Health Alert – U.S. Embassy Riga, Latvia (April 2, 2020)
Location: Latvia
Event: Secretary Pompeo Reiterates the State Department’s Commitment to American Citizens Overseas
On March 31, 2020 Secretary of State Michael Pompeo outlined specific actions that the State Department has taken to aid Americans stranded overseas and emphasized the need for Americans to return home as soon as possible. “I urge Americans to register with their nearest embassy at step.state.gov and work your way back here. Americans abroad who wish to return home should do so immediately and make arrangements to accomplish that.” For Secretary Pompeo’s complete remarks, please go to https://www.state.gov/secretary-michael-r-pompeo-remarks-to-the-press-7/.
The State Department’s Level Four Global Health Advisory states “U.S. citizens who live in the United States should arrange for immediate return to the United States, unless they are prepared to remain abroad for an indefinite period.”
Departure information:
From Latvia:
While there are currently no scheduled passenger flights out of Latvia, Americans should check Air Baltic and the Latvian Ministry of Transportation websites for up-to-date information on possible flight additions.
The Stena Line ferry company is currently operating the VENTSPILS- NYNÄSHAMN ferry. To inquire about availability, please email them at info@stenaline.com and check their website regularly.
From Estonia:
U.S. citizens who do not show symptoms of COVID-19 and who have proof of onward travel from Tallinn, can cross the Latvian land border with Estonia to depart. Lufthansa has scheduled flights from Tallinn to Frankfurt on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays until April 18.
Visit the COVID-19 Page and Alerts and Messages on the website of the U.S. Embassy in Estonia for up-to-date departure information.
From Lithuania:
On April 1, 2020 the Government of Lithuania announced the suspension of passenger air and ferry travel with the exception of the Kiel to Klaipeda ferry service.
U.S. citizens who would like to return to the U.S. through Vilnius can only do so through April 3, 2020. U.S. citizens who do not show symptoms of COVID-19 can cross the Latvian land border with Lithuania to transit with proof of on onward travel from Vilnius.
For up-to-date information on departure opportunities from Lithuania, please visit the COVID-19 Page and Alerts and Messages on the website of the U.S. Embassy in Lithuania.
If you are planning on crossing either border to depart, please email us at askconsular-riga@state.gov.
U.S. citizens transiting through some European airports such as Frankfurt or Amsterdam will not be allowed to leave the airport while transiting. They must stay at the airport between flights. Please email us for more information.
Actions to Take:
- Email us directly at askconsular-riga@state.gov if you are trying to leave Latvia.
- Visit our Embassy webpage on COVID-19 for information on conditions in Latvia.
- Consult the CDC website for the most up-to-date information.
- Visit the COVID-19 crisis page on travel.state.gov for the latest information.
- Visit the Department of Homeland Security’s website on the latest travel restrictions to the U.S.
- Follow travel.state.gov on Facebook and Twitter.
Assistance:
- U.S. Embassy Riga, Latvia
Samnera Velsa iela 1
Riga LV-1510
+371 6710 7000
+371 6710 7000 (after hours)
askconsular-riga@state.gov - After-hours emergency number for U.S. citizens is +371 2920 5708
- State Department – Consular Affairs
888-407-4747 or 202-501-4444 - Latvia Country Information
- Enroll in Safe Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive security updates
- Follow us on Facebook and Twitter.
