10. Miscellaneous

Exportation and importation of Works of Art and antiques from and into Latvia is governed by the Cabinet of Ministers Regulation No. 846. These Regulations prescribe the procedures by which works of art and antiques (hereinafter - cultural objects) are exported from Latvia and imported into Latvia, as well as procedures for the temporary exportation of cultural monuments.

In order to protect national cultural values and to prevent the exportation (including sending by post) of stolen or lost cultural objects and artefacts, the State Inspection for Heritage Protection (hereinafter - Inspection) at the Ministry of Culture is in charge of taking decisions in regards of export of cultural objects. The Inspection shall issue a permit of a specific form for the exportation of cultural objects (hereinafter — permit).

Obtaining a Permit

In order to receive a permit, the owner shall submit a verbal note to the State Protocol together with a list of the cultural objects and a colour photograph thereof in three copies (not older than 10 years), in which the photograph of the cultural object shall be easily visible and identifiable. The minimum size of the photograph shall be 8 x 12 cm, the maximum size — 10 x 15 cm. The State Protocol will forward the submission to the Inspection.

If the photograph of the cultural object (for example, books, post cards) does not provide complete information regarding the relevant object, the Inspection has the right to request that, instead of a photograph, the applicant submits a detailed description of the cultural object to be exported.

If large cultural objects are intended for exportation, the Inspection has the right to conduct an examination of the cultural object at its location.

For the exportation of each cultural object a separate permit shall be issued. If it is intended to export several cultural objects, the Inspection shall determine whether one or several permits shall be issued.

If it is necessary that a cultural object be exported in order to exhibit it in a foreign state, or due to other reasons (for example, for restoration, expert-examination, a training program), the Inspection shall determine temporary exportation of the cultural object. The temporary exportation of a cultural object shall also include its re-importation into Latvia in full and within the specified time period.

The term of the validity of the permit shall not exceed 12 months after its issue. If the term of validity of the permit expires, but the permit has not been utilized, the applicant, within a time period of 15 days from the expiry of the term of validity of the permit, shall return the permit to the Inspection.

Importation of Cultural objects into Latvia

When a cultural object is imported into Latvia, the owner shall complete a customs declaration. The customs authority shall certify it with a seal and signature. If a person upon entering Latvia does not present to the Customs Authorities the cultural object for which temporary importation is provided for, it shall be assumed that the person has purchased this cultural object in Latvia.

If after temporary exportation of a cultural object it is re-imported into Latvia, the owner shall register the relevant cultural object with the Inspection within a period of 15 days after importation.

When registering a cultural object at the Inspection, the owner shall confirm in writing that the imported cultural object is the same cultural object to which the temporary exportation permit was applied. In case of doubt, the Inspection has the right to request that the owner presents the re-imported cultural object.

Legislation:

Cabinet of Ministers Regulation No 846 (20.12.2016.)
Exportation of Works of Art and Antiques from Latvia and Importation into Latvia

Regulation No. 47 (27.01.2015) of the Cabinet of Ministers provides the procedure for granting permission to subjects of international public law to use Latvian airspace for the performance of public functions by flights of foreign aircrafts within the meaning of the Article 3 of the Convention on International Civil Aviation of 7 December 1944.

Flights of state aircraft of foreign states (except for the EU and NATO member states) to, from, or over Latvian territory may only be undertaken with permission. The European Union Diplomatic Clearance DIC Form for each flight shall be submitted through diplomatic channels to the MFA not later than 5 working days prior to the anticipated entry of a foreign aircraft into Latvian airspace.

The MFA, after receiving the conclusions of the competent Latvian institutions, shall take a decision to issue a flight permit or to refuse it, and shall forward it to the subject of international public law by diplomatic means.

The Ministry should be notified by a verbal note or via other means as soon as possible, if a flight for any reasons is cancelled.

As of 26June 2018, the amendments to the Cabinet Regulation No. 47 of the Republic of Latvia Procedures for Granting Permission to Use Airspace of the Republic of Latvia to Subjects of the International Public Law (hereinafter Regulation) are in force, that determine the procedure of issuing diplomatic clearance (DIC) for EU and NATO member states aircraft flights.

