

States European Economic Area: 27 member states of the European Union and three states (Norway, Iceland, Liechtenstein) EFT (European Free Trade Association).

Customs regulations of the Russian Federation:

Upon import:

8. ozone-depleting substances prohibited for import into the customs territory of the customs union;

9. plant protection products prohibited for import into the customs territory of the customs union, falling under the scope of Annexes A and B of the Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants, signed in Stockholm on May 22, 2001;

10. tools for the extraction (catch) of aquatic biological resources, prohibited for import into the customs territory of the customs union;

11. ethyl alcohol and alcoholic products with a total volume of more than 5 liters per person over 18 years of age;

12. more than 200 cigarettes or 50 cigars or 250 grams of tobacco, or the specified products in a set with a total weight of more than 250 grams per person over 18 years of age.

Upon export:

1. information on printed, audiovisual and other media that is prohibited for import into the customs territory of the customs union, export from the customs territory of the customs union and transit through the customs territory of the customs union;

2. service and civilian weapons, their main parts, and ammunition for them, prohibited for import into the customs territory of the customs union, export from the customs territory of the customs union and transit through the customs territory of the customs union;

3. hazardous waste prohibited for import and (or) restricted for movement across the customs border during import and (or) export;

4. special technical means intended for secretly obtaining information, the import of which into the customs territory of the customs union and export from the customs territory of the customs union is limited;

5. toxic substances that are not precursors of narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances, restricted for movement across the customs border;

6. narcotic drugs, psychotropic substances and their precursors, with the exception of limited quantities of narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances in the form of medicines for personal use for medical reasons in the presence of appropriate documents, as well as precursors in the amounts determined by the legislation of the state member of the customs union

7. human organs and (or) tissues, blood and its components, restricted for movement across the customs border during import and (or) export;

8. waste and scrap of ferrous and non-ferrous metals included in the list of goods for the export and (or) import of which quantitative restrictions are established;

9. unprocessed precious metals, scrap and waste of precious metals, ores and concentrates of precious metals and raw materials containing precious metals, the export of which from the customs territory of the Customs Union is limited;

10. mineral raw materials (natural unprocessed stones), restricted for movement across the customs border during export;

11. information about subsoil, restricted for movement across the customs border during export;

12. wild medicinal raw materials (plants, plant parts, seeds, fruits), restricted for movement across the customs border when exported in quantities exceeding three copies of one type of these goods;

13. wild live animals and individual wild plants, restricted for movement across the customs border during export (except for hunting and fishing trophies), in quantities exceeding three copies of one type of these goods;

List of goods for personal use restricted for import into the customs territory of the customs union and (or) export from this territory

Upon import:

5. radio-electronic equipment and (or) high-frequency devices for civilian use, including those built-in or included in other goods, restricted for import into the customs territory of the customs union;

Upon export:

1. encryption (cryptographic) means, the import of which into the customs territory of the customs union and export from the customs territory of the customs union is limited;

2. ozone-depleting substances restricted for movement across the customs border during import and export;

3. limited quantities of narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances in the form of medicines for personal use for medical reasons in the presence of appropriate documents, as well as precursors in the amounts determined by the legislation of the member state of the customs union;

4. service and civilian weapons, their main parts and ammunition, limited for import into the customs territory of the customs union, export from the customs territory of the customs union and transit through the customs territory of the customs union;

5. collections and collectibles on mineralogy and paleontology, restricted for movement across the customs border during export;

6. species of wild fauna and flora falling under the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora, restricted for movement across the customs border upon export;

7. rare and endangered species of wild animals and wild plants, their parts and (or) derivatives, included in the red books of the Republic of Belarus, the Republic of Kazakhstan and the Russian Federation, restricted for movement across the customs border during export;

8. documents of national archival funds, originals of archival documents, restricted for movement across the customs border during export.

9. cultural values

It is prohibited to transport meat and dairy products to EU countries

Due to the fact that products of animal origin may contain pathogens that cause infectious diseases in animals and travelers may accidentally introduce infectious agents, travelers are prohibited from bringing meat, meat products, milk and milk products into the European Union.

