Import and export of foreign currency is not restricted. When entering from non-EU countries, amounts over 10,000 EUR must be declared.
Tobacco products can be brought into Latvia by airplane, allowing for 200 cigarettes, 100 cigarillos, 50 cigars, or 250 grams of tobacco. When traveling by other means of transportation, the allowed quantity is limited to 40 cigarettes, 10 cigars, or 50 grams of smoking tobacco.
These allowances are generally in line with the requirements of Schengen countries. For alcoholic beverages, customs permits the importation of 1 liter of strong drinks with an alcohol content over 22 degrees or 2 liters if the alcohol content is below 22 degrees.
Medicines for personal use are permitted. However, certain items are prohibited from being brought into Latvia, including meat and meat products, sausages, smoked meat, as well as milk and dairy products, with the exception of dairy food for infants.
When departing Latvia, it is prohibited to export antiques and art objects without separate permits. For more information on customs regulations, you can visit the website of the Embassy of the Russian Federation in the Republic of Latvia.
Latvia offers the Tax Free Shopping system, allowing foreign citizens (permanently residing outside the EU) to claim a refund of the VAT included in the price of goods. The minimum purchase amount for VAT refund is slightly over 25 EUR. Over 1200 participating stores in Latvia display the Tax Free logo.
To benefit from the tax refund, request a special receipt at the store and present your passport. Purchases will be sealed, and the packaging should not be opened until passing through customs control at the EU border. At the border, present your receipt and passport to receive a special stamp. Depending on your travel method, you can get the refund at the airport, send the checks for a bank deposit, or collect the refund at designated points in your country.
Goods must be exported from the EU within 3 months of purchase, and Tax Free checks remain valid for 6 months from the purchase date.
Global Blue Latvia office:
Address: Pulkveza Brieza Street 15 k2, Riga, LV-1010.
Phone: +371 67212590 Fax: +371 67212591
Website Global Blue Latvia.
