Travel Report for Latvia

Country Profile for
Latvia

TRAVEL REPORTS:

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TRAVEL REPORT

Last Updated: November 30, 2006 15:51 EST
Still Valid: December 8, 2006 23:11 EST

Latvia

1.	INTRODUCTION
2.	ATTENTION
3.	SAFETY AND SECURITY
4.	LOCAL TRAVEL
5.	NATURAL DISASTERS AND CLIMATE
6.	LOCAL LAWS AND CUSTOMS
7.	ASSISTANCE FOR CANADIANS ABROAD
8.	ENTRY/EXIT REQUIREMENTS
9.	MONEY

10.	GENERAL INFORMATION
11.	TRAVEL MEDICINE PROGRAM
12.	ADDITIONAL HEALTH INFORMATION
13.	RETURNING TO CANADA
14.	INTERNATIONAL ADOPTIONS
15.	TRAVEL TIPS
16.	HEALTH AND TRAVEL INSURANCE
17.	FOR MORE INFORMATION
18.	ANNEX

1. INTRODUCTION

Section 2 of this Travel Report has been updated.

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2. ATTENTION

OFFICIAL REGISTRATION RECOMMENDATION: Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada offers a registration service for Canadians travelling or residing abroad. Canadians should register with the responsible Canadian government office in this country if they are going to be there for longer than three months. Registration can be done on-line or by calling the responsible Canadian government office abroad to request a registration form. Canadians visiting for less than three months are strongly advised to: (a) leave a detailed travel itinerary and contact information with family or friends in Canada; (b) provide family with the emergency number for Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada (1 800 267-6788 or 613-944-6788); and (c) keep the phone number of the responsible Canadian government office on hand (see Section 7 below).

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3. SAFETY AND SECURITY

Most Canadian visitors to

Latvia

do not experience problems. However, petty crime, such as pickpocketing, purse snatching and mugging, occurs in Riga, especially in the old part of town, the market area and around the main rail station. Avoid parks and poorly lit areas after dark. Car theft is common. Keep vehicles locked in guarded parking lots overnight. Ensure personal belongings, passports, and other travel documents are secure at all times. Do not show signs of affluence. Do not accept food or drink from strangers, as travellers have been drugged and subsequently robbed.

Debit and credit card scams, Internet auction swindles, identity theft through on-line job offers, and other fraudulent schemes are growing concerns in

Latvia

. Exercise caution when using debit or credit cards, making on-line transactions, or providing personal information over the Internet.

For emergency assistance, dial 112.

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4. LOCAL TRAVEL

Bus and plane services operate frequently to neighbouring countries. Bus service is generally comfortable and reliable. Trains operate throughout the country, but are old and uncomfortable.

Drive defensively, as traffic accidents are a common cause of death and injury. Poor and aggressive driving practices and traffic congestion create problems. In the event of an accident, vehicles should not be moved until authorized by the police. The highway system is generally good, but poor lighting poses risks to pedestrians, cyclists, and motorists. Headlights must be on at all times. Vehicles must be fitted with winter tires between December 1 and March 1. In winter, cars should be equipped for severe conditions. Winter driving can be especially dangerous since roads are not always cleared of snow. Drivers should beware of fog, snow and ice while driving. Expect border delays when arriving by road. The use of cellular telephones while driving is prohibited, unless fitted with a hands-free device. Seat belts are mandatory for the driver and all passengers. Penalties for drinking and driving are strict. Convicted offenders can expect heavy fines and jail sentences. Speed limits are usually 50 km/hr in the city and 90 km/hr on the highways, unless otherwise indicated.

An International Driving Permit (IDP) is required.

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5. NATURAL DISASTERS AND CLIMATE

Winter weather is snowy and cold. Flooding may occur in spring.

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6. LOCAL LAWS AND CUSTOMS

You are subject to local laws. A serious violation may lead to a jail sentence. The sentence will be served in local prisons. However, Canada and Latvia are signatories to the European Convention on the Transfer of Sentenced Persons, which enables a Canadian imprisoned in Latvia to request to be transferred to Canada to complete the sentence in a Canadian prison. The transfer requires the agreement of both Canadian and Latvian authorities.

Canadians arrested or detained have the right to contact the responsible Canadian government office (embassy, high commission, etc.) listed in Section 7 below. Arresting officials have a responsibility to assist you in doing so. Canadian consular officials can provide a list of local lawyers upon request.

The Department publishes A Guide for Canadians Imprisoned Abroad, specifically targeted at incarcerated Canadians. Its prime objective is to inform Canadian detainees, their families, and friends about available assistance and advice.

