The State Protocol of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs conducts activities concerning diplomatic protocol during state ceremonies and events with participation of the President, Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Latvia, foreign Heads of States and Governments as well as diplomatic representatives accredited to Latvia.
The State Protocol is in charge of organising high-level visits, state ceremonies and may also be involved in organising high-level international conferences, summits and forums held in Latvia. It handles matters concerning foreign diplomatic and consular missions and international organisations in Latvia, monitors the application of the 1961 Vienna Convention on the Diplomatic Relations (hereinafter – Vienna Convention 1961) and the 1963 Vienna Convention on Consular Affairs (hereinafter – Vienna Convention 1963), and takes care of matters related to diplomatic immunity and privileges.
STANDARD FORMS
- (Cabinet of Ministers Regulation No 908, 09.09.2025., Appendix 1)
- EUROPEAN COMMUNITY VAT AND EXCISE DUTY EXEMPTION CERTIFICATE
Please note that these certificate forms include explanations at the end regarding the specific information that must be provided in the respective fields.
- FLIGHT PERMIT (DIPLOMATIC CLEARANCE)
Flights without Diplomatic Clearance (DIC):
For EU, EEA, NATO and Swiss Confederation State flights (military, including civil registered assets when used exclusively for military services (civil contractor), police customs, border guard) and flights of the State significance (HEAD/STATE officials/VIP, Diplomatic Pouch, HUM, HOSP, SAR, MEDEVAC, FFR), including ICAO/IATA compliant dangerous goods, the flight permit for the Republic of Latvia is not required. An ICAO flight plan shall be submitted with relevant special treatment indicator (HEAD/State officials/VIP, Diplomatic Pouch, HUM, HOSP, SAR, MEDEVAC, FFR) when applicable.
HEAD/State Officials/ VIP flights intended to overfly the Republic of Latvia or land in Latvia, the notification shall be sent to the State Protocol e-mail: protocol@mfa.gov.lv (cc: pasts@mfa.gov.lv the Ministry’s official email address) not later than 2 working days prior the intended flight.
For military carrier, including civil registered assets when used exclusively for military services (civil contractor) flights carrying ICAO/IATA non-compliant dangerous goods, the flight permit for the overflight of the Republic of Latvia and landing in Latvia is required. Requests shall be sent to the Latvian National Armed Forces Logistics Command Movement Coordination Centre not later 3 working days prior to intended flight.
Flights of State aircraft of non-EU Member States and non-NATO countries:
A foreign aircraft fulfilling the state duties needs a permit for entering Latvian airspace, landing on Latvian territorry or flying over the territory. The Mission applying for flight permit have to submit a Verbale Note and a filled-in Application form not later 5 working days prior to intended flight to the State Protocol e-mail: protocol@mfa.gov.lv (cc: pasts@mfa.gov.lv the Ministry’s official email address).
REGULATIONS
- Procedures for the Application of the Zero Per Cent Value Added Tax Rate to Supply of Goods and Services Provided to Diplomatic and Consular Missions, International Organisations, European Union Institutions, the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (NATO), Units of the Armed Forces of Other States Party to the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (NATO) and other European Union Member States, and Procedures for the Refund of Excise Duty for Excise Goods Purchased in the Republic of Latvia and Application of the Exemption from Excise Duty
- "Procedures for the Application of Zero Rate of Value Added Tax to the Supply of Goods and Services Provided to Diplomatic and Consular Missions, International Organisations, European Union Institutions and the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (NATO), and Procedures for the Reimbursement of Excise Duty for Excisable Goods Purchased in the Republic of Latvia'' (Original text in Latvian).
- Excise duty limits - Section 20. Duty Exemptions and Relief for Diplomats and International Organisations https://likumi.lv/ta/en/en/id/81066
- Cabinet of Ministers Regulation No. 126. “Procedures for issuing a special permit to a ship of scientific research of a foreign state for the performance of scientific research works in the territorial sea, continental shelf and the exclusive economic zone of the Republic of Latvia” (Original text in Latvian, annex 1, annex 2).
- Part II Paragraph 5: "The Notification of Cruise shall be submitted no later than 90 days in advance of starting scientific research works in the territorial sea, continental shelf and the exclusive economic zone of Latvia"
- Cabinet of Ministers Regulation No108 of 23 February 2016, “Procedures for the entry and departure of foreign military ships into the territorial sea, inland waters and ports of the Republic of Latvia” (Original text in Latvian)
Cabinet Regulation No 188 “Procedures for the Harmonization of Flights of State Significance in the Airspace of the Republic of Latvia” (07.04.2026)