Latvia

SAFETY: good
No particular risks are reported, apart from those linked to petty crime, which is in any case at entirely normal levels.

TRANSPORT SYSTEM:good
The road network is generally in good condition, although accidents caused by the local driving style are not uncommon. The police tend to ask foreign travellers involved in accidents to sign admission-of-guilt forms, so it is advisable not to sign any document you do not understand. The rail service is fair. Air links with Italy are good.

Main airports: Riga.

Main ports: Riga, Ventspils.

ACCOMMODATION:fair

The choice of accommodation is fairly wide and varied.

COUNTRY FACTS: Full name: Republic of Latvia – Location: Eastern Europe. Borders: Estonia to the north, Russia to the east, Belarus to the south-east, Lithuania to the south, the Baltic Sea to the west – Time zone: UTC+2, i.e. +1 compared with Italy; daylight saving time applies – Area: 65,000 sq km – Capital: Riga – Population: 2,260,000 – Religion: Lutheran, Catholic, Orthodox – Languages: Latvian (official language), Russian, Lithuanian – Measurements: metric system.

CURRENCY: euro – Credit cards: the major cards are generally accepted.

ELECTRICITY: 220 V, 50 Hz (as in Italy)– Sockets: two-pin type; bring an adaptor.

DOCUMENTS: identity card valid for travel abroad, with validity extending beyond the planned stay. There are no customs restrictions on personal luggage (Schengen) – Driving: Italian driving licence – Car: for Italian vehicles, Italian third-party insurance is sufficient.

COMMUNICATIONS AND TELEPHONES: International dialling code: 00371– GSM: coverage available across almost the whole country. Standard: GSM 900/1800 and 3G 2100 (as in Italy). Local operators: Latvian Mobile, Bite Latvija and Tele2– Internet: fairly widespread and available in all the main urban centres– Web domain: .lv– Emergency numbers: single emergency number 112, roadside assistance 1888.

RULES, LAWS AND CUSTOMS: drug offences are punishable by up to 10 years' imprisonment. Violence and offences against minors carry prison sentences of up to 15 years. Homosexuality is legal.

HEALTH: no compulsory vaccinations are required. Cases of diphtheria and tick-borne encephalitis are reported in the country, so the relevant vaccinations are recommended, subject to medical advice. The number of AIDS infections is rising sharply. Public health facilities are below Western European standards. Italian citizens on temporary visits who hold a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC/TEAM) receive the care provided by the local public health service. In the most serious cases, repatriation is nonetheless advisable.

PUBLIC HOLIDAYS: 1 January, New Year's Day; 6 January, Epiphany; Good Friday; 1 May, Labour Day; 23 June, Midsummer's Eve; 24 June, St John's Day; 18 November, Proclamation of the Republic; 25 December, Christmas Day; 26 December, St Stephen's Day; 31 December, New Year's Eve.

OPENING HOURS: Post offices: Mon-Fri 9.00-18.00, Sat 9.00-13.00 – Banks: Mon-Fri 9.00-13.00 – Shops: Mon-Sat 9.00-18.00.

CLIMATE: continental. Winters are harsh inland and milder on the coast, thanks to the influence of the Baltic Sea. Summers are short and cool. The best time to visit the country is between June and September, when the days are long and the temperatures pleasant.

Table of monthly max/min temperatures (in °C)

Rainy days (at least 1 mm of rain)/monthly mm

USEFUL ADDRESSES IN ITALY

Embassy and Consulate of Latvia
Viale Liegi 42 – 00198 Rome – Tel. 06 8841227/9 (consular section 06 8841237) – Fax 06 8841239 – Web: www.am.gov.lv – E-mail: embassy.italy@mfa.gov.lv

Consulates
Via Suor Maria Celeste 1 – 50125 Florence – Tel. 055 224597
Piazza Luigi Vittorio Bertarelli 1 – 20122 Milan – Tel. 02 72080776

USEFUL ADDRESSES IN LATVIA

Italian Embassy

Teatra Iela 9 – LV 1050 Riga – Tel. 00371 67216069 – Fax 00371 67216084 – Web: www.ambriga.esteri.it – E-mail: ambitalia.riga@esteri.it