Pursuant to Paragraph 7 of the Regulation, the diplomatic clearance issued by the Ministry is not necessary for the EU and NATO member states aircraft for the following purposes:

• for carrying of Heads of the State, Speakers of the Parliament, Heads of the government, Ministers for Foreign Affairs and official delegations of the State (VIP)
• for military aviation aircraft flights (except the flights carrying dangerous goods referred to in Paragraph 21 of the Regulation)
• for carrying of dangerous goods (except the flights carrying dangerous goods referred to in Paragraph 21 of the Regulation)
• for search and rescue operations
• for medical evacuation and transportation of injured persons;
• for provision of humanitarian aid
• for carrying of diplomatic mail

Any of the above-mentioned purposes shall be indicated under section 18 of the ICAO flight plan and submitted in accordance with requirements of the Latvian AIP ENR 1.11 ADDRESSING OF FLIGHT PLAN MESSAGES without any additional permission from the Ministry. As soon as the flight plan is approved by Latvian Air Traffic, the diplomatic clearance is granted.

In case the aircraft carrying VIP is planning to land in the Republic of Latvia, the Missions shall send a notification European Union Diplomatic Clearance DIC Form to the Ministry via the official e-mail of the State Protocol protocol@mfa.gov.lv not later than 1 (one) working day before the intended flight. In case of any other above-mentioned purpose, no notification is necessary.

Pursuant to Paragraph 21 of the Regulation, the diplomatic clearance issued by the Ministry is necessary for the EU and NATO member states aircraft for the following purpose:

• for carrying of the dangerous goods referred to in the Annex 18, Paragraph 4.2 of the Convention on International Civil Aviation of 7 December 1944, transportation of which by air is forbidden unless an exemption is issued (ICAO/IATA non-compliant dangerous goods) for aircraft that intends to land in the Republic of Latvia. Aircrafts overflying the Republic of Latvia without landing do not require such clearance.

In order to receive the diplomatic clearance for landing in the Republic of Latvia of aircraft carrying ICAO/IATA non-compliant dangerous goods, EU and NATO member states shall complete the European Union Diplomatic Clearance DIC Form and submit to the Ministry via the official e-mail of the State Protocol protocol@mfa.gov.lv not later than 3 (three) working days before the intended flight. In the Item 30 “Remarks” of the Form the Member State shall include the statement that dangerous goods are packed and secured in the aircraft in accordance with the requirements of “Technical Instructions For The Safe Transport of Dangerous Goods by Air (Doc 9284)” of the International Civil Aviation Organization.

Legislation:

• Cabinet of Ministers Regulation No. 47 “Procedures for Granting Permission to Use Airspace of the Republic of Latvia to Subjects of International Public Law” (27.01.2015).

In accordance with the Regulation No. 759 and the amendments No. 5 of the Cabinet of Ministers, all foreign naval vessels and any other ship demanding immunity as a naval vessel are subject to diplomatic clearance before visiting Latvian territorial waters. The request for diplomatic clearance should be forwarded via diplomatic channels not later than 30 days prior to the visit, unless other order is stipulated by special regulation or an international agreement.

Request for diplomatic clearance must specify the following information:

• Nationality and type of vessel
• Name of vessel and Pennant No.
• International call sign
• Displacement (tons)
• Length, breadth (extreme), draught (max)
• Commanding officer’s or master’s -rank, -name
• Number of crew (a list of passengers has to be included as well)
• Last port of call
• Port of destination (UTC)
• Purpose of visit
• Estimated date of departure
• Next port of call
• Radio frequencies, transmission art and power
• Additional permits and information

If a head of state or a government official is staying on the naval vessel, the request for diplomatic clearance should be forwarded via diplomatic channels not later than 7 days prior the visit.

Foreign naval vessels staying in the internal waters and harbours of the Republic of Latvia are not levied harbour dues.

Payments are collected for the following:

• pilot services tugboats ice-breaker
• services needed (supplies, water, garbage) electricity
• telecommunications etc.

The request for a permit to enter the territorial waters of Latvia will be processed by the relevant Institutions of Latvia (Ministry of Defence and Ministry of Environmental Protection and Regional Development)) and in due course the answer will be relayed to the State Protocol.

