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Country Commercial Guides FY 2000: Latvia Report prepared by U.S. Embassy Riga, released July 1999 Note*

CHAPTER IX. Business Travel

Travel Advisory and Visas

U.S. traveler to Latvia needs a passport that is valid at least for six months. No visa is required for travelers, business or pleasure, who remain in the country for up to 90 days in a 12 month period. Travelers who plan to remain in Latvia longer than three months are requested to apply for a temporary residence.

Street crime has increased in Latvia, and travelers should watch out for pickpockets in public locations, such as market places, trains and buses. On the whole travelers should take similar precautions they would when traveling in an unfamiliar U.S. urban center.

Serious medical problems requiring hospitalization can prove very expensive. Travelers should check what their insurance covers and in which countries prior traveling. It is a common practice for Latvian hospitals and doctors to expect immediate cash payment for medical services rendered.

Public Holidays

New Year's Day     Jan 1
Good Friday       April 21
Easter Monday      April 24
Constitution Day      May 1
Midsummer       June 23-24
Proclamation Day      Nov 18
Christmas      Dec 25-26
New Year's Eve      Dec 31

Business Infrastructure

- Transportation: the public transportation in Latvia is reliable, and the condition of the urban roads is good. The speed limit is 31 miles per hour in towns, and 56 miles per hour on highways and open roads, unless stated otherwise. The legal alcohol limit for drivers is zero. American drivers need a valid International Driver's License issued by the American Automobile Association. Latvia has good flight connections to and from Western Europe, and with connecting flights even to and from the United States.

-- Language: the official language is Latvian and most Latvians also speak Russian. English is the most popular of the West European languages, and is widely used on both the private and the public sector.

-- Communications: telephone connections with the U.S. are generally reliable, especially in the urban areas. The validity of international calling cards is limited in Latvia. Many of the bigger hotels have business centers with a wide range of services, including Internet access.

-- Food: there is a very good selection of excellent restaurants in Riga, with first class European style cuisine and service, and several fast-food options for the busy eaters. The supply of imported food in the supermarkets is also ample and diverse. The drinking water is free of viruses but may contain heavy metals from old pipes. Imported spring water is available in every corner store.