African swine fever is very dangerous and contagious and causes disease in pigs.

In the place where the disease was recorded, the entire herd must be destroyed, so when the disease is detected in animals, the owners suffer large economic losses.

If you have prohibited products in your luggage, please hand it over to customs for destruction after entering the EU.

If you fail to declare these products, you may be subject to fines or criminal prosecution.

Thank you for your understanding and cooperation!

This year, bad news began to come from Latvian customs - many motor tourists were no longer allowed into the country. Who is to blame for this and what to do to avoid it?

The fact is that car owners began to be asked in an ultimatum form for an outlandish document that many car travelers simply do not have - namely, a “diagnostic card”.

This document indicates that the vehicle has passed technical inspection and is required to purchase a compulsory motor liability insurance agreement. To be honest, few people think of taking this card with them after purchasing OSAGO, because it is not included in the list of documents that a driver must have with him in Russia.

Moreover, according to Russian legislation, new cars (up to three years old) do not need to undergo a technical inspection to purchase compulsory motor liability insurance. That is, all owners of new cars simply do not have such a card!

At the same time, according to the legislation of a number of European countries and in particular Latvia, ANY car entering the country must have a document indicating that it has passed a technical inspection. Otherwise, there is a high chance that the auto-tourist will simply not be allowed into the country and the vacation will be ruined! At best, you will lose at least a few days, especially if you find yourself at customs on Friday evening: the nearest GTO point in Pustoshka is not open on weekends.

Here is what is written in the legislation of Latvia:

“According to Part 1 of Article 9 of the Road Traffic Law, on the territory of Latvia it is permitted to use only such vehicles whose technical condition meets the requirements of the standards provided for by law.

According to clause 35.5. According to the Road Traffic Regulations of the Republic of Latvia, the driver is required to carry a document confirming the passage of a technical inspection of the vehicle (diagnostic card - for vehicles registered in Russia), and present it to police officers, border guards or customs officers (in the customs zone) upon their request.

In the absence of the above-mentioned document, employees of the State Border Guard have the right to refuse to cross the border - entry into the Republic of Latvia on this vehicle."

Therefore, if you want your vacation to be hassle-free, take the diagnostic card with you if you have it, and if you don’t have it, make it! It’s very simple - go to any State Technical Inspection point, and after paying a fee of 720 rubles, you will receive the coveted piece of paper. All necessary fields are duplicated in English. Now not a single customs officer will find fault with you!

Next, some useful information on the topic of moving food and other goods across the border. It is prohibited to import any meat and dairy products into the European Union, including Latvia, for personal consumption.

There are also restrictions on the import of cigarettes and alcohol: you can take with you no more than 40 cigarettes, 1 liter of strong drinks, or 2 liters of liqueurs, or 4 liters of wine, or 16 liters of beer (I would like to see those who will drag their beer). And don’t think that if a child is traveling with you, you can “chalk” cigarettes and alcohol to him: persons under 18 years of age are not allowed to import tobacco and alcohol.

In the opposite direction - to Russia from Latvia - it is now prohibited to transport any products containing pork (even in factory packaging, this applies to jamon, sausage and any other products). The reason is the worsening epidemiological situation regarding African swine fever in Latvia and other EU countries. This means that if a piece of ham is found in your possession, it will be immediately confiscated. An official document on the Latvian side informs about this.

Russian customs officers also told me about the ban on the import of cheese. When I asked why on earth, they answered: “Don’t you watch TV?” I had nothing to object to, because really, I don’t watch it... But I think that in this case the inspector decided to play it safe. Indeed, according to the law, it is allowed to import into Russia food products of animal origin in an amount of no more than 5 kg and always in original packaging (according to the Decision of the Commission of the EurAsEC Customs Union dated June 18, 2010 No. 317 “On the application of veterinary and sanitary measures in the customs union”) . There is no mention of any cheese in the resolution... And the ban on the import of “sanctions” and its destruction in case of discovery “do not apply to goods imported by individuals for personal use.”

