H: Other frequently asked questions
Getting a document translated from Latvian to English or getting assistance with interpreter services from Latvian to English
The Consulate is happy to assist with translation services from Latvian to English. A charge will apply depending upon the number of hours involved. Please email us your request.
We need to send the remains of a deceased person back to Latvia
In circumstances where the remains of a deceased person need to be sent to Latvia the remains needs to be placed in a secure and sealed vessel (with a tamper-proof seal). A funeral director must attest that the only contents in the vessel or casket are that of the remains of the deceased. The documentation that accompanies the remains must include the following: a) an original Certificate of Death (which states the reason for the death); b) an original Certificate of Cremation (if applicable); c) a letter from the funeral director attesting that the casket or urn contains only the remains of the deceased and nothing else; d) if applicable, an embalming certificate that states that the remains of the late have been properly embalmed and are free of any infectious diseases; and e) a document confirming customs clearance regarding the contents of the shipment (declaration that the late is not known to be of an infectious nature of Certificate in Relation to removal of a body outside the State). The above documents must be signed in the presence of a Notary. Then the above documents must have an Apostille seal attached to them. This Apostille certification is available from the Vermont Secretary of State. See their website for more information. We recommend that a copy of these documents be kept by the person sending the remains to Latvia.
What currency do they use in Latvia?
The euro. Latvia adopted the euro as its currency on January 1, 2014, replacing the Latvian lats.
The validity of a U.S. drivers license in Latvia
Drivers licenses issued in the U.S. are valid in Latvia.
Information in Latvian
Information on passports, repatriating to Latvia, pensions, return certificates, consular register, etc. Visit the Latvian Embassy website here for more details.
Emergency contact assistance
If you are a Latvian citizen visiting the United States and need emergency assistance out of hours you can also contact the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Emergency Desk in Riga: tel +371 26 33 77 or also visit the Ministry's website page - click here. They are there to assist in the case of a accident, death, sudden illness, or emergency financial situation.
Updated travel information and alerts from the Consular Department in Riga - click on the image above
Mobile Passport Station visits
The mobile passport station visits selected major U.S. cities once a year, including New York and Boston.
More information on upcoming visits and cities can be found here.
Did you know you can apply for a Schengen Visa via VFS Global? They are processing applications on behalf of the Embassy of Latvia in Washington D.C..
For more information, click here.
