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Region: Europe
Full Name: Latvia
Capital City: Riga
Language Spoken: Latvian (official) 58.2%, Russian 37.5%, Lithuanian and other 4.3% (2000 census)
Get travel insurance to Latvia from Direct Travel Insurance. We offer low cost and high quality travel insurance to Latvia and most of the world.
57 00 N, 25 00 E
lowest point: Baltic Sea 0 m highest point: Gaizinkalns 312 m
total: 1,368 km border countries: Belarus 167 km, Estonia 343 km, Lithuania 576 km, Russia 282 km
NA
peat, limestone, dolomite, amber, hydropower, wood, arable land
arable land: 28.19% permanent crops: 0.45% other: 71.36% (2005)
Latvia's environment has benefited from a shift to service industries after the country regained independence; the main environmental priorities are improvement of drinking water quality and sewage system, household, and hazardous waste management, as well as reduction of air pollution; in 2001, Latvia closed the EU accession negotiation chapter on environment committing to full enforcement of EU environmental directives by 2010
Temperate climate, but with considerable temperature variations. Summer is warm with relatively mild weather in spring and autumn. Winter, which lasts from November to mid-March, can be very cold. Rainfall is distributed throughout the year with the heaviest rainfall in August. Snowfall is common in the winter months. Required clothing Light- to mediumweights are worn during summer months. Medium- to heavyweights are needed during winter. Rainwear is advisable all year.
time difference: UTC+2 daylight saving time: +1hr, begins last Sunday in March; ends last Sunday in October
2,274,735 (July 2006 est.)
0-14 years: 14% (male 162,562/female 155,091) 15-64 years: 69.6% (male 769,004/female 815,042) 65 years and over: 16.4% (male 121,646/female 251,390) (2006 est.)
total: 39.4 years male: 36.3 years female: 42.4 years (2006 est.)
-0.67% (2006 est.)
9.24 births/1,000 population (2006 est.)
13.66 deaths/1,000 population (2006 est.)
-2.26 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2006 est.)
at birth: 1.05 male(s)/female under 15 years: 1.05 male(s)/female 15-64 years: 0.94 male(s)/female 65 years and over: 0.48 male(s)/female total population: 0.86 male(s)/female (2006 est.)
total population: 71.33 years male: 66.08 years female: 76.85 years (2006 est.)
1.27 children born/woman (2006 est.)
Business meetings are formal and suit and tie should be worn. Business cards are exchanged. Appointments should be arranged in advance. Latvian is the official language; most Latvians speak Russian (grudgingly). English is widely used in government and business and is the most popular West European language. German is also encountered, particularly in establishments catering to the tourist trade. Office hours are 0830-1730 Monday to Friday.
Petty street crime is high, particularly for affluent tourists. In addition to the threat from pickpockets in all public areas (grocery stores, restaurants, department stores, bars, busses and on the streets), there have been cases of tourists and residents being drugged in bars, then taken to another location and robbed. In any public area one should always be alert to being surrounded by two or more people at once; the intent is for one person to distract while the other picks a pocket or purse. In some parts of the city, children work literally in swarms begging and picking pockets or purses. In addition, Riga has an extremely high incidence of car theft; the cost of car insurance is highly prohibitive because of the car theft rate. To prevent one's car from being stolen, a car alarm and a device to lock the steering wheel (e.g., the club) are useful; one should park in guarded lots whenever possible. To avoid being robbed, one should not carry valuable items in easily accessible areas like back pockets, backpacks, purses worn more to the rear, coat pockets and the like. Thinner purses/bags/packs are frequently sliced open from behind; heavier fabrics are a bit of a deterrent. One should avoid keeping one's passport where it will be easily picked and should keep a copy of the photo and first page in case it is stolen. . Alcoholism is a serious problem in Riga and many start drinking early in the day. It is not uncommon to encounter several drunks on the street en route to work in the morning hours. They should be avoided, as they can become surly or abusive.
Several of the main hotels in Riga have been renovated in joint ventures with Western firms. New or renovated hotels in Riga include the Hotel de Rome, the Radisson and the Metropole have recently opened and others are underway. Outside Riga, Latvia enjoys a good range of modest accommodation, left over from the pre-independence days, including large hotels and smaller establishments.