And, of course, the total weight of your luggage should not exceed 50 kilograms per person, and the total cost of luggage is 1,500 euros. Otherwise, you need to go through the red corridor and declare everything when leaving Russia, respectively, when returning back, present an exit declaration. If you are found to have an excess or undeclared goods, then serious financial losses await you: minimum -, maximum - confiscation of goods and a fine (for example, if you try to smuggle a batch of iPhones in your luggage).

In general, take a diagnostic card with you even for a new car (for example, they asked for it on my new press-park Renault Duster), do not carry prohibited products in your luggage - and you will be happy!

When going on a trip by personal car or making a commercial trip, you must remember that crossing the border with Latvia by car will require compliance with the State Border Law of the Republic of Latvia, the requirements of the Schengen Agreement and the rules of the Cabinet of Ministers of Latvia “On the procedure for children crossing the state border”.

Features of the automobile border of the Republic of Latvia

Entering the territory of Latvia by car will require the presence, successful passage of customs control and compliance of the vehicle with the standards of the Schengen Union countries. In this case, a trip to Riga by car and visits to other Latvian cities will be successful.

General characteristics of the road border with Latvia

As for the countries that are members of the EU (European Union), crossing the Latvian border from their side is possible at any point on the existing routes. Citizens of non-EU member states cross the border with Latvia only at special checkpoints (checkpoints).

Map of vehicle checkpoints on the Russia-Latvia border

Currently, there are four checkpoints on the Russia-Latvia border. Choosing the best place to cross the border with Latvia by car largely depends on the direction of your movement and route.

Waiting time and queues at the checkpoint on the Latvian-Russian border

The fastest time to pass the checkpoint is about 40 minutes. In the worst case, the wait can last 12 hours or more. There are dry toilets in the checkpoint area. You will have to take care of food and resting place yourself.

One of the reasons for the formation of queues at the checkpoint with Latvia is the many so-called “fuel trucks” or “gasoline shuttles”. This nickname was given to cars exporting cheaper gasoline from Russia to Latvia.

Customs control rules when crossing the border of Latvia

And finally, the most interesting thing is the restriction of travel abroad for debtors. It is the status of the debtor that is easiest to “forget” when getting ready for your next vacation abroad. The reason may be overdue loans, unpaid housing and communal services receipts, alimony or fines from the traffic police. Any of these debts may threaten to restrict travel abroad in 2018; we recommend that you find out information about the presence of debt using a trusted service

Crossing the border is an important step for any traveler. By following the rules for entering Latvia by car in 2019, you guarantee yourself the absence of unnecessary problems and a comfortable stay abroad.

Many fans of independent travel are concerned about changes in Latvian legislation, in particular, the recent introduction of fines for the use of foreign license plates on vehicles within the country. Representatives of the Latvian authorities are quick to reassure: these sanctions do not apply to motor tourists. So if you are traveling in your own car for the purpose of tourism, you can safely cross the border with Russian and other license plates.

We will tell you below what documents are needed to travel to Latvia by car, and now we will focus on a number of other important nuances:

Traveling abroad with a pet will require special preparation. If you are going by car to Latvia with a dog or cat, in addition to documents and a set of vaccinations, you will need to purchase a carrier and equip your four-legged friend with a microchip. In this case, a veterinary certificate should be issued only at a municipal clinic, and no earlier than five days before the date of expected departure. Do not forget that private clinics are not authorized to issue such veterinary certificates. After this, a permit form 5A is issued at Rosselkhoznadzor, and another necessary document is issued from the state veterinarian - EU Regulation 576/2013.

Another popular question concerns how entry into Latvia with region 82 is carried out on car license plates. There is no need to worry about this issue - border guards do not have any questions about Crimean license plates and entry into the EU territory with them is not prohibited. Let us remind you that some of these numbers were transferred for use to residents of region 178 (St. Petersburg) due to a shortage of local ones.

