Consular assistance abroad

The protection of rights and interests of Latvian residents in foreign countries is the most important task of Latvia's consular service. The consular service of Latvia provides assistance in cases where travel documents have been lost, or where the traveller abroad has been left without means for subsistence or for the return journey, as well as in the case of accident and arrest or conviction. Consular assistance is provided through the network of Latvian diplomatic missions abroad or with the involvement of Latvian honorary consuls, or in co-operation with the consular services of other EU countries. The consular service operates strictly in compliance with the legislation of the host foreign country.

Prior to a trip abroad, the Consular Department recommends that the following is taken care of in good time, so that the travellers have:

• A valid passport. The validity period of the passport for entering the country should be clarified by contacting the embassy of the relevant country in advance. 
• An entry visa, unless the country has established a visa-free regime. Contact should be made with the representation of the relevant foreign country in order to request information regarding the requirements for obtaining a visa, as well as any other information regarding the necessary formalities and documents required, depending on the purpose of travel/visit (for example, film permits, if activities for documenting travel/ journalistic activities are intended).
• The European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) and/or a private medical and life insurance policy which covers also repatriation costs to one's home country in case of death or severe illness.
• Documents required for travelling together with dependent minors.
• Photocopies of travel documents, tickets and the insurance policy in cases of loss of the original travel documents.
• When travelling with pet animals, the pet passport must bear certification regarding vaccinations in accordance with the requirements of the relevant country.
• An opportunity to receive additional material assistance in emergency situations, should the situation arise. The cost of living abroad more often as not is higher than expected.

Given that in 2006 Latvian diplomatic missions abroad issued 2302 return certificates, and 2691 return certificates in 2007, the Consular Department of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs would like to draw attention of the residents of Latvia to the fact that during a stay abroad special attention should be devoted to the safety of one's personal documents, including the passport.

The Consular Department of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs recommends that residents of Latvia register their stay abroad with the consular register at the Consular Department or at Latvian embassies or consulates in foreign countries. The said registration will ensure a speedier provision of consular assistance to these persons in emergency situations. Registration in the consular register is voluntary and free of charge.

Residents of Latvia may receive further information regarding the amount of consular assistance, as well as advice for specific cases, on the Foreign Ministry website and by calling the Consular Department during office hours on telephone number 7016364. After office hours, information regarding emergency assistance can be received on the mobile phone number 29287398.

On 22 May at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, a briefing for the media has been scheduled about the duties of Latvian consular staff and the opportunities for assisting Latvian residents abroad. At the briefing, the Deputy Director of the Consular Department Uldis Simsons and the Head of the Consular Assistance Division Sanda Silite-Galina will answer questions from the media.

(end of text)