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Last Updated:
November 6, 2007 18:54
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Still Valid: November 15, 2007 23:11 EST |
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1. RECENT UPDATES Sections 1, 2 and 3 of this Travel Report have been updated. BACK TO TOP 2. WARNINGS AND RECOMMENDATIONS There is no Official Warning for this country. Latvia
Most Canadian visitors to OFFICIAL REGISTRATION RECOMMENDATION: We offer a registration service for all Canadians travelling or living abroad. This service is provided so that we can contact and assist you in an emergency in a foreign country, such as a natural disaster or civil unrest, or inform you of a family emergency at home. Registration can be done on-line or by contacting a Canadian government office abroad. For more information, see our FAQs on Registration of Canadians Abroad. BACK TO TOP 3. SAFETY AND SECURITY The decision to travel is the sole responsibility of the traveller. The traveller is also responsible for his or her own personal safety. The purpose of this Travel Report is to provide Canadians with up-to-date information to enable them to make well-informed decisions. Petty crime, such as pick-pocketing, 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. BACK TO TOP 4. ENTRY/EXIT REQUIREMENTS The following information on entry and exit requirements has been confirmed with the Latvian authorities and, to the best of our knowledge, was valid on June 20, 2007. 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 and International Trade 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. A valid travel health insurance policy is required to enter Latvia, and it must cover health care costs incurred during the stay, including return to the country of permanent residency in case of a serious illness, accident or death. Tourist Visa: Not required (for stays up to 90 days within a six-month period) Business Visa: Not required (for stays that do not exceed 14 days) Student Visa: Not required (for stays that do not exceed 14 days) Work Permit: Required Information on entry requirements can be found on the website of the Office of Citizenship and Migration Affairs. Schengen Area The member states of the European Union (EU) (not including the United Kingdom and Ireland) along with Norway and Iceland make up the Schengen Area, which aims for common rules regarding visas, asylum rights and controls at the external borders. In the Schengen Area, Canadian travellers do not need visas for short-term visits (up to 90 days), but some countries 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. It is important to confirm the up-to-date entry requirements with each embassy and/or high commission of your destination(s) before departure. Countries that have implemented the Schengen Agreement – border controls abolished and one single external frontier Austria, Belgium, Denmark, France, Finland, Germany, Greece, Italy, Luxembourg, Netherlands, Sweden, Portugal, Spain, along with Norway and Iceland Countries that are not yet fully part of the Schengen Agreement – visa requirements were adjusted to comply with the EU’s common visa policy, but controls are still in place at the borders as the EU's external frontiers do not include them yet Bulgaria, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Hungary, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Malta, Poland, Romania, Slovakia, and Slovenia. Note: Although Switzerland signed an association agreement to become part of the Schengen Area in 2004, the principles don’t apply yet. Implementation is expected in 2008. Countries that are not part of the Schengen Area, but might have special arrangements with neighbouring countries Andorra, Holy See, Ireland, Liechtenstein, Monaco, San Marino, and the United Kingdom. A Certificate of Canadian Citizenship (CCC) is not a travel document. Airlines are known to refuse boarding to dual national Canadian passengers returning to Canada, travelling on a passport that requires a visa to enter Canada, regardless of whether the passenger presents a valid CCC as proof of Canadian citizenship. A Canadian passport is the only reliable and universally accepted travel and identification document for the purpose of international travel. It proves your admissibility to enter Canada. Selling, altering, or allowing another person to use your passport is a criminal offence. It could lead to the laying of charges and imprisonment if convicted. It could also lead to the denial of future passport services. 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. A new EU legislation on the amount of cash that can be carried has been implemented on June 15, 2007. Canadians crossing one of the external border control points of the EU will have to make a declaration to customs upon entry or exit if they have at least 10,000 euros, or the equivalent in other currencies, in cash, cheques, money orders, traveller's cheques, or any other convertible assets in their possession. Failure to report such a sum will be considered an offence. This does not apply to Canadians travelling within the EU or in transit to a non-EU country. The purpose of this legislation is to prevent illegal activities, such as money laundering. For more information on the new EU legislation and links to EU countries' sites, consult http://ec.europa.eu/eucashcontrols. 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. BACK TO TOP 5. CANADIAN GOVERNMENT CONTACTS 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 Tel.: 371 781-3945 Emergency toll-free to Ottawa: 800-0171 Fax: 371 781-3960 E-Mail: riga@international.gc.ca Internet: http://www.international.gc.ca/canada-europa/baltics/ The Embassy of Canada in Sweden - STOCKHOLM, Embassy of Canada Address: Tegelbacken 4, 7th Floor, Stockholm, Sweden Postal Address: P.O. Box 16129 , Stockholm, 10323 Tel.: 46 (8) 453-3000 Emergency toll-free to Ottawa: 00-800-2326-6831 Fax: 46 (8) 453-3016 E-Mail: stkhm-cs@international.gc.ca Internet: http://www.stockholm.gc.ca For emergency assistance after hours, call the Embassy of Canada 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. BACK TO TOP 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 5 above. Arresting officials have a responsibility to assist you in doing so. Canadian consular officials can provide a list of local lawyers upon request. The procedures required in legal proceedings or police investigations may be different from the procedures in force in the Canadian legal system. Canadians wishing to undertake such proceedings can expect to face long delays and additional efforts in order to resolve their case. The Government of Canada cannot intervene in ongoing legal proceedings in other countries, unless requested to do so by local authorities. Such requests are rare. 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 above) for specific information regarding customs requirements. BACK TO TOP 7. LOCAL TRAVEL AND CURRENCY 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. 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 Automated Banking Machine ( BACK TO TOP 8. NATURAL DISASTERS AND CLIMATE Winter weather is snowy and cold. Flooding may occur in spring. BACK TO TOP 9. 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. BACK TO TOP 10. 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. BACK TO TOP 11. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION Returning to Canada Traveller's Checklist 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. See Canada's Health Portal. 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. Adoption: 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. BACK TO TOP 12. ANNEX N/A BACK TO TOP |
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