If a situation arises which requires short notice diplomatic clearance, contact Officer on duty of the Naval Flotilla Maritime operation Centre of the Republic of Latvia, telephone: +371 634 04222 (24 hours).

Legislation:

Cabinet Regulation No. 759 of 10 August 2010, “Procedures for the entry of foreign military ships into and departure from the territorial sea, inland waters and ports of the Republic of Latvia”

The Marine Environmental Board of the Ministry of the Environment Protection and Regional Development reminds to consider International Convention on Environmental Defence of the Baltic Sea, the HELCOM recommendation and legislation of the Republic of Latvia.

In order to receive a diplomatic clearance for work in Latvian territorial waters, the state institution or international scientific organization coordinating the research must submit the following notification of the proposed research cruise to the State Protocol, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, at least 3 months prior to entry into Latvian territorial waters:

The request for a permit to enter territorial waters of Latvia will be processed by the relevant Institutions of Latvia (MoD and Marine and Inland Waters Administration, State Environmental Service) and in due course the answer will be relayed to the State Protocol. The application for a diplomatic clearance for the entry of the proposed research cruise.

GENERAL Part A

1. Name of research ship
2. Dates of cruise
3. Operating authority
4. Particulars of the ship:

• Name
• Nationality
• Overall length
• Maximum draught
• Gross tonnage
• Propulsion
• Call sign

5. Crew: name of master, number of crew
6. Scientific personnel
7. Geographical area in which ship will operate
8. Brief description of purpose of cruise
9. Dates and names of intended ports of call
10. Any special logistical requirements at ports of call

DETAIL Part B

1. Name of the research ship
2. Dates of cruise
3. Purpose of research and general operational methods
4. Attach chart showing (on an appropriate scale) the geographical area of intended work, positions of intended stations, tracks of survey lines, positions of moored/seabed equipment
5. Types of samples required, e.g.: geological / water / plankton / fish / radioactivity / isotope / .. and methods by which samples will be obtained
6. Details of moored equipment
7. Explosives
8. Details and references of:

1. any relevant previous or future cruises;
2. any previous published research data relating to the proposed cruise;

9. Names and addresses of scientists of the coastal state in whose waters the proposed cruise takes place, with whom previous contact has been made.
10. State:

1.  Whether visits to the ship in port by scientists of the coastal state concerned will be acceptable (Yes/No);
2.  Whether it will be acceptable to carry on board an observer from the coastal state for any part of the cruise, and dates and ports of embarkation/disembarkation (Yes/No);
3.  When research data from intended cruise is likely to be made available to the coastal state, and if so, by what means.

B. The activities of scientific research vessels in Latvian territorial waters can be terminated, if the latter do not observe the regulations of the Republic of Latvia.

Legislation:

Cabinet Regulation No. 126 of 21 February, 2012 “Procedures for issuing a special permit to a ship of scientific research of a foreign state for the performance of scientific research works in the territorial sea, continental shelf and the exclusive economic zone of the Republic of Latvia”.

10.5.1. Aviation Security Requirements and Restrictions

The passengers and baggage at Riga International Airport are subject to security checks before departing. Security activities can cause misunderstandings and inconvenience; however, it should be remembered that everybody is the same in the plane; therefore, passengers should understand the importance of security measures. It should be reminded that flight operators may carry out luggage and body checks for justifiable reasons. As long as such precautions are considered necessary, members of diplomatic missions and their families will also be affected. Special rules apply to diplomatic bags (see section 10.5.5.).

Heads of missions and consular posts presenting a diplomatic passport and an ID issued by the MFA enjoy the right to meet a guest and to escort him or her in the arrival and departure areas. Such rights can be enjoyed only under the supervision of the Airport Representatives after receiving confirmation from the Security Department of the Riga International Airport, telephone: +371 6 7923 683

10.5.2. Parking and Driving in Airport Territory

CD cars may be parked short term at the CD parking lots near the Passenger Terminal, if. the CD number plate has been duly notified through the State Protocol of the MFA. Driving of CD cars on the apron area is only permitted whilst attending official delegations, when Airport VIP facilities are used. Airport authorities do not issue vehicle passes for entering and driving in the airport's restricted areas.

