Bringing a pet to Latvia

Last reviewed October 2, 2026

Latvia is an EU member state applying the EU Pet Travel Scheme. Dogs need an ISO microchip, a valid rabies vaccination, and either an EU pet passport or an EU health certificate. No quarantine applies to compliant pets. Dogs from high-risk rabies countries also need a rabies titer test, which adds roughly 3 months of waiting before travel.

Requirements for your pet

Showing requirements for a dog travelling from United States to Latvia.

Microchip
Required
ISO 11784/11785
Rabies vaccine
Required
From 12 weeks old, wait 21+ days before travel
Rabies titer test (FAVN)
Not required
Quarantine
None
Health certificate
Required
Official government veterinarian or authorized veterinarian · valid 10 days before arrival
Import permit
Not required

Breed restrictions

Latvia does not have breed-specific legislation banning certain dog breeds. However, airlines may have restrictions on brachycephalic breeds for transport. Check with your airline.

Documents checklist

  • Rabies vaccination certificate
  • EU pet passport or EU health certificate
  • Microchip certificate or proof of microchip

Rough budget

Approximate costs: microchip €30–50, health certificate €50–150, rabies vaccination €20–50. Confirm current prices with a local vet and the Latvian PVD.

For travel from Andorra, San Marino, Vatican City, and other EU-equivalent origins, intra-EU movement rules apply. No titer test or quarantine required.

Apply / official dog import page

Microchip
Required
ISO 11784/11785
Rabies vaccine
Required
From 12 weeks old, wait 21+ days before travel
Rabies titer test (FAVN)
Not required
Quarantine
None
Health certificate
Required
Official government veterinarian or authorized veterinarian · valid 10 days before arrival
Import permit
Not required

Breed restrictions

Latvia does not have breed-specific legislation banning certain dog breeds. However, airlines may have restrictions on brachycephalic breeds for transport. Check with your airline.

Documents checklist

  • Rabies vaccination certificate
  • EU health certificate (or pet passport if issued in the EU)
  • Microchip certificate or proof of microchip

Rough budget

Approximate costs: microchip €30–50, health certificate €50–150, rabies vaccination €20–50. Confirm current prices with a local vet and the Latvian PVD.

For travel from most European countries, the US, UK, Japan, Australia, and other listed low-risk rabies countries, EU Pet Travel Scheme rules apply. No titer test or quarantine required if the dog is microchipped and vaccinated at least 21 days before travel.

Apply / official dog import page

Microchip
Required
ISO 11784/11785
Rabies vaccine
Required
From 12 weeks old, wait 21+ days before travel
Rabies titer test (FAVN)
Required
Blood draw 90+ days before travel
Quarantine
None
Health certificate
Required
Official government veterinarian or authorized veterinarian · valid 10 days before arrival
Import permit
Not required

Breed restrictions

Latvia does not have breed-specific legislation banning certain dog breeds. However, airlines may have restrictions on brachycephalic breeds for transport. Check with your airline.

Documents checklist

  • Rabies vaccination certificate
  • FAVN rabies titer test result from EU-approved lab
  • EU health certificate
  • Microchip certificate or proof of microchip

Rough budget

Approximate costs: microchip €30–50, health certificate €50–150, rabies vaccination €20–50, FAVN titer test €100–250. Confirm current prices with a local vet and the Latvian PVD.

For travel from high-risk rabies countries (e.g., Thailand, Russia, most of Africa, Asia, Middle East), a rabies titer test is required. The test must be done at least 30 days after vaccination and at least 3 months before travel. No quarantine if all requirements are met. If the titer test is not done or fails, quarantine may be required.

Apply / official dog import page

Frequently asked questions

Up to 5 pets (dogs, cats, ferrets) per traveller can be moved non-commercially if they accompany the owner or an authorized person. More than 5 is considered commercial and requires additional registration and health certification for trade.
It depends on the origin country. From high-risk rabies countries (e.g., Thailand, Russia, most of Africa, Asia, Middle East), a FAVN rabies titer test is required, done at least 30 days after vaccination and at least 3 months before travel. From low-risk or EU-equivalent countries, no titer test is required.
No quarantine is required for dogs that meet all EU entry requirements (microchip, rabies vaccination, health certificate, and titer test if applicable). If requirements are not met, the animal may be quarantined or returned to the origin country at the owner's expense.
A puppy must be at least 12 weeks old for the rabies vaccination to be valid, then wait 21 days after vaccination before travel, so the minimum age is 15 weeks (about 3.5 months). For high-risk countries, the titer test adds more time: at least 12 weeks for vaccination, then 30 days later for the titer test, then 3 months after the test before travel, making the minimum age about 7 months.
Yes, if your dog has an EU pet passport issued in an EU member state, it can travel to Latvia without an additional health certificate. The passport must show valid rabies vaccination and microchip details. From non-EU countries, you need an EU health certificate issued by an official veterinarian.
No. Latvia does not exempt emotional support or service dogs from standard import requirements. They must meet the same microchip, rabies vaccination, health certificate, and titer test (if applicable) rules as any other dog. Airlines may have separate policies for service dogs in the cabin, but import regulations remain the same.
You need: a microchip (ISO 11784/11785), a valid rabies vaccination certificate (at least 21 days old), an EU health certificate (or EU pet passport if issued in the EU), and for high-risk countries, a FAVN rabies titer test result from an EU-approved lab. The health certificate must be issued within 10 days of travel.

