“Currently return to Latvia is very difficult due to the state of emergency declared by the Government of Latvia and closing of the national border. The border can only be crossed by transport service providers that have obtained a special permit from the Minister of Transportation (information about permits granted and application process: http://www.sam.gov.lv/?cat=8&art_id=9533).
To return to Latvia from the United States, we suggest that you first be in touch with your airline about possibilities to travel to a country in Europe that has not closed its borders to foreigners.
Information on the website of the MFA of Latvia about:
- the current situation in Europe: https://www.mfa.gov.lv/aktualitates/zinas/65732-pazinojums-latvijas-celotajiem-eiropa
- and https://www.mfa.gov.lv/konsulara-informacija/celo-drosi-2/10-atgadinajumi-veiksmigam-celojumam/celojumu-bridinajumi-par-valstim-un-teritorijam.
After you manage to travel to Europe, we suggest that you:
- register with Air Baltic about repatriation to Latvia: https://www.airbaltic.com/lv-LV/index,
- register with the Consular Registry : https://www.latvija.lv/lv/Epakalpojumi/EP139/Apraksts
- if necessary, contact the Embassy of Latvia in that particular European country about possibilities to return to Latvia: https://www.mfa.gov.lv/vestniecibas-un-parstavniecibas
- or if there is no Embassy of Latvia in that particular European country, then contact the Consular Department of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (+371 26337711 or palidziba@mfa.gov.lv).
The Latvian government is following and analyzing incoming registration information and is evaluating possibilities for organizing repatriation trips from European countries to Latvia. Please make sure to learn about your chances to return from a particular European country to Latvia before traveling to Europe. It might not be possible to return to Latvia from many European countries.
If you are unable to travel to Europe, please register in the Consular Registry: https://www.latvija.lv/lv/Epakalpojumi/EP139/Apraksts
If you need to extend your stay in the United States beyond the authorized 90 days, you must contact the US Citizenship and Immigration Services and ask for “Satisfactory Departure,” which may be obtained by presenting evidence (e.g. tickets) about previous travel arrangements and new travel arrangements. The authorization might be extended to 30 days.
For consular assistance during business hours (8.30 am – 5 pm, Mon-Fri, US East coast time), please contact the Embassy of Latvia (+1 202 328 2840; consulate.usa@mfa.gov.lv) or outside business hours contact the Consular Department of the MFA of Latvia +371 26 33 77 11 (24 h emergency phone number) or email to palidziba@mfa.gov.lv.”
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Official sources of the Republic of Latvia:
- Cabinet of Ministers – information about the official decisions made by the Government of Latvia, including those related to the state of emergency in Latvia;
- Repatriation to Latvia – a survey to inform Latvia about the interest to repatriate to Latvia. The government will analyze the information and will contact the registered persons directly;
- Consular Registry – we encourage everyone to register to let the Government of Latvia know where abroad you are;
- Travel advisories, Travel advisory about the United States;
- Embassy of Latvia: consular services and assistance;
- Center for Disease Control and Prevention of Latvia – information about the coronavirus, symptoms, information for the population, professionals and about self-isolation;
- Ministry of Health – information about the coronavirus cases in Latvia updated every 24 h; expert comments;
- Ministry of Finance – information about the financial situation of the country as well as government actions to mitigate impacts for businesses;
- Ministry of Economics – information for businesses, employers, tourist venues;
- Social media – we strongly advise that you use social media because it is the fastest way to receive information about the situation. We also ask that you only share official information, not individual opinions and unsubstantiated information, risking contributing to disinformation.
Official sources of the United States:
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention – the main starting source for everything related to the disease, symptoms, advice for families, companies, organizations, and official data about the spread of the disease.
- Department of Homeland Security – information regarding travel restrictions;
- The White House – information about the administration’s decisions;
- US Citizenship and Immigration Services – information about travel rules for entry into the US, visas, ESTA;
- US Department of Health and Human Services – information about progress on the vaccine;
- Additionally, we suggest that you explore your state (e.g. Governor Office) and local websites of where you are located.