Telephone IDD service is available. The country code is 371 and the outgoing international code is 810. For directory inquiries, dial 09. Cable and Wireless, in conjunction with Lattelekom, are currently updating the telephone system. Some local companies offer computer Internet access. Many hotels in Riga allow their guests to use the fax machine to receive and send messages. Facsimile transmissions may also be made from several post offices in downtown Riga. . The Main Post Office is at Brivibas bulvaris 21. Tel: 722 4155. Fax: 733 1920.
is 220 volts AC, 50Hz. European-style 2-pin plugs are in use. Electricity 220 volts AC, 50Hz. European-style two-pin plugs are in use.
C,F
Hors d'oeuvres are very good and often the best part of the meal. Overall, cuisine can be heavy but almost always tasty and nourishing.
National specialties:
? Kotletes (meat patties).
? Skabu kapostu zupa (cabbage soup).
? Alexander Torte (raspberry- or cranberry-filled pastry strips).
? Smoked fish (including salmon or trout).
? Sweetbread soup with dried fruit.
? Piragi (pastry filled with bacon and onions).
? Sorrel soup with boiled pork, onions, potatoes and barley.
? Potatoes feature regularly on the menu, prepared in a variety of ways.
? There is a large selection of excellent dairy products on offer, such as skabs krejums (sour cream). National drinks:
? Riga's Black Balsam is a thick, black alcoholic liquid which has been produced since 1700. The exact recipe is a closely guarded secret, but some of the ingredients include ginger, oak bark, bitter orange peel and cognac. It is drunk either with coffee or mixed with vodka.
? There are several good local beers, including the dark beer Bauskas Tumsais and the pale Gaisais.
? Kvass is a refreshing summer drink.
? Sparkling wine is popular.
Tipping:
Taxi fares and restaurant bills usually include a tip. It is customary to give a little extra for good service.
Nightlife
Riga has a good range of excellent restaurants, bars and cafes.
* Please see passport section below
Passport valid for at least three months beyond length of stay required by all except:
(a) 1. EU/EEA nationals (EU + Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway) and Swiss nationals holding a valid national ID card.
Note: EU and EEA nationals are only required to produce evidence of their EU/EEA nationality and identity in order to be admitted to any EU/EEA Member State. This evidence can take the form of a valid national passport or national identity card. Either is acceptable. Possession of a return ticket, any length of validity on their document, sufficient funds for the length of their proposed visit should not be imposed.
Required by all except the following for a stay of up to 90 days within any six-month period:
(a) nationals of countries mentioned in the table and under passport exemptions above;
(b) nationals of Andorra, Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Brunei, Bulgaria, Chile, Costa Rica, Croatia, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Hong Kong (SAR), Israel, Korea (Rep), Macau (SAR), Malaysia, Mexico, Monaco, New Zealand, Nicaragua, Panama, Paraguay, Romania, San Marino, Singapore, Switzerland, Uruguay, Vatican City and Venezuela;
(c) transit passengers continuing their journey by the same or first connecting aircraft, provided holding onward or return documentation and not leaving the airport, except citizens of: Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Congo (Dem Rep), Eritrea, Ethiopia, Ghana, Iran, Iraq, Nigeria, Pakistan, Somalia and Sri Lanka who must obtain an airport transit visa issued prior to arrival.
Nationals of countries who require an airport transit visa can cross the transit zone without one provided that they: (a) hold a valid residence permit, entry visa or transit visa for Latvia; (b) hold a valid entry visa or residence permit issued by a member of the EU or Schengen Agreement; (c) hold a valid residence permit issued by Andorra, Canada, Japan, Liechtenstein, Monaco, San Marino, Switzerland, USA and the Vatican City, guaranteeing the right to return; (d) the national is a crew member of an airplane or citizen of a country which is a member of the December 7th 1944 International Civil Aviation Convention.
Short-term: US$40 (single- and double-entry); US$69 (multiple-entry). Visas for children under 16 are free of charge.
There is no separate category for a 'Business' visa. If traveling to Latvia for business purposes, please consult the requirements and cost of a tourist visa.
Short-term: from one day to 12 months. Transit: Three days (foreign sailors may be issued with a transit visa entitling them to remain in the country for five days).
Consulate (or Consular section at Embassy); see Passport/Visa Information.