Technical requirements for foreign cars crossing the Latvian border

When planning a road trip using personal transport to the territory of Latvia, you need to make sure that the vehicle meets the following requirements:

  • Window tinting is no more than 25% on the windshield and no more than 30% on the front and sides;
  • seat belts are available and available for use not only in the front but also in the rear seats;
  • there is no radar detector;
  • A reflective vest, first aid kit, fire extinguisher and warning triangle are available.

Speaking about whether it is possible to enter Latvia on studded tires, it should be noted that this is possible, but only in the period from October 1 to May 1. During the rest of the year, at best, you may be asked to cut off thorns right at the border, and at worst, you may be prohibited from entering the territory of the Republic of Latvia.

From the moment you enter Latvian territory, do not forget to keep your headlights on at all times.

Keep your speed within 50 km/h in the city, 90 km/h outside the city. The maximum permissible speed limit is 10 km/h.

Package of documents for crossing the border with Latvia by car

To cross the border smoothly, you will need the following documents to enter Latvia by car:

  • for each group member; children under 14 years of age may be ;
  • for each child, if any in the group;
  • power of attorney from parents in case of a child traveling as part of a group without their accompaniment;
  • for each group member;
  • for an amount of at least 30,000 € each, valid in the EU;
  • for the driver;
  • vehicle registration certificate;
  • green card.

In some cases, the following official papers, as well as documents for a car at the border in Latvia, may be required:

  • power of attorney for the right to drive a car;
  • inspection certificate;
  • availability of MTPL and CASCO insurance, which may be needed when returning to the territory of the Russian Federation;
  • permission for the child to leave from the second parent;
  • hotel reservation confirmation.

To avoid getting into a difficult situation, experts recommend thinking through the trip and the composition of the group in advance in order to have time to prepare all the necessary papers.

Many tourists are interested in the question of whether a diagnostic card is needed when crossing the border with Latvia. You may not be asked about it at the checkpoint on the Russian side, but you will be asked to do so on Latvian territory. In this case, the single-entry visa will be considered expired, and you will be left with little choice: continue the journey on foot or abandon the trip altogether.

The reason is simple: a diagnostic card is not issued for such “young” cars.

For cars older than three years, a diagnostic card is required to confirm that they have passed a technical inspection. In addition, it indicates whether the vehicle meets or does not comply with the applicable safety requirements. Dealers who have been accredited by the Russian Union of Automobile Insurers (RUA) have the right to issue diagnostic cards, and only for those car brands for which they specialize.

What and in what quantity can be imported into the territory of Latvia

The total cost of imported goods for personal consumption and gifts when entering the territory of Latvia by land should not exceed 300 € for adults and 200 € for children.

In this case, the cost of:

  • personal luggage imported temporarily and then taken back;
  • medications necessary for personal use;
  • tobacco products and alcoholic beverages imported in limited quantities.

Currently, when crossing the border with Latvia by land, the following restrictions on the import of products and goods apply:

  • no more than 40 cigarettes, 20 cigarillos, 10 cigars, 50 grams of smoking tobacco;
  • no more than 1 liter of drinks with an alcohol content of more than 22%;
  • 2 liters of wine-based drinks with an alcohol content of no more than 22%;
  • no more than 16 liters of beer;
  • petroleum products - no more than 10 liters per vehicle in portable containers and in a standard container for a flammable vehicle;
  • coffee and dry soft drinks, according to current EU regulations, up to 10 kg;
  • no more than 2 kg of honey, royal jelly, propolis, live snails, oysters and clams, milk powder, baby food and animal feed;
  • no more than 20 kg of crustaceans, fresh processed fish or canned food;
  • no more than 10 kg of sweets, pasta, seasonings and broths in packages, olives and other food products that are not prohibited for import and do not contain more than 50% fish products or processed eggs.

Items and products prohibited for import into the Republic of Latvia

The following groups of products and goods are prohibited for import into the territory of the Republic of Latvia:

  • meat and any meat products;
  • whole milk and any dairy products based on it;
  • any fruit;
  • Natural flowers;
  • parrots;
  • weapons, drugs and explosives.

