Regulations sourced from DEFRA, USDA APHIS, DAFF and other official authorities.
How we source our data →
Overview
Austria to Latvia is a short-haul EU move with minimal paperwork. Both countries use the EU pet passport, so your pet needs an ISO microchip, a current rabies vaccination (at least 21 days old), and an updated EU passport from your Austrian vet. Air Baltic flies directly from Vienna to Riga, making this a comfortable route for small and medium pets. For large dogs, cargo options via Riga exist but require advance booking.
Step by step
The Austria to Latvia process
1
Check now.
Verify microchip is implanted and pre-dates the rabies vaccination
Responsible: Your Austrian vet
2
Review EU pet passport.
Check rabies vaccination is current and at least 21 days old
Responsible: Austrian vet
3
Any time before travel.
EU pet passport obtained or updated
Responsible: Austrian vet
4
Standard booking. Confirm pet acceptance.
Book flight from Vienna to Riga. Confirm pet policy with carrier.
Responsible: Owner
5
Travel day. Vienna to Riga is approximately 2 hours direct.
Travel to Riga with EU pet passport.
Responsible: Owner, airline
Checklist
Latvia: entry requirements
Requirement
Detail
Microchip
Required. ISO 11784/11785 (15-digit). Must pre-date the rabies vaccination.
Rabies vaccination
Required. At least 21 days since primary vaccination. Current and recorded in EU pet passport. Source: EU Regulation 576/2013.
Rabies titre test
Not required.
Quarantine
No quarantine for EU pets with valid passport.
Import permit
Not required.
Health certificate
EU pet passport. Updated by your Austrian vet.
Leaving Austria
Export requirements
Requirement
Detail
Export permit
No export permit required for intra-EU movement.
Health certificate
EU pet passport for intra-EU travel. Your Austrian vet issues or updates the EU pet passport. No additional endorsement needed for Latvia.
Costs
What this route typically costs
1
EU pet passport: approximately EUR 40-100
2
Vaccination update if needed: EUR 30-80
3
Cabin pet fee: EUR 30-80
4
Cargo fee if applicable: EUR 200-550
5
Total typical range: EUR 80-700
Critical points
Read before you book
⚠ Air Baltic operates Vienna to Riga directly and is the most practical carrier for this route for pets. Confirm their current pet policy before booking.
⚠ Latvia has breed-specific legislation. Certain breeds (including American Staffordshire Terriers and some others) may be subject to rules around muzzling and lead requirements in Latvia. These do not prevent entry but may affect your daily life once there.
⚠ Microchip must pre-date the rabies vaccination. Verify the sequence in the EU pet passport before travel.
Carriers
Airlines on this route
Air Baltic
Riga (RIX) hub. Air Baltic is the main carrier operating Vienna to Riga routes. Small pets in cabin accepted on most routes. Live animal cargo for larger pets.
Cargo and Cabin
Austrian Airlines
Vienna (VIE) hub. Lufthansa Group connections to Riga via Frankfurt or other hubs. Cabin and cargo options.
Cargo and Cabin
Ryanair
Budget flights between Vienna and Riga. Cabin only for small pets within Ryanair's size limits. No cargo pet service.
Cabin Only
Wizz Air
Vienna to Riga service. Cabin only for small pets. No live animal cargo.
Cabin Only
What an EU pet passport covers on this route
The EU pet passport is a standardised booklet that records your pet’s microchip number, rabies vaccination history, and veterinarian details. Both Austria and Latvia are EU member states and accept the EU pet passport as the sole travel document for companion animals moving between them.
Your Austrian vet issues or updates the passport. If your pet already has a valid EU passport with a current rabies vaccination and a microchip that pre-dates the vaccination, you are ready to travel. No titre test, no endorsement, and no additional certificates are required.
Vienna to Riga: options for different-sized pets
Riga International Airport (RIX) is the main international hub in Latvia. Air Baltic, Latvia’s national carrier, operates direct flights from Vienna (VIE) to Riga and accepts small pets in the cabin on most routes. This is typically the fastest and most convenient option for smaller pets.
For medium and large dogs, cabin travel is not available. Austrian Airlines’ Lufthansa Group connections offer cargo services to Riga with connections at Frankfurt or other hub airports. Book cargo spaces well in advance, particularly during the summer period when cargo capacity fills quickly on popular EU routes.
FAQ
Common questions
No. A valid EU pet passport with a current rabies vaccination and a microchip that pre-dates the vaccination is all you need to move a personal companion pet from Austria to Latvia. No titre test, import permit, or additional health certificate is required for intra-EU travel.
Latvia has breed-specific legislation that applies once you are resident in the country. Certain breeds may be required to be on a lead and muzzled in public, and some breeds require special registration. These rules do not affect airport entry or your legal right to bring your dog into Latvia. Ask the Food and Veterinary Service of Latvia (pvd.gov.lv) about breed-specific requirements if you plan to stay long-term.
A direct flight from Vienna to Riga takes approximately two hours. Air Baltic operates the route regularly. If connecting via Frankfurt or another hub, allow three to four hours total travel time. For pets in cargo, the airline will advise on check-in lead time.