FAQ
Here is a list of the most frequently asked questions:
1. Do I need my Passport to visit Latvia?
2. What do I have to do to receive medical treatment in Latvia?
3. What are the sanitary conditions in the Country?
4. What kind of climatic conditions should I be expecting?
5. What is the security level of the Country?
6. Can I drive in Latvia with my Italian driving license?
7. How do I get to Latvia?
8. Can I use Euro for my purchases?
1. Do I need my Passport to visit Latvia?
As from May 1st, 2004, date of admission of Latvia to the EU, ID valid for expatriation is sufficient. In December 2007, Latvia became a member of the Shenghen Area, thus all land and maritime customs inspections have been abolished. From March 30 2008, also airport inspections have been removed.
Nevertheless, Italian tourists must travel with means of identification valid at least until the end of the stay (Passport or identification card valid for expatriation).
Birth certificates valid for expatriation issued by Italian Questure (police headquarters) for children under the age of fifteen are valid to enter Latvia, only if minors are accompanied by one of the parents or by a tutor/authorized person.
For more information about entry procedures and stays to Latvia, please visit the website of the Latvian Bureau for Citizenship and Immigration: http://www.pmlp.gov.lv and http://www.latvija.lv
2. What do I have to do to receive medical treatment in Latvia?
Since Latvia is an EU Country, to receive medical treatment TEAM card (Tessera Europea di Assicurazione Malattia) is required. It has come into force on November 1st, 2004 in substitution of mod. E111. It is issued by the Ministry of Finance to all persons registered in the National Health Service. Please note that TEAM Card does not replace medical insurance, but it only grants “medically needed procedures”, to the same extent Latvian citizens are provided with. Therefore it does not entitle for coverage of expenses in case of serious illness or decease as well as expenses for medical treatments already started before arrival to Latvia or also non-urgent ones. TEAM Card cannot be used abroad for highly specialized medical treatments. To have more information on terms and conditions occasional visitors will necessarily have to ask local public health service offices. We strongly recommend you to provide yourself with all-inclusive medical travel insurance valid until the end of your stay. We suggest you to check out carefully which risks are not covered and to make sure that the activities you are going to undertake are included in the conditions of your insurance.
3. How is the health situation in the Country?
Generally good. Cases of diphtheritis and encephalitis transmitted by ticks, which are commonly found in the bushes and green areas around the capital, have been reported. Therefore it is advisable, upon medical consult, to be vaccinated against these diseases. The number of new AIDS cases is in rapid growth, even though the phenomenon still retains limited dimensions.
4. What kind of climatic conditions should I expect?
Rainy springs and autumns, changeable summers, snowy winters with formation of ice. Winter average temperature is –3,3°, summer’s is +17,3°. Rain: 700/800 mm yearly.
5. What is the security level in the Country?
Even though the level of common criminality is rather high, there are no particular dangerous places, except the ones generally unsafe in every city of the world (train stations, market-places, etc…). It is strongly recommended to avoid disreputable venues. In particular, there have been a certain number of cases of pick pocketing at the expenses of foreigners and car thefts.
6. Can I drive to Latvia with my Italian driving license?
Yes. Nonetheless, Latvian authorities do not recognize the validity of Italian libretti di circolazione provvisoria. Italian car drivers carrying such documents are not allowed to enter Latvia.
7. How do I get to Latvia?
The easiest way is by plane. National airline carrier Air Baltic operates direct flights from Italy (Rome-Milan).
There are also direct flights carried by low-cost companies: from Milan - Orio al Serio (Ryanair) and from Forli' (Windjet).
It is however possible to reach Riga through many other European airports like London, Stockholm, Berlin, Frankfurt, etc… (Stop-over flights- check out: Riga Airport).
8. Can I use Euro for my purchases?
Not yet. Latvian currency is Lats. Euro should have been introduced on January 1st, 2008, but a postponement (likely until 2014) was made necessary due to the current economic crisis.
Italian Diplomatic Network
©2004