Latvia bans travel from several African countries and the organising of tours to them
To contain the spread of the new, potentially more dangerous version of Covid-19 virus, which has recently been discovered in the Republic of South Africa, in Latvia, the Government decided today, on 26 November, to ban travel to and from South Africa, Lesotho, Botswana, Zimbabwe, Mozambique, Namibia, Swaziland and Zambia. The travel ban will not apply to Latvian citizens or permanent residents of the EU with a residence permit in Latvia.
The OCMA continues to provide services by pre-appointment!
We continue to provide a limited number of on-site services to all customers by pre-appointment!
From 11 October, an emergency situation is declared in Latvia for three months
From Monday, 11 October, an emergency situation is declared in Latvia for three months in order to stop the rapid spread of Covid-19 infection, not to overburden health care system and save as many lives as possible. The depletion of health care resources, the large number of new cases of Covid-19 in recent days, the low vaccination coverage and the forecasts of epidemiological experts are all a set of circumstances that force the Government to immediately decide on strict safety measures throughout Latvia.
An emergency situation is planned in Latvia to stop the rapid spread of Covid-19
On Thursday, 7 October, the Crisis Management Council reviewed action scenarios prepared by experts to halt the rapid spread of Covid-19 and minimize hospital overload. Non-vaccinated Covid-19 patients are most often required to be hospitalized, so emergency situation safety measures will have greater impact on people without a valid vaccination or recovery certificate. There is a need to reduce people-to-people contact significantly throughout society, while promoting vaccination coverage.
From June 16 the requirements for entering Latvia from abroad will be eased
From Wednesday, June 16, the ban on non-essential travel, the requirement to pass the Covid-19 test and self-isolate when entering Latvia will be lifted if an individual can present a digital Covid-19 certificate confirming the completion of vaccination or recovery from the disease.
Do I need to use a face mask if I had COVID-19 and / or have been completely vaccinated?
With the entry into force of the new rules of Covid-19 restrictive measures, many clients ask us whether they should still use a face mask when visiting the OCMA if they had Covid 19 in the past or have fully vaccinated.
The increase in vaccination rates and the arrival of summer allow us to take the next step in reducing Covid-19 control measures
On 1 June, after assessing the epidemiological situation, the Cabinet of Ministers decided to follow the four-step plan and gradually ease Covid-19 control measures in education, culture, trade, and certain other areas.
Tukums division is CLOSED until May 5th!
We continue to provide face-to-face services by pre-appointment
On April 1, the government decided that in order to reduce epidemiological risks, most of the pre-established epidemiological safety requirements and their control would remain in place even after the end of the emergency.
In order to stop the spread of COVID-19 and to stabilize the epidemiological situation, the pre-established security measures to be followed by visitors in the territorial divisions of the OCMA shall remain in force.
The Government is strengthening safety measures for long-haul co-existing with Covid-19
On Thursday, 1 April, the Cabinet of Ministers specified the regulations necessary for the control of Covid-19, which will be in force from 7 April after the end of the emergency situation. With the decline in morbidity no longer observed in recent weeks, the Government has strengthened strict safety measures that, jointly observed, will permit to cautiously expand on-site education and retail, as well as private gatherings. If the morbidity increases rapidly, the Cabinet of Ministers may strengthen safety measures and introduce new restrictions.
The government determines the list of countries from which additional Covid-19 tests must be carried out on arrival in Latvia
Approving additional amendments to Cabinet Regulation No. 360 of 9 June 2020, “Epidemiological Security Measures to limit the spread of Covid-19 infection”, on March 18, 2021, the government decided to specify the list of countries from which a person should make an additional Covid-19 test after arrival in Latvia, as well as in case of positive test result the 10-day isolation must be accompanied in one of the Latvian tourist accommodation of a list administered by the LIAA, where safety protocols have been drawn up. These requirements will be in force until April 15, 2021. It is important to point out that the person must bear the costs of carrying out the test, transport, accommodation and catering services at the tourist accommodation by personal means.
The Foreign Ministry urges people not to travel abroad unless absolutely necessary
In view of the Cabinet decision of 9 March permitting international passenger flights as of 17 March to and from third countries, including flights organised by tour operators for purposes of tourism and recreation, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs calls on all travellers to be aware of risks related to cross-border travel under circumstances of the pandemic, and would like to draw travellers’ attention to the following points.