Additional information concerning driving in airport territory may be provided by the Security Department of the Riga International Airport, telephone: +371 6 7923 683

10.5.3. VIP Service Centre

Customs and Immigration Clearances

VIP Centre’s guests are subject to examination by Customs and Immigration. All passengers may be required to undergo such examinations, and must comply with arrangements as advised by VIP Centre’s staff.

Departure/ Arrival Assistance

Departure:

• meeting the VIP and seeing off persons at the Riga Airport VIP Centre
• accommodation at the VIP lounge
• registration of flight tickets and luggage
• escort of the VIP to the aircraft using the VIP's car or airport transport
• escort of the seeing-off persons to the aircraft and back to the VIP lounge

Arrival:

• accommodation of the VIP greeting party at the VIP lounge
• escort of persons meeting the VIP to the aircraft
• meeting the VIP at the aircraft
• customs clearances, immigration and other formalities
• delivery of luggage to the VIP lounge

Application for VIP facilities

Applications for VIP service should be made a minimum of 24 hours before the arrival/departure of the VIP at Riga International Airport.

Booking of VIP services

The following information is required when booking VIP services:

• the VIP's name, last name, nationality and status, number of escorts
• name of the organization, address, telephone, fax, name of the contact person
• dates of arrival and departure, flight number
• point of origin/destination
• form of payment

Information concerning VIP service can be obtained from the Riga International Airport VIP Lounge, tel.: +371 6720 7132  

Access to VIP lounge

VIP's who have booked the VIP lounge for their departure are requested to arrive at the airport not later than one hour prior to the scheduled time of departure because of the time required for customs and security clearances, passport control, registration of flight tickets and luggage. Special attention shall be paid to transit flights. VIP's arriving after this time run a risk of missing their flight.

Meeting and seeing off

The persons meeting or seeing off a VIP should arrive at the VIP lounge twenty minutes before the expected time of arrival and one hour before the expected time of departure. Should there be any changes concerning the expected time of the arrival of the aircraft, the VIP service agent will present all the necessary information to the customer. Usage of VIP lounge during night hours can be charged according to the VIP lounge price list

Telephone: +371 6720 7132; fax: +371 6720 7257

VIP service fee includes the following extra services:

• facilities of the conference hall
• newspapers
• TV
• Free wi-fi
• refreshments: coffee, tea, juice, soft drinks and confectionery

The VIP service is available for Heads of Mission at discount rate.

10.5.4. Charter Flights

For carrying out the technical servicing of aircraft, the following additional information should be presented to the airport Ground Handling Department:

• company carrying out the flight, its name, telephone, fax
• type of aircraft
• aircraft registration number/letter
• maximum take-off weight
• the anticipated load of the cargo
• any particular technical servicing necessary
• form of payment

Information concerning technical attendance for charter flights can be obtained from the Ground Handling Department, tel. +371 29233018, +371 29479533.

10.5.5. Diplomatic Consignments

Diplomatic courier consignments (the diplomatic bag) must be sealed and the diplomatic status of the consignment must be clearly visible. Diplomatic courier consignments may contain only documents and articles that are intended for official use of the mission. These consignments are not subject to safety control and customs clearance.

If the mission wishes to take a diplomatic bag straight to the aircraft or to collect one from the aircraft, it must apply for a temporary permit from the Security department of the Riga International Airport. The application for the permit must be submitted to the Security department of the Riga International Airport, which will issue a permit to the applicant who must present himself in person, showing the ID card issued by the MFA. An airport security officer shall accompany the vehicle to the aircraft.

Consignments other than the diplomatic bag are dealt with at the cargo terminal. The mission's authorized person shall pay the handling fee at the cargo terminal and then, whilst escorted by a member of the cargo area staff, proceed with their own vehicle to the aircraft in order to receive the shipment.

Diplomatic pouches shall not be opened or retained without the presence of a representative of the mission. If there are serious grounds for presuming that the bag may contain articles other than those permitted, the customs authority has the right to request the foreign mission or an authorized representative to open the bag. The written consent of the Director of Latvian Customs is required before any diplomatic mail may be opened. Diplomatic missions may authorize a third person to bring into Latvia a sealed bag or cargo belonging to the diplomatic mission or its staff members.

