I am in Latvia – Я в Латвії

Do I need any document to enter the country? 

Ukrainians are invited to enter Latvia with valid travel and medical documents, if available (COVID19 vaccination certificate and/or COVID19 negative test). The absence of these documents will not represent an obstacle to entering the Latvian territory for Ukrainian citizens. 

No visa is needed during the first 90 days for Ukrainian citizens (unless they hold a biometric passport) and they have the right to apply for the status of refugee and a permanent residence permit in Latvia. However, long-term visas can be issued to Ukrainian citizens to provide employment rights. 

On arrival in Latvia (via external borders or airports), a border check will be carried out for those with biometric passports. Visas will be issued to those with other travel documents and without a valid Schengen visa. If someone does not have valid travel documents, their identity will be confirmed in cooperation with the competent Ukrainian authorities. 

What support can I get when I enter the country? 

If you do not have a place to stay when entering Latvia, you can inform the border authorities that you need assistance and accommodation. 

Numerous locals in Latvia are willing to offer accommodation to Ukrainian citizens for free or for lower fee, both for short- and long-term accommodation. Please use the form at https://www.ukraine-latvia.com/ to ask for accommodation options. 

When entering Latvia, you can request to communicate and receive information in the language you understand and/or ask for an interpreter. 

What support can I get if I am a person living with diabetes? 

If you or your family need urgent medical assistance on arrival in Latvia, please inform the State Border Officials or call 113. 

Healthcare is free for Ukrainian citizens arriving in Latvia, and those already in the country who cannot return to Ukraine. 

For more information call the free information line +371 8000 1234

How can I get access to/exchange money?

Possibilities to exchange Ukrainian hryvnia to EUR in cash are limited in Latvia. It is recommended not to withdraw cash from cash machines.  

If you have Ukrainian hryvnias in cash, you can go to a Tavex currency exchange office in Riga. An individual can exchange Ukrainian  hryvnias to a maximum of 50 EUR in value. You will have to show your Ukrainian passport with a stamp that proves that you have recently crossed the border or have received refugee status. If you want to transfer Ukrainian hryvnias from your bank account to a Latvian bank account, you have to convert the currency first. More information is provided by Latvian banks: SEB, Citadele, Swedbank, Luminor. 

Useful Links

Latvia Ministry of Interior
www.iem.gov.lv/en 

Office of Citizenship and Migration Affairs Republic of Latvia
www.pmlp.gov.lv/en 

More information available at
https://www.ukraine-latvia.com/ 

International Pharmaceutical Federation (FIP) tables of equivalence between medicines registered in Ukraine and those available in other countries
https://www.fip.org/news?news=newsitem&newsitem=435

Information for people fleeing the war in Ukraine and entering the EU
https://ec.europa.eu/info/strategy/priorities-2019-2024/stronger-europe-world/eu-solidarity-ukraine/eu-assistance-ukraine/information-people-fleeing-war-ukraine_en#preparing-to-leave

Information on free travel options offered by European transport companies
https://ec.europa.eu/info/strategy/priorities-2019-2024/stronger-europe-world/eu-solidarity-ukraine/eu-assistance-ukraine/information-people-fleeing-war-ukraine

Free and/or discounted services offered by non-governmental organisations and small and medium-sized enterprises to people from Ukraine
https://propozycii.lv/

Contacts

When entering Latvia, Ukrainians can contact the Society Integration Foundation to receive support (including accommodation)
+371 27380380 (available 24/7 in Ukrainian, Russian, English) 

Helpline to receive support in Riga
+371 80000800 (available 24/7 in Ukrainian, Russian, English)  

Telegram helpline 
t.me/ukrainelatvia (in Ukrainian, Russian, English)

To learn more about the application procedure for a long-term visa in Latvia for Ukrainian citizens, please contact the Office of Citizenship and Migration Affairs Republic of Latvia
+371 67209400 (Monday – Thursday 8:30 – 16:00; Friday 9:00 – 15:00)
www.pmlp.gov.lv/en  

For information about diabetes
https://diabetsunveseliba.lv/ru/