Showing requirements for a cat travelling from United States to Latvia.

Microchip
Required
ISO 11784/11785
Rabies vaccine
Required
From 12 weeks old, wait 21+ days before travel
Rabies titer test (FAVN)
Not required
Quarantine
None
Health certificate
Required
Official government veterinarian of the origin country (or an authorised veterinarian for Andorra, San Marino, Vatican City) · valid 10 days before arrival
Import permit
Not required

Documents checklist

  • EU pet passport (or equivalent veterinary certificate for non-EU territories)
  • Rabies vaccination certificate showing at least 21 days since primary vaccination
  • Microchip certificate or proof of ISO 11784/11785 microchip

Rough budget

Approximate costs: microchip €30–50, rabies vaccination €20–40, EU pet passport €20–50, health certificate €50–150 if needed. Confirm current prices with a local vet and the Latvian Food and Veterinary Service (PVD).

Andorra, San Marino, and Vatican City are treated as EU-equivalent for pet travel. Cats must be microchipped before rabies vaccination. No tapeworm treatment required for cats. No import permit needed. Travel must be non-commercial (≤5 pets).

Apply / official cat import page

Microchip
Required
ISO 11784/11785
Rabies vaccine
Required
From 12 weeks old, wait 21+ days before travel
Rabies titer test (FAVN)
Not required
Quarantine
None
Health certificate
Required
Official government veterinarian of the origin country (e.g., USDA APHIS-accredited veterinarian for the US, or DEFRA-authorised veterinarian for the UK) · valid 10 days before arrival
Import permit
Not required

Documents checklist

  • EU veterinary certificate for non-commercial movement of pets (or EU pet passport if issued in an EU country)
  • Rabies vaccination certificate showing at least 21 days since primary vaccination
  • Microchip certificate or proof of ISO 11784/11785 microchip
  • Signed declaration of non-commercial movement (if applicable)

Rough budget

Approximate costs: microchip €30–50, rabies vaccination €20–40, EU health certificate €100–200, USDA endorsement ~$38 (if from US). Confirm current prices with a local vet and the Latvian PVD.

For non-EU low-risk countries (e.g., US, UK, Japan, Australia), an EU veterinary certificate issued by an official government veterinarian within 10 days of travel is required. The certificate must be accompanied by proof of microchip and rabies vaccination. No rabies titer test required. No quarantine. Travel must be non-commercial (≤5 pets).

Apply / official cat import page

Microchip
Required
ISO 11784/11785
Rabies vaccine
Required
From 12 weeks old, wait 21+ days before travel
Rabies titer test (FAVN)
Required
Blood draw 90+ days before travel
Quarantine
None
Health certificate
Required
Official government veterinarian of the origin country (e.g., USDA APHIS-accredited veterinarian for the US, or equivalent) · valid 10 days before arrival
Import permit
Not required

Documents checklist

  • EU veterinary certificate for non-commercial movement of pets
  • Rabies vaccination certificate showing at least 21 days since primary vaccination
  • FAVN/RFFIT rabies titer test result from an EU-approved laboratory (≥0.5 IU/ml)
  • Microchip certificate or proof of ISO 11784/11785 microchip
  • Signed declaration of non-commercial movement (if applicable)

Rough budget

Approximate costs: microchip €30–50, rabies vaccination €20–40, FAVN titer test €100–250, EU health certificate €100–200, USDA endorsement ~$38 (if from US). Confirm current prices with a local vet and the Latvian PVD.

For high-risk countries (e.g., Russia, Thailand, most of Africa, Asia, Middle East), a rabies titer test is mandatory. The test must be done at least 30 days after vaccination and at least 3 months before travel. If the titer test is not done or fails, the cat may be quarantined or refused entry. No import permit required for non-commercial movement. Travel must be non-commercial (≤5 pets).