Detailed information about current restrictions and prohibitions on the import of goods and products into Latvia is provided by the Sanitary Border Inspectorate of the Food and Veterinary Service of Latvia.

Procedure for declaring cash upon entry into Latvia

An individual crossing the EU border is required to declare cash if the amount is equal to or exceeds €10,000.

Cash means banknotes and coins, payment orders, checks, bills of exchange, including blank but signed ones.

All available funds are converted into euros at the exchange rate at the time of crossing the Latvian border. If you then leave Latvia for another EU country, you do not need to submit a declaration.

Take a sociological survey!

The procedure for crossing the border with Latvia by car

Crossing the Russian-Latvian border by car involves several stages:

  1. Preparing for the inspection at the checkpoint. When approaching a checkpoint, prepare all the documents you have and place them in a visible place.
  2. Passport control checks whether you and your passengers have the right to cross the EU border. Its successful completion will result in an official border crossing mark.
  3. Choice of red or green corridor. Crossing the border with Latvia by car in 2019 means choosing one of two corridors: green or red.

    Choose green if you are sure that you do not have any goods or cash that must be declared; red – if you are in doubt or have goods or amounts of funds subject to declaration.

  4. Passing customs inspection. The last stage involves stopping and inspecting your vehicle. Turn off the engine and do not interfere with the checkpoint officers.

When returning home, the border crossing algorithm does not change. Do not forget that crossing the border with Latvia by car requires compliance with the rules and regulations of the EU, of which this state is a member.

Punishments provided for violation of customs control rules

Despite the high level of development of modern technologies and the competence of customs officers, there are still citizens trying to circumvent the existing rules.

An attempt to violate customs control rules on the border with Latvia can lead to undesirable consequences:

  • for violation of the norms of imported goods and products, administrative liability and a fine are provided for repeated violations;
  • for failure to comply with police requirements - a fine and even arrest;
  • for driving while intoxicated (over 0.5 ppm) – a fine of 430-1400 € with temporary (for a year, one and a half or two years) or permanent deprivation of a driver’s license;
  • attempt to import an undeclared amount of cash - a fine of 5% of the amount to be declared.

Popular routes for traveling around Latvia by car

After crossing the border, you can continue your journey by car along one of the popular routes.

  1. Ludza – Madone – Riga.

    An excellent choice for lovers of ancient castles and beautiful architecture. In Ludza you will find an ancient Catholic church and castle ruins; in Madona - the estate of the barons Marcien. Well, Riga with its numerous architectural monuments will be a worthy end to the trip.

  2. Daugavpils – Bauska – Jelgava – Jurmala – Riga.

    A universal tour that will introduce you to the culture of Latvia and allow you to have a good rest. In Daugavpils, the Museum of Moonshine, the most beautiful buildings of the Protestant church and Catholic church, the picturesque central park, and the Orthodox Boris and Gleb Cathedral are interesting. In Bauska, we recommend visiting the ancient Bauska Castle. In Jelgava you can rent a pedalo at the yacht club and walk through the halls of the Jelgava Palace. Jurmala will delight you with opportunities for a beach holiday. The bright end of the trip will be an acquaintance with the capital of the country - Riga.

  3. Riga – Bauska – Pilsrundale – Jelgava – Jurmala

    The starting point of this route is Riga. After getting acquainted with the sights of the capital, go to Bauska. Here you will find interesting architectural monuments and the ruins of a medieval fortress. Pilsrundale is a small village, the main attraction of which is the luxurious Rundale Palace by F.B. Rastrelli. Jelgava will delight you with a walk through a picturesque park with a pond and views of the Jelgava Palace, and in Jurmala you can have a good rest by the sea and relax after a long journey before returning home.

Expenses during a trip to Latvia by private car

The total cost of a trip to Latvia by private car consists of the following expense items:

  • registration of permits and visas;
  • gasoline costs (average cost of 1 liter – 1.10 €);
  • food and possible vacation expenses;
  • additional funds for emergencies.