(a) Passport valid for at least three months beyond expiry of visa, with at least two blank pages. (b) One completed application form. (c) One passport-size photo. (d) Valid travel health insurance policy guaranteeing coverage of costs associated with health care (except for nationals of Estonia, Finland, Sweden and Ukraine). (e) Fee, cash only. Short-term: (a)-(e) and, (f) An invitation to visit Latvia, approved by the Office of Citizenship and Migration Affairs at the Ministry of Interior in Riga (see below for address). Transit and Airport Transit: (a)-(e) and, (f) Valid visa for the country to be entered after Latvia, if required.
(a) Additional documents, such as return or onward tickets, confirmed hotel reservation and proof of sufficient funds, may also be requested. (b) All invitations must be registered by the Office of Citizenship and Migration Affairs, Alun?na Str. 1, Riga LV-1050 (tel: 721 9656; website: www.pmlp.gov.lv).
Usually seven, however in some cases processing may take longer.
Test required for anyone applying for a residency permit
None
45 Nottingham Place, London W1U 5LY, UK
Tel: (020) 7312 0040.
Website: http://www.mfa.gov.lv/en/london
Opening hours: Mon-Fri 0830-1700; 1000-1300 (consular section).
2306 Massachusetts Avenue, NW, Washington, DC 20008, USA
Tel: (202) 328 2840.
Website: www.latvia-usa.org
Opening hours: Mon 1400-1600 and Tues-Thur 1000-12000.
Most visits to Latvia are trouble-free but you should be aware of the global risk of indiscriminate international terrorist attacks, which could be against civilian targets, including places frequented by foreigners.
This advice is based on information provided by the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office in the UK. It is correct at time of publishing. As the situation can change rapidly, visitors are advised to contact the following organizations for the latest travel advice:
This advice is based on information provided by the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office in the UK. It is correct at time of publishing. As the situation can change rapidly, visitors are advised to contact the following organizations for the latest travel advice:
Website: www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice
Latvian Lat (LVL) = 100 santims. Notes are in denominations of LVL500, 100, 50, 20, 10 and 5. Coins are in denominations of LVL2 and 1, and 50, 20, 10, 5, 2 and 1 santims.
There are no restrictions on the import and export of either local or foreign currency.
Mon-Fri 0900-1700. Some banks are open Sat 0900-1300.
Bureaux de change are found all over main towns, including inside shops, hotels, post offices and train stations. These tend to close at 1900. Currency may also be obtained at ATMs in towns and cities. The most convenient currencies to exchange are the Euro and the US Dollar.
American Express, Diners Club, Eurocard, JCB, MasterCard and Visa are accepted by most hotels, restaurants and supermarkets. Some shops in Riga also accept credit cards. Check with your credit or debit card company for details of merchant acceptability and other services which may be available.
To avoid additional exchange rate charges, travelers are advised to take traveller's cheques in US Dollars or Pounds Sterling.
| City/Region | City/Area code | Followed by |
|---|---|---|
| Aizkraukle | (8)51 | + 5 digits |
| Aluksne | (8)43 | + 5 digits |
| Balvi | (8)45 | + 5 digits |
| Bauska | (8)39 | + 5 digits |
| Cesis | (8)41 | + 5 digits |
| Daugavpils | (8)54 | + 5 digits |
| Dobele | (8)37 | + 5 digits |
| Gulbene | (8)44 | + 5 digits |
| Jekabpils | (8)52 | + 5 digits |
| Jelgava | (8)30 | + 5 digits |
| Kraslava | (8)56 | + 5 digits |
| Kuldiga | (8)33 | + 5 digits |
| Liepaja | (8)34 | + 5 digits |
| Limbazi | (8)40 | + 5 digits |
| Ludza | (8)57 | + 5 digits |
| Madona | (8)48 | + 5 digits |
| Ogre | (8)50 | + 5 digits |
| Preili | (8)53 | + 5 digits |
| Rezekne | (8)46 | + 5 digits |
| Riga | (8)7 | + 6 digits |
| Saldus | (8)38 | + 5 digits |
| Talsi | (8)32 | + 5 digits |
| Tukums | (8)31 | + 5 digits |
| Valka | (8)47 | + 5 digits |
| Valmiera | (8)42 | + 5 digits |
| Ventspils | (8)36 | + 5 digits |
Reasonable dental care can be found in the larger towns and cities
Some international medication is available from the larger pharmacies and hospitals in the larger towns and cities.