Penalties for possession, use, or trafficking of illegal drugs can result in long jail sentences and heavy fines.

Dual nationality is not officially recognized for Latvian nationals who became Canadian citizens after July 1, 1995. This policy may limit the ability of Canadian officials to provide consular services. Dual nationals may also be subject to national obligations, such as military service. Contact the Embassy of the Republic of Latvia for information about citizenship requirements and travel documentation.

Exportation of religious materials and antiquities are subject to strict customs regulations. Canadians should contact the Embassy of the Republic of Latvia in Ottawa (see below) for specific information regarding customs requirements.

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7. ASSISTANCE FOR CANADIANS ABROAD

You can obtain consular assistance and further consular information at the following address:

Latvia - RIGA, Embassy of Canada
Address: 20/22 Baznicas Street, 6th Floor, Riga LV-1010, Latvia
Tel.: 371 781-3945
Fax: 371 781-3960
E-mail: riga@international.gc.ca
Internet: http://www.international.gc.ca/canadaeuropa/baltics/

The Embassy of Canada in Stockholm,

Sweden

, has consular responsibility for

Latvia

.

Sweden - STOCKHOLM, Embassy of Canada
Address: Tegelbacken 4, 7th Floor
Postal Address: P.O. Box 16129, Stockholm, 10323, Sweden
Tel.: 46 (8) 453-3000
Fax: 46 (8) 453-3016
E-mail: stkhm-cs@international.gc.ca
Internet: http://www.international.gc.ca/canadaeuropa/sweden

For emergency assistance after hours, call the Canadian Embassy in Riga, listen to the recorded message, and follow the instructions. You may also make a collect call to the Department in Ottawa at 613-996-8885.

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8. ENTRY/EXIT REQUIREMENTS

The following information on entry and exit requirements has been confirmed with the authorities of

Latvia and, to the best of our knowledge, was valid on November 10, 2005. However, entry and exit requirements are subject to change.

It is the sole prerogative of each country to determine who is allowed to enter. All countries have special requirements for persons intending to reside for extended periods (usually more than 90 days) or who plan to work, study, or engage in non-tourist activities. To obtain information on specific entry requirements, contact the nearest diplomatic or consular office of the country or countries to be visited. Violations of entry and exit requirements may result in serious penalties.

Foreign Affairs Canada’s Office of Protocol provides contact details for the Embassy of the Republic of Latvia and its consulates, where you can obtain further information on entry and exit requirements.

A valid Canadian passport is required for Canadians intending to visit Latvia. The passport should be valid for at least three months beyond the date of your expected departure from the country.

Since May 1, 2003, a valid travel health insurance policy is required to enter Latvia. The policy must cover health care costs incurred in Latvia, with return to the country of permanent residency in case of a serious illness, accident or death.

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. A valid insurance policy, covering medical expenses while in Latvia, has to be presented when requesting the residency permit.

Tourist Visa: Not required (for stays up to 90 days within a six-month period)
Business Visa: Not required (for stays up to 90 days within a six-month period)
Student Visa: Required
Employment Visa: Required

Information on entry requirements can be found on the Office of Citizenship and Migration Affairs of the Republic of Latvia’s Web site at www.ocma.gov.lv .

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Special and diplomatic passport holders should verify visa requirements for this and other countries, as they may differ from those that apply to regular passport holders.

Any adult travelling with children may be required to show evidence of parental/custodial and/or access rights. Foreign and Canadian authorities may also require evidence that the adult has the consent of the parents, legal guardian, and/or the court to travel with the children. Some countries may not permit children to enter or, in some cases, leave the country without proper documentation such as a letter of consent or a court order.

Although same-sex marriages are legal in Canada, many countries do not recognize them. Attempting to enter as a same-sex married couple may result in refusal by local officials. For more information, contact the foreign government office accredited to Canada.

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9. MONEY

The currency is the Latvian lat (LVL), which is pegged to the euro (EUR). Foreign currency is easily exchanged. Traveller's cheques are cashed at banks. There is a fee of 1.5% to 3% of the sum. Canadian currency and traveller's cheques are not widely accepted outside Canada. Credit cards (primarily Visa and MasterCard) are widely accepted in Riga and other major centres. Credit card fraud is a problem. When using credit cards, ensure your card remains in view, and retain your transaction copy along with the carbon paper. ATMs are widely available, and most will accept Canadian bank and major credit cards.