Apply / official cat import page

Frequently asked questions

Up to 5 cats per traveller. If you bring more than 5, the movement is considered commercial and you must meet additional requirements, including an import permit and compliance with EU trade rules. The 5-pet limit applies to non-commercial movement.
It depends on the origin country. If your cat is coming from a high-risk country (e.g., Russia, Thailand, most of Africa, Asia, Middle East), a rabies titer test (FAVN or RFFIT) is required. The test must be done at least 30 days after rabies vaccination and at least 3 months before travel, with a result of ≥0.5 IU/ml. For low-risk or EU-equivalent countries, no titer test is required.
Yes. All cats entering Latvia must be identified with an ISO 11784/11785 compliant microchip. The microchip must be implanted before the rabies vaccination. If your cat was vaccinated before being microchipped, the vaccination is not considered valid and a new vaccination is required.
The EU veterinary certificate or pet passport must be issued within 10 days before travel. For non-EU countries, the certificate must be endorsed by an official government veterinarian within 10 days of arrival. The rabies vaccination must be valid for at least 21 days after the primary dose.
No. Latvia does not exempt emotional support or service animals from the standard import requirements. All cats, regardless of their role, must meet the same microchip, rabies vaccination, and health certificate rules. Service animals may be allowed in the cabin, but import compliance is mandatory.
No. Latvia does not impose quarantine on cats entering from any country, provided all import requirements (microchip, rabies vaccination, health certificate, and titer test if applicable) are met. If requirements are not met, the animal may be quarantined or returned at the owner's expense.
You need: (1) a microchip certificate or proof of ISO 11784/11785 microchip, (2) a rabies vaccination certificate showing at least 21 days since primary vaccination, (3) an EU pet passport (for EU countries) or an EU veterinary certificate issued by an official government veterinarian within 10 days of travel (for non-EU countries), and (4) for high-risk countries, a FAVN/RFFIT rabies titer test result from an EU-approved laboratory. A signed declaration of non-commercial movement may also be required.

Showing requirements for a ferret travelling from United States to Latvia.

Microchip
Required
ISO 11784/11785
Rabies vaccine
Required
From 12 weeks old, wait 21+ days before travel
Rabies titer test (FAVN)
Not required
Quarantine
None
Health certificate
Required
Official government veterinarian of the origin country (or an EU-recognised equivalent for Andorra/San Marino/Vatican-type territories) · valid 10 days before arrival
Import permit
Not required

Minimum age: 3 months

Documents checklist

  • EU pet passport or equivalent official veterinary certificate (Annex IV format)
  • Rabies vaccination certificate showing vaccination at least 21 days before travel
  • Microchip certificate or proof of ISO 11784/11785 microchip
  • Owner's declaration that the movement is non-commercial

Rough budget

Rough approximate range only — verify locally. Microchip ~€30–50, rabies vaccination ~€20–40, official health certificate ~€50–150, EU pet passport (if issued) ~€20–50. No titre test or import permit applies in this tier. Confirm current prices with a vet and the Latvian PVD (Pārtikas un veterinārais dienests).

Ferrets are listed in Annex I of EU Regulation 998/2013 as pets subject to non-commercial movement rules. From an EU-equivalent 'free' territory, the standard EU pet passport route applies. Ferrets must be at least 3 months old to be vaccinated against rabies, so the practical minimum age at entry is ~4 months (12 weeks + 21 days).

Apply / official ferret import page

Microchip
Required
ISO 11784/11785
Rabies vaccine
Required
From 12 weeks old, wait 21+ days before travel
Rabies titer test (FAVN)
Not required
Quarantine
None
Health certificate
Required
Official government veterinarian of the origin country (e.g. USDA APHIS-accredited vet for the US, DEFRA-authorised vet for the UK, or equivalent national authority) · valid 10 days before arrival
Import permit
Not required

Minimum age: 3 months

Documents checklist

  • Official veterinary certificate (EU Annex IV format or bilateral equivalent)
  • Rabies vaccination certificate — primary vaccination at least 21 days before entry
  • Microchip certificate or proof of ISO 11784/11785 microchip
  • Owner's declaration of non-commercial movement
  • For US origin: USDA APHIS-endorsed health certificate (VS 7001 or equivalent)

Rough budget

Rough approximate range only — verify locally. Microchip ~$30–50, rabies vaccination ~$20–40, USDA/APHIS-endorsed health certificate ~$100–200, possible courier/endorsement fees ~$40–80. No titre test or import permit applies in this tier. Confirm current prices with a vet and the Latvian PVD.

Latvia applies the standard EU non-commercial pet movement regime to ferrets from low-risk third countries. The ferret must be microchipped before rabies vaccination for the vaccination to be valid. Entry must occur within 10 days of the health certificate being issued.