We should not forget that entry into Jurmala from April 1 to September 30 is carried out only with paid passes. The cost of entering Jurmala by car in 2019 depends on the planned length of stay: 2 € - one day, 31 € - thirty days, 107 € for the full season.

11 facts about Latvia: Video

There are no restrictions on the import and export of currency; cash over 10,000 euros must be declared.

You can import into Latvia duty-free up to 200 cigarettes, up to 100 cigars or 250 grams of tobacco, alcoholic beverages with a strength of over 22% at the rate of 1 liter per person, up to 2 liters of unfortified wine or beer, of course, if you are already 17 years old.

From EU countries to Latvia you can bring up to 200 cigarettes or 100 cigars or 250 grams of tobacco, up to one liter of strong alcoholic drinks over 22%, up to two liters of low-strength wine or up to two liters of beer without paying duty.

It is prohibited to import any type of food into the European Union, with the exception of baby food and dietary products that were prescribed by the attending physician, but not more than two kilograms per person and in packaging. The import of explosives, firearms and ammunition, bladed weapons, and drugs is prohibited. Please note that the export of amber from Latvia is limited, amber can only be exported in the form of finished products, while the number of products is not limited, export in the form of raw materials is completely prohibited, works of art older than 50 years require a special export permit.

It is forbidden to enter Latvia with gasoline in a canister; you can only carry gasoline in your own gas tank, and for some reason you can only drive this way once per knock.

Formalities and rules for entry into Latvia

Latvia has signed the Schengen legislation; citizens of Russia, Ukraine and the CIS countries must go through the procedure of obtaining a Schengen visa to travel.

It is not recommended to obtain visas to Latvia through unaccredited travel agencies; this is fraught with refusal and further problems with a damaged passport. If you apply again through a non-accredited company, the consulate threatens to impose a ban on Schengen visas for 1 or 2 years.

It is better to cross the border of Latvia with one selected passport, for example, with a canceled passport, but with a valid visa they will not be allowed into Latvia and will be sent back.

Is it worth writing about the availability of a health insurance policy? There have been cases when at customs control they asked about the authenticity of return tickets and hotel reservations; in case of a trip to visit friends or relatives, they also ask for the original invitation.

When crossing the border by car, be sure to ask for the green card for the car, registration certificate and license; it is not recommended to take a spare can of gasoline with you. And with a full tank, you can enter Latvia only once a day.

Some smart low-cost airlines may not include a fee of several euros in the ticket price; you will have to pay at the check-in counter for the flight. It is recommended to check with your airline whether all payments are included in the ticket.

The information in this article is taken from Latvian sources and is applicable when crossing the Russian-Latvian border by car. But the rules for crossing the external borders of the EEC by various modes of transport for different countries included in the community are very similar, therefore, taking into account some specific features, the rules are applicable to other countries and methods of crossing borders.

If, when importing goods into Latvia from third countries, their quantity exceeds the above quantity, and the goods are not declared, then these goods were imported illegally, and administrative or criminal liability arises.

If you do not have goods to declare or you are transporting goods for which you do not need to pay tax, then you cross the border along the “green corridor”. The “Red Corridor” is used if the luggage contains declared goods. If, when importing goods into Latvia from third countries, their quantity exceeds the above quantity, and the goods are not declared, then these goods were imported illegally, and administrative or criminal liability arises. If you are not sure about the need to declare the goods, choose the “red corridor”! At a border control point where there are no customs corridors, please contact a customs official.

Quantity of goods allowed for transportation.

When entering Latvia from a country that is not a member of the European Union, for example, Russia, you are allowed to import without paying taxes:

Goods for personal use, own consumption or gifts, if their total value per person does not exceed:

  • 210 lats – if the traveler enters by land;
  • Children under the age of 15, regardless of the method of entry, are allowed to import goods for personal use if their value does not exceed 200 lats.
  • The total price does not include:
    • the cost of personal luggage imported by the traveler temporarily or imported back after temporary export;
    • the cost of medications needed for the traveler’s personal needs;
    • tobacco products, alcoholic beverages and fuel imported in personal baggage, subject to certain quantity restrictions.