Special rules apply to the importation of firearms and ammunition (see chapter 5). Dispatch of weapons in a diplomatic bag is strictly forbidden in Latvia.

In order to facilitate identification and thus ensure correct treatment of courier mail, the Latvian authorities concerned have suggested that the airline company should always specify in its documentation that such mail is on board.

Couriers must respect all regulations concerning access to airport restricted areas.

Failure to do so will result in a cancelled pass and an administrative report to the State Protocol, as well as to the appropriate mission.

Further information: Security Department of the Riga International Airport, tel.: + 371 6 7923 683

10.6.1. State Compulsory Health Insurance

National Health Service is a direct administrative institution subordinate to Ministry of Health, the main tasks of which are to implement State policy for availability of health care services, administrate the State budgetary funds prescribed for health care, implement State policy in the planning of health care services, ensure rational and the most effective use of State budget and implement the e-Health programme according to the policy decided by the State.

State compulsory health insurance is the basic level of medical assistance provided by the state, as laid out in Regulations No 1046 "Health Care Organization and Financing Procedure" issued by the Cabinet of Ministers on 28 August, 2018. It means that the state compulsorily insures its inhabitants to be entitled to basic health care services.

The level of medical assistance guaranteed by the State in accordance with the procedures prescribed by the Cabinet are to be provided to both citizens and non-citizens of Latvia, to EU persons who are employed or self-employed in Latvia and their family members, to refugees as well as to persons detained, arrested and sentenced with deprivation of liberty.

State compulsory health insurance resources, in accordance with the Regulations, are financed by resources from a state budget subsidy as outlined in the annual law "On the State Budget" for health care. The above stated resources guarantee the provision of health care services within fixed parameters.

10.6.2. Primary Health Care and Hospitalization

Under state compulsory health insurance system, all persons in Latvia should have a family practitioner. A person not residing in Latvia may also visit a family practitioner.

If a person would like to visit a medical specialist, a referral from the family practitioner is needed.

To obtain information about an available family practitioner you are advised to call the information line 80001234 toll free.

No referrals are needed for the direct approach to the following specialists: psychiatrist, pulmonologist for tuberculosis treatment, venereology, narcology’s, endocrinologist for diabetes, or private specialists.

For hospitalization, with the exception of emergency health care, referral from a general practitioner or a medical specialist is required.

10.6.3. European Health Insurance Card

Anyone carrying the European Health Insurance Card is entitled to receive any required medical care whilst in an EU Member State, or in Iceland, Liechtenstein or Norway. Treatment is provided subject to the legislation and regulations of the country where it is given. A non-resident person shall receive the same medical care to which a resident of that country would be entitled. The procedure for obtaining treatment and any additional payment charged is the same as that which applies to local residents. According to EC regulation 1408/71 citizens in other EU or EE A countries sent to Latvia as privileged persons may be entitled to full public health care, provided they are entitled to public health care in their home country.

10.6.4. Emergency Health Care

All foreigners have the right to urgent health care, which is defined as care for medical conditions arising unexpectedly in the country of stay and demanding immediate medical assistance. In the case of emergency treatment, a person can always go to emergency reception of a hospital or call an ambulance. The attending physician will decide if the patient needs in­patient treatment. Transportation by ambulance, in case of emergency, is free of charge.

For emergencies call telephone 112 or 03

Further information about medical benefits in Latvia can be obtained from:

National Health Service (Nacionālais veselības dienests)

Address: Cēsu iela 31 (6^th entrance), Rīga, LV-1012
Tel.: +371 67043700
Fax: +37167043701
Info line: 80001234 (Monday-Thursday from 8:30 until 17:00, Friday 8:30-16:00)
Homepage: www.vmnvd.gov.lv

Diplomatic Service Medical Centre (Diplomātiskā dienesta medicīnas centrs)

Address: Baznīcas iela 18, Riga
Tel.: +371 6722 9942
E-mail: info@dsmc.lv

The Centre offers consultations and medical services in following fields:

• Family medical care
• Gynaecology
• Paediatrics
• Expert consultations
• Cardiology
• Psychology and psychotherapy for children and adults
• Psychoanalyses
• Sexology
• Dentists and dental hygiene
• Aesthetic medicine
• Massage
• Cosmetology
• Dietetics
• Vaccinations
• Osteo-reflex therapy
• Compulsory health examination
• Health examination for drivers

The following schools are recommended for children of members of diplomatic missions by the Ministry of Education and Science of the Republic of Latvia:

International School of Latvia

Address: Meistaru iela 2, Piņķi, Babītes pag., Babītes novads LV-2107
Director: Mary Russman
Tel.: +371 67755146, +371 67755018
Fax: +371 67755009
E-mail: isloffice@isl.edu.lv
Homepage: www.isl.edu.lv

The International School of Latvia (ISL) is an independent coeducational day school, which offers an educational program for children of all nationalities aged from 3 to 18 years. ISL was founded in 1994. The school year begins in August and finishes in June.

ISL is an International Baccalaureate World School. It is authorized to offer the International Baccalaureate Primary Years Program (IBPYP) in Preschool to grade 5 and IB Middle Years Program (IBMYP) for grades 6 - 10. The school has been authorized to offer the International Baccalaureate Diploma Program (IBDP) since August 2004.

Instruction is in English. French and German are offered as foreign languages to students from grades 1 to 12 if they meet the English fluency requirement. English as Second Language class is offered to students whose native tongue is not English, and who need additional English support.

* Instruction is provided in English.

International School of Riga

Address: Zvejnieku iela 12, Riga, LV-1048
Director: Lee Chalkly
E-mail: isr@isriga.lv
Tel: +371 67624622
Fax: +371 67624796
Homepage: www.isriga.lv

International School of Riga was founded in 2001. The International School of Riga is an International Baccalaureate World School and Cambridge International Centre. Primary school students, preschool through grade 5, follow the International Baccalaureate Primary Years Programme (IBPYP). Middle school students, grades six to eight, study using the International Middle Years Curriculum (IMYC). Cambridge IGCSE and A/AS Levels curriculum is offered in grades 9-12 and starting in September 2020, ISR will offer the Diploma Programme (IBDP) for grades 11-12.

* Instruction is provided in English.

Jules Verne Riga French School

Address: Stabu iela 22, Riga LV-1011; Patversmes iela 30 k-3, Riga LV-1005
Director: Dominique Racle
Tel.: +371 29141791 (French, English, Latvian, Russian)
E-mail: administrateur@ecolejulesverne.lv
Homepage: www.ecolejulesverne.lv

Jules Verne Riga French School is the only school in Latvia, which operates within French education system (preschool and primary grades) and is recognized by both Latvian and French governments. The School provides education to children from 2 years of age.

School’s teachers are native speakers of French, professional teachers, selected for their expertise and experience. School has the support of the Embassy of France in Latvia.

The Jules Verne French School of Riga is managed by an association of parents of students APECEF (Association des Parents d’Eleves des Classes d’Enseignement en Francais).

* Instruction is provided mostly in French.

Exupery International School

Address: Jaunā iela 8, Piņķi, Babītes pagasts, LV-2107
Director: Dmitrijs Vinogradovs
Tel.: +371 26622333
E-mail: info@exupery.lv
Homepage: exupery.lv

Exupery International School (EIS) was founded in 2016 and provides education for 3-18-year-old children from families within Latvia, Baltic States and the wider world. School’s mission is to foster international-mindedness and multilingualism. EIS is an International Baccalaureate (IB) World School and the Primary and Preschool School use the IB Primary Years Programme. In the upper grades, EIS blends local and international curricula, meeting the requirements of locally accredited programs and international standards. In the Middle School, EIS offers an international based curriculum, with the main language of instruction being English, except in language lessons. EIS senior school provides an examined curriculum through a mixture of A Levels and IB Diploma disciplines.

* Instruction is provided mostly in English.