Although the testing of blood products generally follow international standards, it is recommended blood transfusions are avoided in Latvia
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 Western standards. However, any major invasive procedures or surgeries in Latvia are not recommended because of lack of equipment and resources. Hospital services are not equal to Western standards. Most, but not all, antibiotics and prescription medications are available but as they are generally European or Russian produced, they often have different names and are usually not printed in English. Elderly travelers and those with existing health problems may be at risk due to inadequate medical facilities. Diptheria, hepatitis and tick-borne encephalitis are widespread. 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 03 anywhere in Latvia. However, quick response is poor in rural areas. Air ambulance service is available for medical evacuations.
Recent medical and dental exams should ensure that the traveler is in good health. Carry appropriate health and accident insurance documents and copies of any important medical records. Bring an adequate supply of all prescription and other medications as well as any necessary personal hygiene items, including a spare pair of eyeglasses or contact lenses if necessary. Drink only bottled beverages (including water) or beverages made with boiled water. Do not use ice cubes or eat raw seafood or rare meat. Eat well-cooked foods while they are still hot and fruits that can be peeled without contamination. Avoid roadside stands and street vendors. Only pasteurized dairy products should be consumed.
AIDS occurs. Blood supply may not be adequately screened and/or single-use, disposable needles and syringes may be unavailable. When possible, travelers should defer medical treatment until reaching a facility where safety can be assured. Hikers should take protective measures against ticks.
Hepatitis A: Consider active immunization with hepatitis A vaccine or passive immunization with immune globulin (IG) for all susceptible travelers. Especially consider choosing active immunization for persons planning to reside for a long period or for persons who take frequent short-term trips to risk areas. The importance of protection against hepatitis A increases as length of stay increases. It is particularly important for persons who will be living in or visiting rural areas, eating or drinking in settings of poor or uncertain sanitation, or who will have close contact with local persons (especially young children) in settings with poor sanitary conditions. Hepatitis B: Vaccination is advised for health care workers, persons anticipating direct contact with blood from or sexual contact with inhabitants, and persons planning extended stays of 6 months or greater (especially those who anticipate using local health care facilities, staying in rural areas, or having intimate contact with the local population). Typhoid: Vaccination should be considered for persons staying longer than 3 weeks, adventurous eaters, and those who will venture off the usual tourist routes into small cities, villages and rural areas. Importance of vaccination increases as access to reasonable medical care becomes limited. Contraindications depend on vaccine type. Note: All routine vaccines (such as DTP or Td, Hib, MMR, polio, varicella, influenza and pneumococcal) should be kept up-to-date as a matter of good health practice unrelated to travel.
Common colds, bronchial ailments, sinusitis, and intestinal flu are common, especially in winter. The incidence of communicable diseases in most areas is such that they are unlikely to prove a hazard to the international traveler greater than that found in his own country. There are, of course, health risks, but in most areas the precautions required are minimal. Immunization coverage has reduced the incidence of diseases such as measles. However, there is a risk of diphtheria infection, due in part to shortages of the vaccine and antibiotics. Influenza risk extends from November to April. Rabies occurs (especially among foxes in rural areas) and diphyllobothriasis (fish tapeworm) may be a problem in the Baltic Sea area. Incidents of lyme disease and tick-borne encephalitis have been reported.
AIDS: According to the Department of State, testing is required for persons over age 15 seeking residency permits (required for stays over 90 days). Contact Latvia's embassy for details.
No recent disease outbreaks
| Name | Address |
|---|---|
| Bulduri Hospital | Vienibas Prospect 19/21 Jurmala |
| Children's Hospital | Vienibas gatve 45 Riga |
| Clinical Hospital Gailezers | Kliniska Slimnica Gailezers Hipokrata iela 2 Riga 1038 |
| Diplomatiska Servisa Medicinas Centrs | Elizabetes iela 57 Riga |
| Stradina Hospital | Pilsonu 13 Riga |
| University Hospital Paul Stradins | Pilsonu iela 13 Riga LV 1002 |
| Via Una Poliklinika | Katrinas Dambis 10 Riga 1045 |
Press: There are Latvian and Russian newspapers ? Diena, Neatkariga Rita Avize and Vakara Zinas being the most popular Latvian titles.
TV: Latvian Television (LTV) is a publicly owned channel which operates LTV1 and LTV7. Latvian Independent Television (LNT) is the main commercial terrestrial channel.
Radio: The privately owned Latvian Radio operates four national networks.
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