Personal Effects Customs Clearance Latvia
Holiday baggage and other time sensitive packages should not be sent on this route.
The volume of shipments sent to this destination across the last 12 weeks has not been sufficient to meet our minimum number of on time shipments required for holiday baggage approval.
Shipments of Personal Effects will require a copy of the owner’s passport and a copy of their flight ticket to be uploaded to their Send My Bag account to demonstrate to customs that they have travelled or will be travelling to Latvia from the country they are shipping from.
The consignee may also be required to physically visit the Customs Office near Riga Airport to complete clearance, and therefore we highly recommend your shipment is timed to arrive at a similar time to you.
On this route, you are also required to visit the destination country’s official customs website and make yourself aware of any requirements, processes or fees, which may be due based on your personal circumstances and what you are shipping.
Upon arrival in the destination, you agree to comply with any customs processes, provide the customs authority with any information they request and to discuss the clearance of the shipment directly with the customs authority or our delivery partner in the destination.
General Personal Effects Customs Information
Personal effects are typically defined as used items which have been in the sender's possession for 6 months or more. If your shipment is checked by customs and is found to contain brand new or commercial items, you shipment may not be assessed as personal effects. Keep this in mind if you are sending Christmas gifts or other new items. Please check with customs so you are aware of potential customs duties, follow any advice given and attach all necessary documentation.
In order to demonstrate that your shipment consists of personal effects, you will be required to complete a brief non-generic packing list online, entries to be made in the format: "5 x Cotton Dresses, 2 x Jeans, 3 x Pair of Gloves", and so on, rather than as "10 x Used Clothing".
As customs processes and allowances vary by country, we advise all customers take 5 minutes to check how their personal circumstances and what they are sending will be assessed under the prevailing customs regulations of the destination.
More information is available on our customs information page.
Customs Clearance Time
When a bag is stopped by customs for any reason (missing documentation, impromptu inspection, prohibited contents, commercial contents or further information required) Send My Bag records how long customs hold it for. Our historical statistics for this route indicate that if the customs authority stops your bag they will on average take 5 working days to process it and release it back to us for delivery.
Personal Effects Customs Clearance Latvia
Holiday baggage and other time sensitive packages should not be sent on this route.
The volume of shipments sent to this destination across the last 12 weeks has not been sufficient to meet our minimum number of on time shipments required for holiday baggage approval.
Shipments of Personal Effects will require a copy of the owner’s passport and a copy of their flight ticket to be uploaded to their Send My Bag account to demonstrate to customs that they have travelled or will be travelling to Latvia from the country they are shipping from.
The consignee may also be required to physically visit the Customs Office near Riga Airport to complete clearance, and therefore we highly recommend your shipment is timed to arrive at a similar time to you.
On this route, you are also required to visit the destination country’s official customs website and make yourself aware of any requirements, processes or fees, which may be due based on your personal circumstances and what you are shipping.
Upon arrival in the destination, you agree to comply with any customs processes, provide the customs authority with any information they request and to discuss the clearance of the shipment directly with the customs authority or our delivery partner in the destination.
General Personal Effects Customs Information
Personal effects are typically defined as used items which have been in the sender's possession for 6 months or more. If your shipment is checked by customs and is found to contain brand new or commercial items, you shipment may not be assessed as personal effects. Keep this in mind if you are sending Christmas gifts or other new items. Please check with customs so you are aware of potential customs duties, follow any advice given and attach all necessary documentation.
In order to demonstrate that your shipment consists of personal effects, you will be required to complete a brief non-generic packing list online, entries to be made in the format: "5 x Cotton Dresses, 2 x Jeans, 3 x Pair of Gloves", and so on, rather than as "10 x Used Clothing".
As customs processes and allowances vary by country, we advise all customers take 5 minutes to check how their personal circumstances and what they are sending will be assessed under the prevailing customs regulations of the destination.
More information is available on our customs information page.
Customs Clearance Time
When a bag is stopped by customs for any reason (missing documentation, impromptu inspection, prohibited contents, commercial contents or further information required) Send My Bag records how long customs hold it for. Our historical statistics for this route indicate that if the customs authority stops your bag they will on average take 5 working days to process it and release it back to us for delivery.
On EU standard services (not express) and all UK and US domestic services you may send:
- Shower gel.