The German International School of Riga

Address: Dzirnavu iela 16, Riga, LV-1010
Director: Martin Farenfield
Tel.: +371 29250084
E-mail: schule@deutscheschuleriga.lv
Homepage: www.deutscheschuleriga.lv

The German International School of Riga was founded in 2015 and provides its students with German international education. The school is open to residents of Latvia as well as to international students, whose parents stay in Latvia temporarily. Students learn German, English and a third language.

At the pre-school and kindergarten levels the primary staff from Germany is supported by local German speaking teaching assistants, who also understand Latvian, Russian and English. The focus of the academic and pedagogic curricula at the pre-school and kindergarten levels is on the acquisition of the German language by non-native speaking students. In parallel the youngest students are introduced to English through daily playtime sessions. Formal English lessons start at the pre-school level. 

In addition to German and English, elementary school students may study Latvian and Russian.

* Instruction is provided mostly in German.

King’s College, the British School of Latvia

Address: Turaidas iela 1, Pinki, Babites novads, LV-2107
Headteacher: Adele Stanford
Tel.: +371 25759043
E-mail: latvia@kingscollegeschools.org
Homepage: latvia.kingscollegeschools.org

King’s College, the British School of Latvia was founded in 2017. It is a part of King’s Group, providing children and young people with British education in an international setting and transformative learning experience.

The School delivers the English National Curriculum with its focus on developing thoughtful and knowledgeable young people. At the same time the School emphasizes students’ individual talents and the importance of educating the whole child with attention to his/hers physical, emotional and social development.

*Instruction is provided in English.

Requirements regarding the import and export of dogs, cats and other pets, if the number of animals does not exceed five, to Latvia have been introduced by the European Union.

The European Union requirements 998/2003 are defining the general rules of moving the animals within the European Union, though the member states can introduce their own rules regards to this question, that is why the travellers are advised to check the regulations of the individual states.

More information available at:

Food and Veterinary Service (Pārtikas un veterinārais dienests)

Address: Peldu iela 30, Riga, LV-1050
Tel.: +371 6709 5230
Fax: +371 6732 2727
E-mail: pvd@pvd.gov.lv
Homepage: www.pvd.gov.lv

Address: Elizabetes iela 281, Riga, Latvia, LV-1010
President: Ms Ina Forande
E-mail: web@www.iwcr.lv
Homepage: www.iwcr.lv

The idea of a club originated in 1992 when some expatriate women decided to start organising activities for international women in Riga. From this, in April 1995, the unregistered REIGAL (Riga Expatriate Interest Groups and Luncheons) was founded by a group of six dedicated women.

Finally, in June 1995, the International Women's Club of Riga (IWCR) was born, by becoming an official NGO (Non-Government Organization) in Latvia. Its membership at the time was about 20 ladies. They united in an effort to make their life in Riga more rewarding and interesting. They voted in a Constitution and the very first Executive Board.

Today, the Club boasts a membership of 183 women from 38 countries! The Board consists of 12 elected officers: President, 1^st Vice President, 2nd Vice President, Treasurer, Secretary, Newsletter Editor, Charity Chairperson, Hostess, Web Woman, Activities Chairperson, Tour and Social Director and a Membership Director. The Board meets once per month to discuss IWCR issues and events. Minutes are recorded and members kept informed at monthly luncheons and via the monthly newsletter.

The Club hosts monthly luncheons at carefully pre-selected restaurants and invites members to attend and bring a guest if they wish. The lunches are nice affairs with deliciously prepared and presented meals. They are well attended and members use the opportunity to interact, socialize and network with each other.

Once a month, the Club holds a Meet & Greet coffee which is yet another method of introducing new and existing members to each other, as well as to the Club’s functions and activities in particular and Riga in general. It is also an excellent opportunity to meet in smaller groups and engage in more convivial discussions.

Open to all Club members is the opportunity to participate in a varied range of activities sponsored by the club such as: architecture, ballroom dancing, cooking classes, bridge, a book group, Bible discussion, English conversation, golf, Spanish conversation, tennis, etc.

Membership fees are currently 35 EUR per year from May to April. Club membership entitles members to reduced lunch fees, a subscription to the newsletter, participation in club activity groups and discounts at some stores, companies, organizations and restaurants.

The working language of the Club is English; however, with 38 countries represented, the languages likely to be heard at any given gathering are many and varied.