Updated Information for Latvian Nationals Regarding the Situation in Israel (UPDATED on 19 June at 13:10)

At present, 64 individuals have registered with the Consular Register of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, of whom 13 are short-term travellers.

A total of 38 individuals have departed so far. In connection with the escalating security situation in the region, and in cooperation with colleagues from European Union member states, 17 Latvian nationals returned from Jordan on 18 June via a Slovak military flight, while 11 Latvian nationals returned on an evacuation flight organised by Lithuania. An additional 10 individuals have left independently.

As Israeli airspace remains closed to flights, the EU and partner countries are operating evacuation flights from neighbouring countries – Egypt and Jordan. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs continues to cooperate with the EU and partner countries to identify their flights departing from Jordan and to assist Latvian nationals who entered Israel for short-term purposes in leaving the country.

Evacuation flights are primarily intended for Latvian nationals who have entered Israel on a short-term basis, such as for tourism or private visits.

It should be noted that movement within Israeli territory is currently dangerous, as Iranian attacks may be sudden and large-scale. It is therefore important to stay close to bomb shelters and follow the instructions of the authorities. We emphasise that the possibilities for leaving Israel are constantly changing, and we urge you to stay in contact with the Consular Department.

A state of emergency has been declared in Israel, and until further notice, all official institutions, including the Embassy of Latvia, are closed. However, diplomatic staff continue their work.

If you are in the affected region, please contact your relatives to let them know you are safe. If necessary, you may call the Ministry of Foreign Affairs emergency helpline at +371 26337711 or send an email to palidziba@mfa.gov.lv.

We also encourage you to follow the latest updates in the Travel Alerts (Ceļojumu brīdinājumi) section on the Ministry of Foreign Affairs website regarding Israel, as well as on the Facebook page of the Consular Department.

Additionally, please note that the Israeli Ministry of Tourism is offering informational and coordination support to foreign tourists currently in Israel who wish to leave the country. To receive updates from the Israeli Ministry of Tourism, you may voluntarily register your name, phone number, and email address. Information on the support offered by the Israeli Ministry of Tourism is available at www.gov.il.

According to official data, 6,062 Latvian nationals reside in Israel, and 3 in Iran.