For personal use, you are allowed to import tax-free no more than once a day:

It is prohibited to import into Latvia: Meat and meat products (lard, fresh or processed meat, including poultry, animal fats, various types of sausages, canned meat, dough products stuffed with or containing meat, sauces, soups, etc. )

  • Tobacco products:
    • if you travel by road, rail or water transport -
      • 40 cigarettes or
      • 20 cigarillos (cigars each weighing no more than 3 grams), or
      • 10 cigars, or
      • 50 grams of smoking tobacco, or
      • tobacco products in any combination, as long as the percentage used for the individually designated amounts does not collectively exceed 100 percent.
  • Alcoholic drinks:
    • 1 liter of distilled drinks and alcohol if the alcohol content exceeds 22%; undenatured ethyl alcohol with an alcoholic volume concentration of 80% or more, or
    • 2 liters of distilled drinks, alcohol and aperitifs based on wine or alcohol, in which the alcohol content does not exceed 22%; sparkling wine, dessert (liqueur) wine;
    • mentioned alcoholic beverages in any combination, if the percentage used for individually specified quantities does not exceed 100 percent in the aggregate;
    • 4 liters of still (still) wine;
    • 16 liters of beer.

Persons under 18 years of age are not granted tax exemption on the import of tobacco and alcohol products.

  • Petroleum products (fuel):
    • in a standard container for a flammable vehicle;
    • in portable fuel containers - no more than 10 liters per vehicle.
  • Soft drinks and coffee, subject to the stipulated value restrictions for the carriage of goods.

Examples of permissible quantities of alcoholic beverages for transportation without paying taxes:

It is prohibited to import into Latvia: Milk and dairy products (milk, yogurt, sour cream, cottage cheese, kefir, cheese, butter, condensed milk, ice cream, etc.)

  • 1 liter of alcoholic drink, if the alcohol strength exceeds 22%, 4 liters of still (non-carbonated) wine, 16 liters of beer.
  • 2 liters of sparkling wine, 4 liters of still (still) wine, 16 liters of beer.
  • 0.5 liters of an alcoholic drink if the alcohol strength exceeds 22% (50% of the permitted amount of strong alcohol), 1 liter of sparkling wine (50% of the permitted amount of sparkling wine), 4 liters of still (non-carbonated) wine, 16 liters of beer.
  • 0.3 liters of an alcoholic drink, if the alcohol strength exceeds 22% (30% of the permitted amount of strong alcohol), 1.4 liters of an aperitif (70% of the permitted amount of an aperitif), 4 liters of still (non-carbonated) wine, 16 liters of beer.

Transportation of food products intended for personal consumption

In order to protect people and animals from dangerous infectious diseases, in the territory of the European Union, including Latvia, there are strict rules that regulate what food products a traveler can bring into the territory of the European Union (EU) and how this can be done. do. When entering Latvia from a non-EU country, food products intended for personal consumption and contained in your personal luggage will be subject to strict veterinary and food safety control at the border crossing point.

It is prohibited to import into the territory of Latvia

It is prohibited to bring into the EU in personal luggage for personal consumption:

  • Meat and meat products (lard, fresh or processed meat, including poultry, animal fats, various types of sausages, canned meat stuffed with meat or containing dough, sauces, soups, etc.);
  • Milk and dairy products (milk, yogurt, sour cream, cottage cheese, kefir, cheese, butter, condensed milk, ice cream, etc.);
  • Pet foods that contain meat or milk (pet food, dog chews, wholemeal mixtures).

Allowed to be imported into the territory of Latvia

It is allowed to import into the territory of the EU countries from third countries without undergoing veterinary control, observing the quantitative restrictions established for one person, for personal consumption:

It is prohibited to import into Latvia: Pet food that contains meat or milk (pet food, chewing toys for dogs, wholemeal mixtures).