Apply / official ferret import page

Microchip
Required
ISO 11784/11785
Rabies vaccine
Required
From 12 weeks old, wait 21+ days before travel
Rabies titer test (FAVN)
Required
Blood draw 90+ days before travel
Quarantine
None
Health certificate
Required
Official government veterinarian of the origin country, with laboratory result from an EU-approved rabies serology laboratory attached · valid 10 days before arrival
Import permit
Required

Minimum age: 7 months

Documents checklist

  • Import permit issued by the Latvian PVD (Pārtikas un veterinārais dienests) prior to travel
  • Official veterinary certificate (EU Annex IV format)
  • Rabies vaccination certificate — primary vaccination at least 21 days before blood sampling
  • FAVN rabies titre test result (≥ 0.5 IU/ml) from an EU-approved laboratory
  • Microchip certificate or proof of ISO 11784/11785 microchip
  • Owner's declaration of non-commercial movement
  • Proof of 90-day wait from blood sampling date

Rough budget

Rough approximate range only — verify locally. Microchip ~$30–50, rabies vaccination ~$20–40, FAVN titre test ~$100–250 (plus shipping to EU-approved lab), import permit fee ~€30–80, health certificate ~$100–200. Confirm current prices with a vet and the Latvian PVD.

Ferrets from CDC high-risk rabies countries (e.g. Thailand, Russia, most of Africa, South Asia, Middle East) face the full third-country regime. The 90-day wait from blood sampling means the practical minimum age at entry is ~7 months. Latvia does not quarantine ferrets on arrival if all documentation is correct, but animals arriving without valid paperwork may be returned or held at the owner's expense. The import permit must be obtained before travel — allow 2–4 weeks for processing.

Apply / official ferret import page

Frequently asked questions

Up to 5 ferrets per traveller may move under the pet passport/certificate regime. If you bring more than 5, the movement is treated as commercial and requires full veterinary certification, an import permit, and compliance with intra-EU trade or third-country import rules. The 5-animal cap applies per traveller, not per household.
No. Latvia does not exempt emotional-support animals or service animals from the standard pet import requirements. A ferret — whether a pet, an emotional-support animal, or a service animal — must meet the same microchip, rabies vaccination, health certificate, and (if applicable) titre test and permit requirements.
It depends on where you are travelling from. From EU/free-tier territories (Andorra, San Marino, Vatican-type) and low-risk countries (US, UK, Japan, Australia, most of Europe), no FAVN test is required. From CDC high-risk rabies countries (Thailand, Russia, most of Africa, South Asia, Middle East), a FAVN test at an EU-approved laboratory is mandatory, the result must be ≥ 0.5 IU/ml, and you must wait 90 days from the blood sampling date before entering Latvia.
The rabies vaccine cannot be given before 12 weeks (3 months) of age, and there is a 21-day wait after primary vaccination. So the practical minimum age at entry is about 4 months (12 weeks + 21 days) for free and low-risk origins. For high-risk origins requiring a FAVN test, add 30 days post-vaccination before blood sampling plus the 90-day wait — the practical minimum age at entry becomes about 7 months.
Only if you are travelling from a CDC high-risk rabies country. For free-tier and low-risk origins, no import permit is required — the EU pet passport or official veterinary certificate is sufficient. For high-risk origins, you must obtain an import permit from the Latvian PVD (Pārtikas un veterinārais dienests) before travel; allow 2–4 weeks for processing.
Latvia's PVD can refuse entry, order the animal returned to the origin country at the owner's expense, or place it in isolation until the requirements are met. There is no routine on-arrival quarantine for compliant ferrets, but non-compliant animals are handled case-by-case and costs can run into hundreds of euros. Always confirm your documents with the PVD before booking travel.
Airline cabin policy for ferrets varies by carrier — many European airlines do not allow ferrets in the cabin at all, and some allow them only as checked baggage or cargo. This is an airline rule, not a Latvian government rule. Check with your specific airline well in advance; IATA Live Animals Regulations govern the transport container and documentation requirements regardless of cabin or cargo.

Good to know

Latvia follows EU Regulation 576/2013 for non-commercial movement of pets. Requirements depend on the rabies risk status of the origin country. Core rules are the same for dogs, cats, and ferrets, but titer test timing may vary slightly by species. Check the PVD website for updates.

Airline rules & connecting flights

Government import rules are only half the picture — your airline sets its own pet policy on top of them: whether your petcan fly in the cabin at all, size/weight limits for the carrier, breed embargoes (many airlines refuse brachycephalic breeds like bulldogs and pugs in cargo), and seasonal heat restrictions. Check your specific airline's pet policy before booking — see IATA's Traveler's Pet Corner .

If your flight has a layover, the transit country can have its own pet rules — sometimes these apply even if you never leave the airport. If you're transiting through another country on the way to Latvia, check that country's pet-entry/transit rules separately (search "pets" on this site for that country too).

For guidance only. Pet import rules change without notice and a wrong step can mean quarantine or a refused entry for your animal — always confirm current requirements with Latvia's official veterinary/agriculture authority and your airline before travelling.