Wayzata World Factbook 1994/World Factbook - 1994 Edition - Wayzata Technology (1994).iso/pc/text/txtfiles/latvia.tvl

Text File | 1994-04-11 | 4KB | 72 lines

#CARD:Latvia:Travel\Consular Information
Latvia - Consular Information Sheet
May 6, 1993

Country Description:  Latvia is a nation undergoing profound political and
economic change.  Tourist facilities are not highly developed, and many of
the goods and services taken for granted in other countries are not yet
available.

Entry Requirements:  A passport and a visa are required.  The Latvian
Embassy recommends that travelers obtain a visa in advance from the Latvian
Embassy at 4325 17th Street, Washington, D.C. 20011, tel. [phone].
It is also possible, for the time being, to obtain single-entry visas at
western ports of entry, but the process can be time-consuming and requires
proper documentation.  Latvian visas are valid for entry to Estonia and
Lithuania, and visas issued by Estonia or Lithuania are likewise valid for
entry to Latvia.

Travelers who plan to enter Russia, even in transit, will also need a
Russian visa.  While there is a Russian Embassy in Riga which issues visas,
some travelers have found it difficult or impossible to produce all the
documentation necessary to obtain a Russian visa in Latvia.  Russian visas
obtained on short notice are twice as expensive.

Medical Facilities:  Medical care in Latvia is limited.  The U.S. Embassy
maintains a list of English speaking physicians in the area.  There is a
severe shortage of basic medical supplies, including disposable needles,
anesthetics, and antibiotics.  Elderly travelers and those with existing
health problems may be at risk due to inadequate medical facilities.
Doctors and hospitals often expect immediate cash payment for health
services.  U.S. medical insurance is not always valid outside the United
States.  Travelers have found that in some cases, supplemental medical
insurance with specific overseas coverage has proved to be useful.  Further
information on health matters can be obtained from the Centers for Disease
Control's international travelers hotline, tel: [phone].

Crime Information:  Latvia has a low rate of violent crime.  There has been
a recent increase in street crime, especially at night near major hotels and
restaurants.  Robberies have occurred on trains and in train stations.  The
loss or theft abroad of a U.S. passport should be reported immediately to
the local police and the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate.  The Department
of State's pamphlet "A Safe Trip Abroad" provides useful information on
guarding valuables and protecting personal security while traveling abroad.
The publication is available from the Superintendent of Documents, U.S.
Government Printing Office, Washington  D.C. 20402.

Currency Regulations:  Latvia has a freely convertible currency (Latvian
ruble), and the permanent currency (the lats) is slowly being introduced.
Travelers checks and credit cards are accepted at major hotels and
restaurants.

Drug Penalties:  U.S. citizens are subject to the laws of the country in
which they are traveling.  Penalties for possession, use, or trafficking in
illegal drugs are strict and convicted offenders can expect jail sentences
and fines.

Registration:  Americans who register at the Consular Section of the U.S.
Embassy may obtain updated information on travel and security within Latvia.

Embassy Location:  The U.S. Embassy in Riga, Latvia, is located at Raina
Boulevard 7; telephone [phone].

No. 93-114

This replaces the Consular Information Sheet dated April 29, 1993, to change
the country description, to describe currency regulations, and to correct
the phone numbers for the U.S. Embassy.

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