Moving a dog or cat from United Kingdom to Latvia is very doable with the right preparation. Around 2-4 weeks should do it, as this is an easier route to plan. There is no routine quarantine, provided the paperwork is in order.
This route …
In short:
Preparing to move a pet from United Kingdom to Latvia
typically takes around 2-4 weeks.
There is no routine quarantine on arrival for compliant pets.
A rabies titre test is not required.
Regulations verified
Written and reviewed by Marcus Webb, Senior Pet Relocation Consultant
Step by step
The United Kingdom to Latvia pet import process
Each step must be completed in a precise sequence. Start early. We manage every stage and deadline.
1
Confirm microchip and current rabies vaccination
Responsible: Your UK vet
Check records.
2
Obtain UK AHC in EU listed-country format
Responsible: APHA-authorised UK Official Vet
Valid 10 days from examination.
3
Book airBaltic direct or cargo via Lufthansa
Responsible: You
Book cabin/cargo space as appropriate.
4
Travel to Latvia
Responsible: You
Present AHC and vaccination records at Riga.
Requirements
What your pet needs to enter Latvia
Every item below must be in place before your pet can travel. We manage and verify each one.
Microchip
Required (ISO 11784/11785).
Rabies vaccination
Required. Current vaccination within manufacturer validity.
Rabies titre test
Not required. The United Kingdom is listed under EU Regulation 576/2013. No titre test required.
Quarantine
No quarantine. EU standard entry. Documentation check at point of entry.
Health certificate
UK Animal Health Certificate in EU listed-country format under EU Regulation 576/2013. Issued by APHA-authorised OV.
Export permit (United Kingdom)
No export permit required from the UK.
Costs
What this route typically costs
UK Animal Health Certificate: approximately GBP 100-200
Airline cabin fee (airBaltic small pets) or cargo fee: approximately GBP 50-400
IATA-compliant crate if travelling cargo
Critical points to read before you book
airBaltic is the standout option - national carrier with direct UK services and established cabin pet policy.
EU pet passports issued after 1 January 2021 are not valid for pets travelling from the UK to the EU.
Tell your OV the destination is Latvia (EU) to ensure the correct AHC format is issued.
No titre test, no quarantine for this route.
Airlines
Carriers approved for this route
Not all airlines accept live animals on this route. We know which carriers to use and how to book.
AIRBALTIC
airBaltic
airBaltic is Latvia's national carrier with its hub at Riga (RIX). Operates direct London Gatwick and other UK airports to Riga. Small cabin pets allowed. airBaltic Cargo for larger pets. The most convenient UK-Latvia option.
Cabin and Cargo
RYANAIR
Ryanair
Ryanair flies to Riga from multiple UK airports. Cabin only for very small pets within Ryanair weight limits. No hold pets on Ryanair.
Cabin Only Small
WIZZ AIR
Wizz Air
Wizz Air flies UK to Riga. Cabin only for very small pets. Strict weight limits.
Cabin Only Small
LUFTHANSA
Lufthansa
Via Frankfurt (FRA). Lufthansa Cargo handles larger pets to Riga.
Cabin and Cargo
FINNAIR
Finnair
Via Helsinki (HEL). Finnair Cargo handles pets. Short HEL-RIX connection.
Cabin and Cargo
Meeting Latvia's entry requirements
The requirements for Latvia are light, but not zero. A little planning goes a long way on a route like this.
Advice worth following
Use an official, government-authorised vet for the health certificate, not just your usual clinic. Many destinations only accept certificates signed by an approved vet.
If this is your first international move, consider an IPATA-registered pet transport agent. They handle the documents, airline booking and crate sizing, and can troubleshoot problems.
Get your pet used to the travel crate weeks in advance. A calm, crate-familiar animal travels far better than one meeting the crate for the first time at the airport.
Confirm live animal acceptance on every flight segment before booking. Not all aircraft or connections take pets, and cargo terms can differ leg to leg.
FAQ
Common questions about United Kingdom to Latvia pet transport
No. The United Kingdom is a listed third country under EU Regulation 576/2013. No titre test is required. You need a current rabies vaccination, ISO microchip, and a UK Animal Health Certificate in the correct EU format.
Yes. airBaltic allows small cabin pets on UK-Riga routes. Weight limits apply (pet plus carrier typically up to 8kg). Confirm current airBaltic cabin pet policy and fees before booking.
Your APHA-authorised Official Vet must issue the AHC in the EU format for listed third countries under EU Regulation 576/2013. This is specifically for pets moving from a listed non-EU country (UK) into the EU. Tell your OV the destination is Latvia so they issue the correct certificate type.
An EU pet passport issued before 1 January 2021 relates to EU travel. Since your pet is now moving from the UK (a third country), a UK AHC is required. Speak to your APHA-authorised OV about what documentation is needed for UK-to-EU travel.
Allow 2-4 weeks. Latvia is one of the more straightforward international pet routes. The key steps are: confirm vaccination records, book OV appointment for AHC (valid 10 days), book airBaltic direct. No titre test, no quarantine, no import permit required.
Airline guides
airBaltic
Ryanair
Wizz Air
Lufthansa
Finnair
Breed guides
Check breed-specific airline rules and country bans.