At Christmas, the bustle at Riga Airport is great. From today, entry from the United Kingdom, Denmark, Norway, Sweden, Belgium, Ireland, Germany and Russia is possible with a negative Covid-19 test alone.
According to the regulations, passengers must present the result of the Covid-19 test before boarding a plane, ferry or intercity bus. If this cannot be done, then arrival in Latvia is not allowed. And this applies to absolutely all migrants, including those who have a valid Covid-19 vaccination or disease certificate.
Maria and Vladislav have come from Germany. Additional security requirements are understandable. “In Germany, checked at the airport, at the baggage claim. As normal. There were no difficulties.”
“The reason is that the new Covid-19 variant omicron is spreading rapidly in Europe. These are the countries where the prevalence of the omicron in the local community is high. And these are also the countries where there are many of our compatriots who could come to Latvia for the holiday period. “Therefore, these countries are included in this list, where a Covid-19 test is required before entry,” said Oscar Schneider, a spokesman for the Ministry of Health.
However, several passengers acknowledged that control was lacking.
“It’s free in Norway. The test is done 24 hours in advance. We came to the family.
The report was passed that tests are needed, but no one has actually asked them yet. Also, when boarding the plane, no one asked, “admitted immigrant Diana from Norway.
Kristīne and Jānis also admitted: “It’s not very pleasant, of course, but what to do? Nothing was required in Germany. Only a ticket. We did a Covid-19 test because there was an idea that it would be required in Latvia. “
At the airport, it was emphasized that airlines were responsible for control because they were closest to passengers. For example, sending airBaltic text messages reminding you to take a test. But those passengers who have to refuse are offered to change the departure date.
“Today, the new entry requirements apply to 18 passengers on airBaltic’s inbound flights. Given that the company’s employees have been checking various entry documents before departure for a long time, the new rules will not have a significant impact on the company’s operations,” explained the Norwegian migrant.
On the other hand, if a person enters, for example, by personal vehicle and without a negative Covid-19 test, the tests must be performed within the next 24 hours.
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