The Government conceptually agrees on a strict scenario for stabilizing the epidemiological situation by Easter
Assessing the threat of the spread of new, especially infectious virus variant in Latvia, the Cabinet of Ministers conceptually agreed at the extraordinary meeting on 9 March to strengthen security standards in several areas, including the working environment, for three weeks or until Easter. The Government reached this agreement after hearing an assessment by the Group for Coordination of Interinstitutional Activities, scientists, and industry experts on possible scenarios for the spread of Covid-19 and the contribution of existing safety measures to contain the disease, as well as the economic impact.
Until the end of the state of emergency, it will only be possible to enter Latvia for important and urgent reasons
In order to limit the risks of the spread of Covid-19, especially its new strains, and to prevent a rapid deterioration of the epidemiological situation, the government has decided to extend the existing entry restrictions.
Concerning the state of emergency declared in Latvia
In view of the high risk of the spread of the COVID-19 virus and in further efforts to prevent its spread, the Cabinet agreed to extend the current state of emergency in Latvia until 6 April 2021.
Balvi division RESUMES customer service by pre-appointment
Limbaži division is CLOSED until February 17!
The emergency situation is extended until 6 April: requirements for on-site trade and border crossings are strengthened
On Friday, 5 February, the Cabinet of Ministers decided to extend the emergency situation until 6 April. From the next Monday, 8 February, higher safety standards for the on-site trade will take effect, marking the first steps of moving away from the list of inventories. Some pupils and students will have access to on site consultations. Meanwhile, it will be possible to enter Latvia only in urgent cases.
New Covid warning system gets the green light from government
A new warning system based upon traffic lights will be introduced in Latvia to keep the public abreast of the epidemiological situation, Health Minister Daniels Pavļuts confirmed February 4 after a meeting of the cabinet.
With face shield also put on a face mask!
From today, February 3, when visiting public service places, including the OCMA divisions, face shield must be used only together with medical or non-medical (hygienic or cloth) face masks (amendments to Cabinet Regulation No. 360 of 9 June 2020 "Epidemiological precautions to limit the spread of Covid-19 infection").
State of emergency in Latvia to be extended until 6 April
On Tuesday, 2 February, an agreement was reached at a meeting of the Cabinet of Ministers and Crisis Management Council to extend the state of emergency in Latvia until 6 April, as media representatives were informed by Prime Minister Krišjānis Kariņš.
Balvi branch is CLOSED until February 9!
From January 25, entering Latvia will be possible by presenting only one type of negative COVID-19 test result
The government has adopted stricter rules for all travellers by stipulating that negative COVID-19 test result performed according to the most internationally recognized accurate method, will be required to enter Latvia from January 25. People who have developed COVID-19 recently (up to three months) will need to show a doctor’s certificate that they are not infectious.
Ludza division is PARTLY CLOSED until January 15!
Cesis branch is CLOSED until January 20!
Entering Latvia will be possible only by presenting a negative COVID-19 test from January 15
Today, January 7, the government adopted stricter regulations for all people entering the country to facilitate more epidemiologically safe movement and reduce the introduction of COVID-19 infection into the country. When entering Latvia both with passenger transport and a personal vehicle, one must present confirmation of a negative COVID-19 test result. The regulations will take effect on January 15, simultaneously with the introduction of similar rules in Lithuania and Estonia.
Riga 3rd branch is PARTLY CLOSED until January 11!
Valmiera branch is CLOSED until January 8!
Make pre-appointment!
Postpone your visit to OCMA, if self-isolation, home quarantine or strict isolation applies to you
The emergency situation has ended in the country; however, several restrictions are still in effect. These restrictions are stipulated by the Cabinet of Ministers Regulations No. 360 “Epidemiological Safety Measures for the Containment of the Spread of COVID-19 Infection”.
Concerning the state of emergency declared in Latvia
On 6 November, in view of the increasing risks of the spread of the COVID-19 virus, the Cabinet agreed to declare a state of emergency in Latvia from 9 November to 6 December 2020, and this involves the institution of strong health safety measures. At the same time, respect for fundamental rights of residents and their access to services to ensure basic needs are guaranteed.
Use of a face mask is OBLIGATORY!
In order to receive services in OCMA divisions, the use of a face mask is OBLIGATORY‼
From 14 October, a face mask must be worn in all public places
Continuing to reduce the rapid increase in the prevalence of Covid-19 in Latvia, on October 13 the government decided that from October 14, the mouth and nose cover should be used in all public places, including OCMA departments.