Guide 2026
Travelling to Latvia with a dog
Everything for the crossing with a dog: EU entry to Latvia, pet cabins with Stena Line and the rules on board.
- Two Stena Line routes, from Travemünde and from Nynäshamn
- EU entry: an EU pet passport with microchip and rabies vaccination is enough
- Book a pet cabin in advance, lead and muzzle on board
Entry requirements
What your dog needs for Latvia
Latvia is part of the EU. The standard EU rules apply for entry with a dog; tapeworm treatment isn't required.
EU pet passport
ISO microchip
Rabies vaccination
Tick protection recommended
Guide
Travelling to Latvia with a dog is straightforward: Latvia is part of the EU, so an EU pet passport is enough for entry. Stena Line gets you across the Baltic Sea on two routes, Travemünde - Liepāja from Germany and Nynäshamn - Ventspils from Sweden. On both, your dog travels in a pet cabin. This page explains the entry rules and how things work on board.
Entering Latvia with a dog
Latvia is an EU and Schengen country, so the standard EU rules for pets apply. You'll need:
- EU pet passport: issued by a vet, with microchip number and vaccination history.
- ISO microchip: 15 digits and ISO-compliant. It must be implanted before the rabies vaccination, otherwise the vaccination doesn't count.
- Rabies vaccination: valid and noted in the passport. A 21-day waiting period applies after the first vaccination before travel; the animal must be at least 12 weeks old.
Tapeworm treatment isn't required for Latvia; it only applies to a handful of tapeworm-free countries. No customs formalities apply within the EU. Good tick protection is worth packing, as the Baltics are a tick-borne encephalitis (TBE) area.
Your dog on board the Stena Line ferries
On both Latvia routes, pets travel in a pet cabin, which you book together with your ticket. The number of these cabins per departure is limited, so book early - if none are left, the dog can't come along.
Moving through the public areas of the ship with your dog, fixed rules apply: a short, non-extendable lead and a muzzle. Pets aren't allowed in the restaurant or shop. Assistance and guide dogs are exempt from this - they travel free of charge and can accompany you everywhere.
Practical tips for the crossing
Both routes sail overnight: Travemünde - Liepāja takes around a day, Nynäshamn - Ventspils just over nine hours. Bring everything your dog needs on board into the cabin: food and bowl, lead and muzzle, a familiar blanket and enough water. A good walk before boarding helps your dog settle for the crossing. Payment on board is cashless, by card. If you're travelling with a vehicle, you'll find details on registration and the process in the guide Travelling to Latvia by motorhome.
Frequently asked questions
FAQ - Travelling to Latvia with a dog
The most important questions about travelling to Latvia with a dog, answered concisely.
Can I take my dog on the ferry to Latvia?+
Yes. On both Stena Line routes to Latvia, dogs can travel, ideally in a pre-booked pet cabin. Book the animal together with your ticket, as the number of pet cabins per departure is limited. If none are left, the dog can't come along.
What documents does my dog need for Latvia?+
As Latvia is part of the EU, the EU pet passport with an ISO microchip and valid rabies vaccination is enough. The vaccination must be given after microchipping, with at least a 21-day waiting period between them; the animal must be at least 12 weeks old to travel. Tapeworm treatment is not required for Latvia. No customs formalities apply within the EU.
What rules apply to dogs on board?+
In public areas of the ships, dogs must be kept on a short, non-extendable lead and wear a muzzle. Pets aren't allowed in the restaurant or shop, so the pet cabin is your retreat on board. Assistance and guide dogs travel free of charge and have access to all passenger areas.
Can my dog stay in the motorhome?+
Yes, if you put the animal in a pet cabin. If you're travelling by motorhome, the dog can't stay alone in the vehicle during the crossing and must be in the booked cabin instead. How taking a vehicle works is explained in the guide Travelling to Latvia by motorhome.
Continue to the ferry to Latvia
Check the next Stena Line departures and plan your crossing with your dog.