- Toothpaste.
- Other non flammable and non alcohol based liquids, pastes & gels for use on holiday.
Nail varnish, perfume and aerosols are not permitted. If these items are included in your luggage it may be returned to you.
Whilst non alcohol based liquids are permitted, damage caused by leakage is not covered by complimentary cover and therefore only small amounts should be sent. If an x-ray shows liquids of any type security may stop your bag for inspection.
A maximum of 1 lithium battery is permitted per shipment (excludes to / from Australia) when it is contained within a working personal electronic device such as a mobile phone. Review our battery policy. The following items are prohibited at all times:
- Aerosols or any other pressurised containers;
- Alcohol based or Flammable Liquids, Pastes and Gels of any type including, but not limited to, nail varnish and perfume;
- Toner Cartridges;
- Loose Batteries & Power Banks;
- No more than ONE device containing a lithium battery in line with our battery policy OR when shipping to / from Australia or China, NO device containing any kind of battery;
- Tracking devices such as AirTags;
- Animals and Animal products;
- Firearms and firearm parts, ammunition, weapons (including imitations of same);
- Explosives, incendiary materials and devices including but not limited to fireworks, matches, flares, solid fuels;
- Flowers and plant products;
- Human remains or ashes;
- Medical samples;
- Items that require a temperature controlled environment;
- Pornography;
- Prescription drugs and pharmaceutical products;
- Tobacco and vaping products regardless of nicotine content;
- Religious Artefacts
- Foodstuffs, perishable, animal origin and controlled food articles and beverages including, but not limited to: Fruit & vegetables, dairy products (including dried products containing dairy such as milk chocolate and protein powder), meat, fish, nuts, seeds, wine, beer, spirits and champagne; or
- Packages that are wet, leaking or emit an odour of any kind;
- Valuables and high value items including but not limited to antiques, paintings, jewellery, precious stones and electrical equipment (low value electrical equipment is permitted but sent at the owner's risk);
- Cash or other forms of tradeable currency;
- Credit cards;
- Passports or other confidential personal documentation;
- Irreplaceable items;
- Other Dangerous / hazardous goods;
- Counterfeit goods;
- Items from sanctioned countries;
- Other illegal or restricted goods.
More information is available under section 11 of our terms of service.
Additional prohibited items for Latvia
- Single use plastics including cutlery, plates, straws, cotton bud sticks, and food containers and cups made of polystyrene.
Items Excluded From Cover
The following items will be accepted but are sent at your risk and are not included under complimentary cover:
- Electrical Items, including but not limited to; Tablets, Mobile Phones, Computers, Hi-Fis, TVs.
- Glass & Porcelain.
- Any other non standard excess baggage items.
If you choose to send any of the above please ensure you package the item appropriately, for example a TV inside a suitcase is not appropriate.
On EU standard services (not express) and all UK and US domestic services you may send:
- Shower gel.
- Toothpaste.
- Other non flammable and non alcohol based liquids, pastes & gels for use on holiday.
Nail varnish, perfume and aerosols are not permitted. If these items are included in your luggage it may be returned to you.
Whilst non alcohol based liquids are permitted, damage caused by leakage is not covered by complimentary cover and therefore only small amounts should be sent. If an x-ray shows liquids of any type security may stop your bag for inspection.
A maximum of 1 lithium battery is permitted per shipment (excludes to / from Australia) when it is contained within a working personal electronic device such as a mobile phone. Review our battery policy. The following items are prohibited at all times:
- Aerosols or any other pressurised containers;
- Alcohol based or Flammable Liquids, Pastes and Gels of any type including, but not limited to, nail varnish and perfume;
- Toner Cartridges;
- Loose Batteries & Power Banks;
- No more than ONE device containing a lithium battery in line with our battery policy OR when shipping to / from Australia or China, NO device containing any kind of battery;
- Tracking devices such as AirTags;
- Animals and Animal products;
- Firearms and firearm parts, ammunition, weapons (including imitations of same);
- Explosives, incendiary materials and devices including but not limited to fireworks, matches, flares, solid fuels;
- Flowers and plant products;
- Human remains or ashes;
- Medical samples;
- Items that require a temperature controlled environment;
- Pornography;
- Prescription drugs and pharmaceutical products;
- Tobacco and vaping products regardless of nicotine content;
- Religious Artefacts
- Foodstuffs, perishable, animal origin and controlled food articles and beverages including, but not limited to: Fruit & vegetables, dairy products (including dried products containing dairy such as milk chocolate and protein powder), meat, fish, nuts, seeds, wine, beer, spirits and champagne; or
- Packages that are wet, leaking or emit an odour of any kind;
- Valuables and high value items including but not limited to antiques, paintings, jewellery, precious stones and electrical equipment (low value electrical equipment is permitted but sent at the owner's risk);
- Cash or other forms of tradeable currency;
- Credit cards;
- Passports or other confidential personal documentation;
- Irreplaceable items;
- Other Dangerous / hazardous goods;
- Counterfeit goods;
- Items from sanctioned countries;
- Other illegal or restricted goods.
