The Riga Embassy serves as the bilateral Mission between Latvia and the United States, however several United States representations are regional and thus located outside of Latvia, e.g. Office of Environment in Copenhagen, Agriculture Attaché in Warsaw, and Regional Senior Commercial Officer in Stockholm.
The various offices hosted locally are listed below. If you are in need of Consular or American Citizens’ Services, please use the drop-down menu on top of the page.
Office of Defense Cooperation
The Office of Defense Cooperation (ODC) is an organization of the United States Embassy in Riga, Latvia that is also a part of the United States European Command headquartered in Stuttgart, Germany.
ODC’s mission is to train and equip members of the Latvian Ministry of Defense and National Armed Forces. This is funded mostly by significant grant money awarded by the Congress of the United State to Latvia on an annual basis. The ODC is committed to assisting Latvia with the educational and professional training development of its Armed Forces, while also outfitting its Armed Forces with modern, quality equipment, compatible with both US and NATO.
The training is accomplished mostly under the International Military Education and Training (IMET) program and consists of training courses in the United States ranging from 2 weeks to 18 months.
Equipment is obtained through the Foreign Military Sales (FMS) program, and mostly paid for with Foreign Military Funding (FMF) non-repayable, grant money.
As a section within the Office of Defense Cooperation, the U.S. Bilateral Affairs Officer (BAO) coordinates bilateral military-to-military cooperation between the U.S. and Latvia. The State of Michigan is the United States European Command (USEUCOM) designated State Partner to Latvia. The purpose of the Partnership is designed to assist Latvia’s security goals by promoting social stability, respect for the rule of law, military professionalism, and closer relations with NATO. Under the guidance of the U.S. Ambassador and the Chief, Office of Defense Cooperation (ODC) the Bilateral Affairs Officer develops Joint Contact Team Program (JCTP) events; National Guard State Partnership Program (SPP) Exercises; and functions as a deputy to the ODC Chief.
To provide easy access for members of the Defense Community, the ODC has its offices located in the Latvian Ministry of Defense 10/12 Valdemāra Street in Riga.
FMS-Issues Email: eucom.stuttgart.ecj5.list.odc-latvia-fms@mail.mil
Defense Attaché
The Defense Attaché is the primary military advisor to the Ambassador and is the United States Defense Representative in Latvia. He is the overall coordinator of defense programs and manages bi-lateral and multi-lateral exercises. The Senior Defense Official/Defense Attache LtCol Greer Chambless.
Political/Economic Section
The Political/Economic Section of the Embassy is occupied with issues related to political, economic, commercial, and agricultural ties between the United States and Latvia. It monitors and manages the full range of economic relations between the U.S. and Latvia. The United States actively supports the development of a vibrant market-based economy in Latvia and the strongest possible economic partnership between the two countries.
The Economic Section works in close partnership with offices of other related US government agencies – particularly the U.S. Commercial Service and Foreign Agricultural Service in Stockholm – to promote U.S. business interests, including trade in farm products, in Latvia.
Consular Section
The Consular Section provides visa services for citizens and residents of Latvia. It also provides services to U.S. citizens including, but not limited to: notary and passport services, birth registration, assistance for U.S. citizens in case of emergency, death registration, and assistance for U.S. citizens wishing to vote via absentee ballot. For questions, please, send an e-mail to: askconsular-riga@state.gov.
Public Diplomacy Section
The Public Diplomacy Section of the U.S. Embassy Riga explains and advocates American policy, acts as a focal point for media and cultural relations, and advises the U.S. Mission to Latvia on the issues of public diplomacy. The Public Diplomacy Section works to strengthen the bilateral relationship.
Address
Public Diplomacy Section
U.S. Embassy in Latvia
1 Samnera Velsa Street
Riga LV-1510
Tel: +371 6710 7109 (for visa-related questions, please, call +371 6609 2000)
E-mail: EmbassyRiga@state.gov
The Press Office
The Press Office works closely with Latvian print and electronic media to provide authoritative information on U.S. government policies.
Journalists may contact the Press Office as follows:
Email: RigaMediaPDSStaff@state.gov
Phone: + 371 6710 7291
Media Information
Representatives of the foreign media traveling on assignment to the United States require “I” classification visas. They are not eligible to travel visa free under the Visa Waiver Program or enter the United States on B-1 business visas. Those who attempt to do so may be denied admission to the United States by immigration authorities at the port of entry.
Further information is available on the Consular Section page.
Press Releases
All Embassy press Releases are on our News & Events page.
The Foreign Press Center
The Foreign Press Center is a section of the State Department created to assist foreign journalists working in the United States. They have offices in Washington D.C. and New York. If you are traveling to the Unites States, they may be of assistance: http://fpc.state.gov/.
Cultural Programs
Throughout Latvia, the Public Diplomacy Section (PDS) organizes events along with partners to offer a glimpse into America’s diverse culture. It also organizes events focused on promoting public awareness and community dialogue around various policy issues including human rights concerns. Please stay tuned with our social media!