  • up to 2 kg of the following animal products:
    • honey, eggs, live oysters, live shellfish and snails, royal jelly, propolis;
    • powdered milk for infants, food for infants, special foods for medical reasons and food for pets in appropriate packaging of a proprietary product, which contains the manufacturer's information about the rules of use.
  • up to 20 kg of fishery products:
    • fresh fish (necessarily gutted, even if it is transported uncut), dried, heat-treated, salted, smoked fish or canned fish;
    • some types of crustaceans, for example, shrimp, lobsters.
  • up to 10 kg of other food products, for example:
    • bread, cakes, cookies, chocolate and confectionery (including sweets), which do not contain meat products or fillings from meat products;
    • pasta and noodles that are not mixed or filled with meat products;
    • packaged fish broths and seasonings, meat extracts and meat concentrates;
    • olives stuffed with fish;
    • packaged seasonings;
    • any other food products that do not contain fresh or processed meat or dairy products and do not contain more than 50% processed eggs or fish products.

It is important to know! If the established requirements for the quantity and content of transported products are not met.

If the established requirements are not met, and at the crossing of the border of the Republic of Latvia an attempt is detected to introduce for personal consumption food products of animal origin, the import of which is prohibited or the quantity of which exceeds the established weight limits, a customs officer has the right to confiscate the said products, which will then be destroyed. For violating the rules for importing products of animal origin for personal consumption, you may be subject to administrative liability, and in case of repeated violation, a fine may be imposed. In order not to commit an administrative violation, we ask you to throw away food products prohibited for import into special marked containers at the customs control point before passing through customs control.

Declaration of cash

Since July 1, 2006, when crossing the state border of the Republic of Latvia (both when entering and leaving) in places where it is also an external border of the European Union, any individual is required to declare cash if its amount is equivalent to or exceeds 10,000 euros. It must be taken into account that the declaration obligation applies to an individual who transports cash, regardless of whether this person is the owner of the money.

Cash does not need to be declared at the state border of the Republic of Latvia with other European Union member states. The declared cash is converted into euros using the foreign exchange rate established by the Bank of Latvia (in lats) on the day of crossing the border.

What is cash?

Any individual is required to declare cash if its amount is equivalent to or exceeds 10,000 euros. It must be taken into account that the declaration obligation applies to an individual who transports cash, regardless of whether this person is the owner of the money.

Cash is:

  • banknotes and coins issued for circulation and being legal tender;
  • the following financial instruments:
    • checks, bills of exchange, payment orders and any financial instruments issued to bearer or in such a form that ownership of this financial instrument passes when it is transferred to another person;
    • blank checks, promissory notes, money orders and other financial instruments that give the right to receive money if they are signed without specifying the recipient of the money.

How to declare?

At the time of crossing the border, an individual fills out in writing a declaration form issued by a customs official in Latvian, Russian or English, indicating the following information:

  1. declarant;
  2. the owner of the cash (if the declarant is transporting cash owned by another person);
  3. the intended recipient of the cash;
  4. type and amount of cash;
  5. origin of cash;
  6. purpose of using cash;
  7. route (country of departure and country of destination);
  8. kind of transport;
  9. place of border crossing, confirming the accuracy of the information specified in the declaration with your signature.

What is the liability for failure to declare cash?

The obligation to declare is not fulfilled if the information provided is incorrect or incomplete. For non-declaration or incorrect declaration of a certain amount of cash when crossing the state border of the Republic of Latvia, liability arises in accordance with Article 19015 of the Code of Administrative Offenses of Latvia, which provides for a fine of up to 200 lats.

Criminal liability under Article 1952 of the Criminal Law arises if failure to declare or incorrect declaration of the amount of cash required by law:

  • committed repeatedly within a year – is punishable by imprisonment for a term of up to two years or a fine in the amount of up to one hundred minimum monthly wages;
  • committed with cash acquired by criminal means, or committed by an organized group - is punishable by imprisonment for a term of up to five years or a fine in the amount of up to two hundred minimum monthly wages.