More information is available under section 11 of our terms of service.
Additional prohibited items for Latvia
- Single use plastics including cutlery, plates, straws, cotton bud sticks, and food containers and cups made of polystyrene.
Items Excluded From Cover
The following items will be accepted but are sent at your risk and are not included under complimentary cover:
- Electrical Items, including but not limited to; Tablets, Mobile Phones, Computers, Hi-Fis, TVs.
- Glass & Porcelain.
- Any other non standard excess baggage items.
If you choose to send any of the above please ensure you package the item appropriately, for example a TV inside a suitcase is not appropriate.
A maximum of 1 lithium battery is permitted per shipment (excludes to / from Australia) when it is contained within a working personal electronic device such as a mobile phone. Review our battery policy.
- Aerosols or any other pressurised containers;
- Liquids, Pastes and Gels of any type (including nail varnish and perfume);
- Toner Cartridges;
- Loose Batteries & Power Banks;
- No more than ONE device containing a lithium battery in line with our battery policy OR when shipping to / from Australia or China, NO device containing any kind of battery;
- Tracking devices such as AirTags;
- Animals and Animal products;
- Firearms and firearm parts, ammunition, weapons (including imitations of same);
- Explosives, incendiary materials and devices including but not limited to fireworks, matches, flares, solid fuels;
- Flowers and plant products;
- Human remains or ashes;
- Medical samples;
- Items that require a temperature controlled environment;
- Pornography;
- Prescription drugs and pharmaceutical products;
- Tobacco and vaping products regardless of nicotine content;
- Religious Artefacts
- Foodstuffs, perishable, animal origin and controlled food articles and beverages including, but not limited to: Fruit & vegetables, dairy products (including dried products containing dairy such as milk chocolate and protein powder), meat, fish, nuts, seeds, wine, beer, spirits and champagne; or
- Packages that are wet, leaking or emit an odour of any kind;
- Valuables and high value items including but not limited to antiques, paintings, jewellery, precious stones and electrical equipment (low value electrical equipment is permitted but sent at the owner's risk);
- Cash or other forms of tradeable currency;
- Credit cards;
- Passports or other confidential personal documentation;
- Irreplaceable items;
- Other Dangerous / hazardous goods;
- Counterfeit goods;
- Items from sanctioned countries;
- Other illegal or restricted goods.
More information is available under section 11 of our terms of service.
Additional prohibited items for Latvia
- Single use plastics including cutlery, plates, straws, cotton bud sticks, and food containers and cups made of polystyrene.
Items excluded from cover
The following items will be accepted but are sent at your risk and are not included under complimentary cover:
- Electrical Items, including but not limited to; Tablets, Mobile Phones, Computers, Hi-Fis, TVs.
- Glass & Porcelain.
- Any other non standard excess baggage items.
If you choose to send any of the above please ensure you package the item appropriately, for example a TV inside a suitcase is not appropriate.
A maximum of 1 lithium battery is permitted per shipment (excludes to / from Australia) when it is contained within a working personal electronic device such as a mobile phone. Review our battery policy.
