Disclaimer: Please note that we at Sunburst
International Risk Management
provide the
following information
as a value-added service to our
international clients and visitors of this website.
We
make every effort to verify the
reports that are posted, but the accuracy and completeness of the
information, and of any statements or opinions based
thereon, are not guaranteed. The readers
assume all risks in using
information
on this page.
ENTRY/EXIT REQUIREMENTS: Latvian law requires that
visitors present a passport that is valid for at least three months after
their planned stay. For example, if a visitor plans to stay for one month,
then a passport valid for four months is required. Individuals who arrive at
Latvia’s borders who do not meet this requirement are generally denied entry
to the country. No visa is required for travelers remaining up to 90 days
in a half-calendar year (from January to June and from July to December).
Travelers remaining in Latvia for more than 90 days, including 180 day
periods that cross over two half-calendar years, must apply for temporary
residence.
All travelers must have a valid insurance policy, covering medical
expenses while in Latvia. Repatriation costs, including funeral and
disposition of remains costs also have to be covered by the policy. In
addition, upon entering or exiting the country, travelers must declare cash
in excess of 10,000 euros to Latvian customs.
For more information, travelers may contact the Latvian Embassy, at 2306
Massachusetts Ave., N.W., Washington, D.C. 20008, tel. (202)328-2840, fax
no. (202) 328-2860. See also
http://www.latvia-usa.org. Within Latvia, contact the Ministry of
Interiors’ Office of Citizenship and Migration Affairs at Raina bulv. 5,
Riga, LV 1508. tel. (371)721-9664 or (371) 721-9645, fax: (371)782-0306,
http://www.ocma.gov.lv/ or Foreign
Service Center at Alunana iela 1, Riga LV 1050, tel: (371)721-9655. Any
traveler to Russia, even in transit, is advised to obtain a visa prior to
entry into Latvia. The process of obtaining a visa at the Russian Embassy in
Riga can be lengthy, and involve surrender of the passport for an
undetermined period of time. Visit the Embassy of Latvia web site at
http://www.Latvia-usa.org for the
most current visa information.
Click Here
for
Instant Quotes & Online Purchase
for Global Travel,
Medical & Life Insurance
MEDICAL FACILITIES AND HEALTH INFORMATION: Medical care
in Latvia is steadily improving, but remains limited in several important
respects. There are a few private clinics with medical supplies and
services, including disposable needles and basic modern diagnostics, which
are nearly equal to Western Europe or U.S. standards. However, because of
the lack of equipment and resources, most major invasive procedures or
surgeries in Latvia are not recommended. Hospital services have shown good
progress but are still not equal to Western standards. Elderly travelers and
those with existing health problems may be at risk due to inadequate medical
facilities. Most, but not all, antibiotics and prescription medications are
available but as they are generally produced in Europe or Latvia, they often
have different names and instructions are usually not printed in English.
Diphtheria, hepatitis and tick-borne encephalitis are present. According to
the World Health Organization, tuberculosis is a significant problem in
Latvia, with 9% of all cases being multi-drug resistant. State ambulance
service for emergencies is available by dialing 112 anywhere in Latvia.
However, response time is poor in rural areas. Air ambulance service is
available for medical evacuations. In general, private air ambulance
services are very expensive and require advance payment before the patient
is transported.
Information on vaccinations and other health precautions, such as safe
food and water precautions and insect bite protection, may be obtained from
the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s hotline for international
travelers at 1-877-FYI-TRIP (1-877-394-8747); fax 1-888-CDC-FAXX
(1-888-232-3299)
Click Here
for
Instant Quotes & Online Purchase
for Global Travel,
Medical & Life Insurance
MEDICAL INSURANCE: The Department of State strongly
urges Americans to consult with their medical insurance company prior to
traveling abroad to confirm whether their policy applies overseas and
whether it will cover emergency expenses such as a medical evacuation.
REGISTRATION / EMBASSY LOCATION: Americans living
or traveling outside of the U.S. are encouraged to register with the U.S.
Embassy through the State Department’s travel registration website,
https://travelregistration.state.gov. Americans without Internet access
may register directly with the U.S. Embassy. By registering, American
citizens make it easier for the Embassy to contact them in case of
emergency.
The U.S. Embassy is located at 7 Raina Blvd. Riga, LV-1510, and may be
reached by dialing +371-703-6200. The fax number for the Consular American
Citizen Services section is+371-781-4088. You can find us on the web at
http://www.usembassy.lv.
Click Here
for
Instant Quotes & Online Purchase
for Global Travel,
Medical & Life Insurance
We
at Sunburst International Risk Management
are committed to keeping international
travelers and businesses informed about worldwide
travel alerts, travel
medical advisories, Passport & Visa Requirements
as well as
global safety & security risks with current and reliable
international safety & security news briefs that are updated frequently on
our website.
We also are dedicated to providing
international travelers a trusted source for
global risk management consulting services and superior
global emergency travel assistance including international emergency medical
evacuation, embassy and consular referrals, bail bond assistance, unique
worldwide insurance protection.
We believe that international travelers
and businesses now more
than ever need
timely travel alerts
and safety & security-related information to
cope with today’s ever-changing world.
irectory
