

STATE DEPARTMENT TRAVEL ADVISORY - Latvia
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LATVIA - NOTICE
 June 19, 1992

SUMMARY:  The U.S. Embassy in Latvia has moved into permanent
facilities.  Latvian visas may now be obtained in Washington, D.C.,
and are also valid for Estonia and Lithuania.  Visas for other
former Soviet Republics must be obtained before arriving in Latvia.
 Medical care in Latvia does not meet Western standards.  Travelers
should be prepared to pay in cash for all goods and services
obtained in Latvia.  END SUMMARY.

The U.S. Embassy has moved into permanent facilities, and can
provide limited consular services, including emergency assistance,
to U.S. citizens.  U.S. citizens residing or traveling in Latvia are
encouraged to register with the Embassy upon arrival.  The Embassy
is located at 7 Raina Boulevard, 226050 Riga, Latvia.  The Consular
Section may be reached at 210-006.

The three Baltic states - Latvia, Lithuania, and Estonia - have
established a reciprocal visa policy, under which a valid visa for
any of the three will be accepted for admission.  For further
information concerning visas, contact the Embassy of the Republic of
Latvia, 4325 17th St. NW, Wash., DC 20011, tel. (202) 726-8213.
Travelers who plan to enter Russia or any of the other former Soviet
Republics except Ukraine must obtain Russian visas before entering
these countries, or they will not be allowed to register at hotels
and will be required to depart the country immediately via the same
route they arrived.  They may also be fined up to $350 (U.S.).
Russian visas are not available in Riga.  Visas are also not
available on trains to the former Soviet Republics.  Travelers are
advised that the train from Riga to Poland crosses the territory of
Belarus, and that travelers on this train who do not have Russian
visas have been removed from the train and sent out of Belarus.

Travelers should be aware that medical care in Latvia does not meet
Western standards, and may require hard currency payment.  There is
a severe shortage of basic medical supplies, including disposable
needles, anesthetics and antibiotics.  Tourists in frail health are
strongly advised not to visit.

Latvia is still largely a cash-only economy.  However, as of June
1, foreigners in Latvia can use travelers checks and some credit
cards in hard currency stores and hotels.

 No. 92-129

This replaces the advisory issued October 24, 1991, to inform U.S.
citizens that the U.S. Embassy in Riga has moved into permanent
facilities, and to advise travelers about visa requirements and
currency limitations.