- Aerosols or any other pressurised containers;
- Liquids, Pastes and Gels of any type (including nail varnish and perfume);
- Toner Cartridges;
- Loose Batteries & Power Banks;
- No more than ONE device containing a lithium battery in line with our battery policy OR when shipping to / from Australia or China, NO device containing any kind of battery;
- Tracking devices such as AirTags;
- Animals and Animal products;
- Firearms and firearm parts, ammunition, weapons (including imitations of same);
- Explosives, incendiary materials and devices including but not limited to fireworks, matches, flares, solid fuels;
- Flowers and plant products;
- Human remains or ashes;
- Medical samples;
- Items that require a temperature controlled environment;
- Pornography;
- Prescription drugs and pharmaceutical products;
- Tobacco and vaping products regardless of nicotine content;
- Religious Artefacts
- Foodstuffs, perishable, animal origin and controlled food articles and beverages including, but not limited to: Fruit & vegetables, dairy products (including dried products containing dairy such as milk chocolate and protein powder), meat, fish, nuts, seeds, wine, beer, spirits and champagne; or
- Packages that are wet, leaking or emit an odour of any kind;
- Valuables and high value items including but not limited to antiques, paintings, jewellery, precious stones and electrical equipment (low value electrical equipment is permitted but sent at the owner's risk);
- Cash or other forms of tradeable currency;
- Credit cards;
- Passports or other confidential personal documentation;
- Irreplaceable items;
- Other Dangerous / hazardous goods;
- Counterfeit goods;
- Items from sanctioned countries;
- Other illegal or restricted goods.
More information is available under section 11 of our terms of service.
Additional prohibited items for Latvia
- Single use plastics including cutlery, plates, straws, cotton bud sticks, and food containers and cups made of polystyrene.
Items excluded from cover
The following items will be accepted but are sent at your risk and are not included under complimentary cover:
- Electrical Items, including but not limited to; Tablets, Mobile Phones, Computers, Hi-Fis, TVs.
- Glass & Porcelain.
- Any other non standard excess baggage items.
If you choose to send any of the above please ensure you package the item appropriately, for example a TV inside a suitcase is not appropriate.
Why Ship to Latvia?
Tourists flock to Latvia for a myriad of reasons, whether they’re hitting up the bars in the Old Town of Riga for a weekend break away, spending some time hiking amongst the tranquil forests and unspoilt nature of the country’s national parks or sunning themselves on the beach in summer time. Budget airlines are now a popular way of getting around Europe quickly and cheaply. However, you often need to pay for hidden extras, such as checking bags into the hold or if your bags are overweight.
If you have a lot of luggage to bring with you, say for a big move to Latvia, getting everything you need into the hold of a plane may be quite tricky. Or, if you are planning on enjoying outdoor pursuits in Latvia and want to bring your own equipment, you may find it difficult to limit yourself to your airline’s weight restrictions. This is where Send My Bag can help. Send My Bag will pick up your luggage, whether its suitcases, bags or boxes, even overweight or outsized items, right from your doorstep and deliver it to wherever you need it in Latvia. It not only saves you money, but also saves you on time and hassle having to wait around at luggage carousels and transport awkward luggage around an unfamiliar country.
If you are a student moving to or from Latvia for your degree course, Send My Bag can send all your possessions for you. By shipping your things rather than bringing them on the plane yourself, you can have many more of your things with you and can avoid the risk of excess baggage fees.
Send Luggage to Latvia
You can send your luggage and boxes to Latvia with Send My Bag. No matter the reason for your move or trip to Latvia, you can avoid the stress of managing heavy luggage by letting Send My Bag take care of it. This means you can bring everything you need with you without worrying about going over your airline’s weight restrictions. With your luggage taken care of, you can enjoy discovering your new surroundings. To find out more about sending baggage to Latvia, visit our ‘How it works’ page, or our ‘FAQs’.
Removals to Latvia
If you are moving abroad to live in Latvia permanently, you will need to consider international removals to Latvia in order to move all of your possessions. Take care to package everything up well and make sure you research removal companies before selecting one with good reviews.
Student Shipping to Latvia
If you are taking your degree in Latvia, or if you are spending part of your course there, to conduct research, perhaps, you will have a significant amount of luggage to bring with you. If you send your luggage with Send My Bag, you can bring all your course textbooks, clothes and DVDs, etc. Latvia’s biggest university is the University of Latvia in Riga. Discover more about student shipping on our student page and find out how to receive your student discount.