Check with your bank for information on ATM services in other countries. You can also check the VISA ATM locator page or the MasterCard ATM locator page for the addresses of ATMs around the world. Your bank can advise if you need a new personal identification number (PIN) for overseas access to your account. Credit cards and debit cards should be used with caution due to the potential for fraud and other criminal activity. ATMs should be used during business hours inside a bank, supermarket, or large commercial building. Leave copies of your card numbers with a family member in case of emergency.

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10. GENERAL INFORMATION

Latvia (capital: Riga) is located in Eastern Europe, bordering Estonia, the Russian Federation, Belarus, Lithuania, and the Baltic Sea. Tourist facilities are widely available in major cities. The official language is Latvian. Russian and English are spoken. English is less common outside Riga.

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11. TRAVEL MEDICINE PROGRAM

The Public Health Agency of Canada and the World Health Organization (WHO) report on disease outbreaks that occur throughout the world. For the latest travel health advisories and related information, visit the Public Health Agency of Canada’s Travel Medicine Program Web site.

The Public Health Agency of Canada strongly recommends that your travel plans include contacting a travel medicine clinic or physician six to eight weeks before departure. Based on your individual risk assessment, a health care professional can determine your need for immunizations and/or preventive medication and advise you on precautions to avoid disease. Travellers are reminded to ensure that their routine (childhood) immunizations (e.g., tetanus, diphtheria, polio, and measles) are up to date.

Standards of medical care may differ from those in Canada. Treatment may be expensive, and payment in advance may be required. Travellers are advised to arrange for medical insurance prior to departure. Prescription medications should be kept in the original container and packed in carry-on luggage.

The Public Health Agency of Canada also recommends that travellers who become sick or feel unwell on their return to Canada seek a medical assessment with their personal physician. Travellers should inform their physician that they have been travelling or living outside of Canada.

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12. ADDITIONAL HEALTH INFORMATION

Medical facilities may be limited outside major centres, but basic medical supplies are generally available. Travellers with existing health problems may be at risk when travelling outside major centres. Visitors may wish to bring basic medical supplies when travelling in remote areas, including prescription medication, disposable needles, and anaesthetic. Doctors and hospitals often expect immediate cash payment for health services.

Consumption of untreated water and water-based foods greatly increases your chance of illness. Do not drink tap water. Travellers should drink only bottled water, peel all fruits and vegetables, and avoid undercooked meat, dairy products, and most food sold in the streets.

Tick-borne encephalitis occurs in wooded areas from spring to autumn. If you plan to visit forested areas, you should seek advice regarding inoculations before leaving Canada.

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13. RETURNING TO CANADA

Please consult the Current Issue on returning to Canada.

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14. INTERNATIONAL ADOPTIONS

Provincial and territorial authorities in Canada are responsible for authorizing international adoptions. If you are thinking of adopting a child from another country, you must first obtain information about the adoption regulations of the province or territory in which the child will reside. While adoption is a provincial/territorial responsibility, Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC) is responsible for allowing an adopted child entry into Canada. Entry can be refused if the child does not hold the appropriate immigrant visa. A visa may be denied, even if the adoption has already been completed. For more information contact CIC at 1 888 242-2100 (in Canada only), check the CIC Web site or contact your provincial or territorial government.

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15. TRAVEL TIPS

Please consult our Traveller's Checklist.

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16. HEALTH AND TRAVEL INSURANCE

Do not rely on your provincial health plan to cover all expenses if you get sick or are injured while abroad. It may cover nothing or only a portion of the costs. Understand the terms of your supplementary insurance policy. Some credit cards offer their holders health and travel insurance. Do not assume the card alone provides adequate coverage. Carry details of your insurance with you. Also, tell your travel agent, a friend or relative, and/or travelling companion how to contact your insurer. Get a detailed invoice from the doctor or hospital before you return to Canada. Always submit original receipts for any medical services or prescriptions received abroad. Most insurance companies will not accept copies or faxes.

Cancelling a scheduled trip abroad could cost you money. Before cancelling a scheduled trip, you should discuss the matter with your travel agent, your travel insurer, or the airline. The decision to travel is the sole responsibility of the traveller.

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17. FOR MORE INFORMATION

The Schengen Area

The member states of the European Union (not including the United Kingdom and Ireland), plus Norway and Iceland, make up the Schengen area, which aims to abolish border controls between those countries and create a single external frontier. However, controls are still in place at the borders of the newer Schengen countries.

Canadians do not need visas for short-term visits to Schengen countries, but some member states require you to register with local authorities within three working days of your arrival. It is important to get your passport stamped when entering the Schengen area. The absence of an entry stamp from the initial Schengen port of entry could create difficulties during subsequent encounters with local police or other authorities.

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18. ANNEX

N/A

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