The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Embassy of Latvia to Israel are closely monitoring the development of the situation and remain in constant contact with European Union Member States, the EU Delegation, and the Israeli Ministry of Foreign Affairs concerning the safest evacuation routes and the coordination of a joint EU citizens’ evacuation.
At present, evacuation by air is not possible due to the closure of Israeli and regional airspace.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs is also in communication with the airline “airBaltic” regarding the potential resumption of flights as soon as airspace is reopened, as well as with its Lithuanian counterparts, who are facing a similar situation.
Currently, it is possible to exit Israel by sea to Cyprus via ferry services from the ports of Haifa, Ashdod, and Ashkelon, or by land to Egypt through the Taba border crossing, and to Jordan. However, it is important to note that movement within Israeli territory remains dangerous due to the possibility of sudden and large-scale Iranian attacks. Therefore, it is vital to stay in proximity to bomb shelters and to follow the instructions of local authorities.
We emphasise that the possibilities for departure from Israel are continuously changing; therefore, we urge all Latvian nationals to remain in contact with the Consular Department.
Since the escalation of the situation in the Middle East, the Consular Register of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has received information on 40 Latvian nationals in Israel and 3 in Iran. Prior to the intensification of the conflict, there were only 4 Latvian nationals registered in the region. We once again call on all Latvian nationals to register with the Consular Register.
Two individuals have departed from Israel to Egypt, and one to Cyprus. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs is maintaining contact with all known Latvian nationals in the region.
A state of emergency has been declared in Israel, and all official institutions, including the Embassy of Latvia, are currently closed until further notice. Nonetheless, diplomatic staff continue to carry out their duties. Israeli airspace remains closed, and regional flights in surrounding countries — including Iraq, Iran, Lebanon, and Syria — have been suspended, making evacuation by air currently unfeasible.
If you are in the affected region, we urge you to contact your relatives to inform them of your safety. Should you require assistance, please call the Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ emergency helpline at +371 26337711 or send an email to palidziba@mfa.gov.lv.
According to official data, 6,062 Latvian nationals reside in Israel, and 3 in Iran.
We strongly encourage Latvian nationals to register with the Consular Register by sending their information to konsularais.registrs@mfa.gov.lv, so that the Consular Department may contact you promptly and provide necessary assistance.