Sending a Parcel to Latvia
Send My Bag can also send parcels to Latvia for you, which is handy if you have smaller amounts to ship. This is also a great option for friends and family wanting to send you gifts or care packages. When sending a parcel to Latvia make sure you select a sturdy box and seal it up well so nothing gets damaged in transit and make sure you are aware of any duties you may have to pay on brand new items. Read more about sending a parcel and find out what you can send with Send My Bag and how to package your items.
Ways of Shipping to Latvia
You will need to research international shipping methods to Latvia if you are moving there, if you are working for a number of months, or if you are going on holiday there but need to bring lots of clothes and equipment with you. You can take your pick of several different options for international shipping to Latvia.
Send your Bike to Latvia
Cycling is a popular way to discover Latvia. You can cycle through historic town centres, along the coast or into woodland. You can do so from the comfort of your own bike by sending your bicycle with Send My Bag. You won’t need to worry about dragging your bike through the airport or onto public transport, as Send My Bag will take care of everything, delivering your bike to your accommodation ready for your arrival. You will also avoid the risk of having to pay oversized baggage fees to your airline. Your bike will need to be dismantled and securely packaged before being sent to Latvia. See our information on bike shipping to learn more.
Send Skis to Latvia
Perhaps not one of the most well-known destinations for ski holidays, Latvia has several resorts offering downhill and cross-country skiing. Resorts include Ozolkalns, Kakisu Trase and Zagarkalns. You won’t have to rent unfamiliar skis when you are there. Instead, you can send your own skis to Latvia with Send My Bag. This is much less stressful than checking your skis into your airplane’s hold. You can send your skis ahead to Latvia and have them waiting for you on arrival. Find out more about sending skis with Send My Bag and read about how to package your skis safely.
About Latvia
Latvia is a northern European country located in the Baltic region, bordering Estonia, Belarus, Russia and Lithuania. With a population of just under 2 million, it is a relatively small country. The currency used is the Euro and the official language is Latvian, one of only two of the surviving Baltic languages, along with Lithuanian. The climate in the country is temperate and typical of continental Europe, with well-defined seasons that are cold in winter (with daytime temperatures of around -5°C (23°F) and frequent heavy snowfall) and warm in summer (with temperatures reaching the high 20°Cs (~ 80°F) but cooled by a breeze from the Baltic Sea).
Latvia’s capital city, Riga, is a charming old city filled with narrow winding streets covered in cobbles. Many tourists spend their time in the city exploring these streets and uncovering the history behind them in the beautiful squares that are home to sights such as the Dome Cathedral. It’s also a fantastic place for shopping, whether at markets or small independent boutiques. It has a nearby seaside resort, Jurmala, and a booming nightlife in the Old Town that draws hen and stag dos from across Europe to taste the local beers and enjoy the friendly atmosphere.
Outside of the city, you’ll find Latvia to be a stunning place with plenty to keep tourists occupied. The coastline boasts some of the best bird watching in Europe with Liepaja on the Kurzeme coast being on sea bird migration paths and home to songbirds and raptors too. Hiking is an exceedingly popular past time in the gorgeous Gauja National Park, which has a river, caves, dense woodland, and lots of wildlife. It also draws tourists with the promise of exciting water sports such as white water rafting and river kayaking.
Please explore this page further to find out about Send My Bag’s shipping service to Latvia.
Air Freight to Latvia
If you have big items like a chest of drawers or a nest of tables to send to Latvia, one possible solution for you could be air freight. This is a quick service that can be quite expensive, depending on how big your shipment is. When using a service such as this you will probably need to hire a customs agent to handle customs clearance for you and you will need to arrange the transportation of your items to and from the airports. If sending items internationally by air freight to Latvia your items will likely arrive at Riga International Airport.
Sea Freight and Container Shipping to Latvia
Sea freight or container shipping is a good option for very large items, like a snooker table or canoe. Sea freight shipping can take a number of weeks, so it’s best if you don’t need to receive your items immediately. This option can be cheaper than air freight, but you will still need to pay for the services of a customs agent and will need to arrange how to get your items to and from the ports. When using sea freight to Latvia, your items will most likely arrive by ship at the Port of Riga.
Shipping Goods to Latvia
When shipping commercial goods to Latvia you must research current customs regulations. You should be aware of any duty that you need to pay and what items are allowed to be shipped to Latvia, which items are restricted, and which are entirely prohibited. Take a look at the prohibited items and customs sections on this page for more information.