Europe

• Travel Summary
• Safety and security
• Local laws and customs
• Entry requirements

• Health
• General
 

Travel Summary

• On 9 November 2009, the first death as a result of the A (H1N1) (Swine Flu) virus in Latvia was announced.  No restrictions have been put in place to screen passengers on arrival.  Please be aware that the availability of anti-viral medicine may be limited in Latvia.  Visitors displaying symptoms or who believe they may be at risk should contact a local GP in the first instance.  A list of English speaking doctors is available at http://ukinlatvia.fco.gov.uk/en/help-for-british-nationals/when-things-go-wrong-lelde/if-you-need-doctor.

• There is a dedicated Swine Flu page on the FCO website.  Guidance on Pandemic Flu can  also be obtained on the UK Department of Health website: http://www.dh.gov.uk.
  

• There is a low threat from terrorism, but you should be aware of the global risk of indiscriminate terrorist attacks which could be in public areas, including those frequented by expatriates and foreign travellers.
  
  
• There has been an increased number of reports recently of foreign tourists being charged extortionate prices for drinks in bars in Riga and fraudulent transactions being debited against credit cards. We have noted a rise in reports of street crime. See the Crime section of this advice for more details.
  
  
• Around 92,000 British tourists (Source: Latvian State Statistics Board) visited Latvia in 2008. Most visits to Latvia are trouble-free. 11 British nationals required consular assistance in Latvia in the period 01 April 2008 – 31 March 2009 for the following types of incident; deaths (1 case), hospitalisations (3 cases), and arrests, for a variety of offences (6 cases). During this period assistance was also requested with regard to lost or stolen passports (13 cases).
  
  
• We recommend that you obtain comprehensive travel and medical insurance before travelling. You should check any exclusions, and that your policy covers you for all the activities you want to undertake. See travel insurance for more details.