Regulations sourced from DEFRA, USDA APHIS, DAFF and other official authorities.
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Overview
Latvia and France are both EU member states, so the regulatory framework is shared and simple. A microchip, current rabies vaccination, and an EU pet passport or AHC covers the legal requirements. There is no quarantine, no titre test, and no import permit. Riga International Airport (RIX) is a well-connected hub, with airBaltic serving Paris CDG directly or via connections, and KLM offering an excellent Riga-to-Amsterdam-to-Paris path.
Step by step
The Latvia to France process
1
Before any documentation step.
Confirm microchip is in place and ISO compliant
Responsible: Latvian vet
2
First vaccination: 21-day wait before France entry. Booster within valid period: immediately valid.
Ensure rabies vaccination is current
Responsible: Latvian vet
3
One appointment with an authorised Latvian vet.
Obtain or update EU pet passport
Responsible: Authorised Latvian vet
4
3-4 weeks before travel.
Book flight from Riga to France and reserve pet space
Responsible: Owner
5
Travel day. Riga to Paris CDG is typically 3-4 hours with one connection.
Travel from Riga to France
Responsible: Owner + airline
Checklist
France: entry requirements
Requirement
Detail
Microchip
Required. ISO 11784/11785 standard (15-digit). Implanted before rabies vaccination.
Rabies vaccination
Required. Current. First vaccination: 21-day wait before French entry. Booster within valid period: immediately valid.
Rabies titre test
Not required for EU-to-EU movements.
Quarantine
Not required.
Import permit
Not required for companion animals moving between EU member states.
Health certificate
EU pet passport or PVD-endorsed AHC, issued within 10 days of French entry.
Leaving Latvia
Export requirements
Requirement
Detail
Export permit
No export permit required for companion pets leaving Latvia for another EU member state.
Health certificate
EU pet passport issued or updated by an officially authorised Latvian vet. If no EU passport is held, a single-use AHC endorsed by the Food and Veterinary Service of Latvia (PVD) is required, issued within 10 days of entry into France.
Costs
What this route typically costs
1
EU pet passport issuance or update: EUR 30-80
2
Rabies vaccination booster (if due): EUR 20-60
3
IATA-approved travel crate: EUR 50-200
4
Cabin pet fee: EUR 30-100 per leg
5
Cargo pet fee (larger pets): EUR 200-700
6
Total typical range: EUR 150-900
Critical points
Read before you book
⚠ France has specific breed restrictions under national legislation (Category 1 and Category 2 dangerous dogs). Certain bull terrier-type breeds are banned entirely. Confirm your dog's breed category before booking.
⚠ airBaltic is the primary carrier from Riga with the strongest Baltic-to-EU network. Ryanair and Wizz Air also operate from RIX but do not accept pets.
⚠ If connecting through Amsterdam Schiphol, the AMS live animal facility is excellent. Allow at least 3-4 hours for connections involving pet cargo.
⚠ Permanent relocation to France means registering your dog with the Fichier National Canin (run by the Societe Centrale Canine). For short stays, no registration is required.
Carriers
Airlines on this route
airBaltic
airBaltic operates from Riga (RIX) to Paris CDG directly or via connections to French airports. Small pets allowed in cabin. A primary option for the Latvia-to-France corridor given airBaltic's strong Riga hub presence.
Cabin and Cargo
Air France
Air France connects Riga via Amsterdam or other hubs to Paris CDG and other French airports. Small pets permitted in cabin on Air France European services. Air France Cargo at CDG is well-equipped for live animals.
Cabin and Cargo
KLM Royal Dutch Airlines
KLM flies RIX to AMS directly, with frequent connections to CDG. Small pets in cabin on KLM EU routes. Amsterdam Schiphol is an excellent transit hub for live animals. A reliable option for the Riga-to-Paris corridor.
Cabin and Cargo
Finnair
Finnair connects Riga to Helsinki (HEL) with onward services to CDG. Small pets in cabin. A quieter routing option that avoids Schiphol if preferred.
Cabin and Cargo
EU passport or AHC: which document applies
For EU residents moving a pet between Latvia and France, the EU pet passport is the go-to document. An officially authorised Latvian vet issues or updates the passport in one appointment. Once issued, it covers all EU travel without further endorsement, provided the rabies vaccination remains current and the vaccination entry is properly recorded.
If you do not hold an EU passport for your pet, or if you are a non-EU resident temporarily moving a pet from Latvia into France, you need an AHC. The AHC must be issued within 10 days of your French entry date. The PVD (Food and Veterinary Service of Latvia) endorsement is required on the certificate. As of April 2026, new EU AHC templates apply, though transitional acceptance of older forms continues until October 2026.
Routing from Riga to France
airBaltic’s position as the Riga hub carrier gives Latvian pet owners good options. Direct services from RIX to Paris CDG are available on some schedules; check airBaltic’s current route map. For connections not served directly, KLM via Amsterdam Schiphol (AMS) is the most popular alternative, and AMS is one of the best transit airports in Europe for pet cargo.
Small pets travelling in cabin (combined weight of pet and carrier typically under 8 kg) should book the cabin spot at the time of ticket purchase. Flights from Riga to CDG, whether direct or via AMS, are typically in the range of 3-4 hours.
For larger dogs in cargo, contact the airBaltic or KLM cargo teams directly. Provide IATA crate dimensions, exact weight, and documentary details. Confirm live animal acceptance on every flight segment before finalising the booking.
FAQ
Common questions
No. A valid EU pet passport issued in Latvia is accepted by French authorities without additional endorsement. France and Latvia operate within the same EU pet travel framework. Present the passport at check-in and have it available for any border checks at CDG or other French entry points.
The PVD (Partikas un veterinarais dienests) is Latvia’s government food and veterinary authority. When an AHC is issued in Latvia, a PVD endorsement stamp confirms the issuing vet is officially authorised. French border vets at CDG look for this stamp to confirm the certificate’s validity. Without the PVD endorsement, an AHC from a Latvian vet is not considered valid for EU entry.
Yes, on most full-service carriers including airBaltic and KLM, provided the combined weight of cat and carrier is within the airline’s limit (usually 8 kg). Book the cabin space at time of ticket purchase. Budget carriers from Riga (Ryanair, Wizz Air) do not accept pets.
No quarantine applies for EU pets arriving from other EU member states with valid documentation and a current rabies vaccination. France may carry out random documentary checks at airports but does not impose quarantine for EU-compliant pets.