Travel information

 Passport and Visa Information

Ensure your passport is valid for the duration of your trip. Some countries have an immigration requirement for a passport to remain valid for a minimum period (usually at least six months) beyond the date of entry to the country.
We would recommend you to have passport’s photocopy or make a note of the passport number, date and place of issue, validity and keep separately in a safe place.
If your passport is lost or stolen overseas, report the loss to the police and obtain a certificate of loss and contact the nearest Consulate or Embassy immediately for advice.
You may require a visa to enter the country you are going to. For all visa enquiries contact the nearest Consulate or Embassy of the country you plan to visit. Please make sure that you get all details on entry requirements and have enough time to arrange visa before making final bookings. Do not overstay your visa. You can extend your visa in most places; if you do not you can be imprisoned or fined.
For Latvian citizens and residents as well as foreigners travelling to Latvia please check http://www.am.gov.lv/.

 Travel Insurance

Unfortunately things can go wrong on holiday. Most of the risks related to travel like an accident, stolen money or luggage, cancelled trip due to injury or illness, etc can be covered by taking out travel insurance.
We highly recommend checking several insurers and taking the most adequate cover for your trip.
The cost of travel insurance varies widely, which depend on the destination, type of your trip (ski, golf, leisure, business etc), your age etc. Arrange your travel insurance timely, rather than opting to travel without cover. Bear in mind that a cheaper policy may have less cover. Your insurance should cover the medical emergency, hospitalization and repatriation, any activities and sports you might do (ski, water sports etc), personal accident - money paid on death or permanent disability, etc for  the whole time that you are away. There is also cancellation insurance - if you have to cancel your trip - such cover should start as soon as you book your trip.  If you make several trips each year, consider taking out annual multi-trip insurance to save time, money and effort.
After you purchased insurance please make sure you take your policy and the 24 hour emergency phone number with you. If anything does happen please keep as much paperwork as possible - tickets, receipts, medical bills, police reports etc - to help prove that what you're claiming for actually happened.

 Travel tips

Every country has its own security procedures, laws and customs. Remember that the laws and procedures which apply are those of the country you are in, not your native country. Please check below some general advises that can help you stay out of trouble while you are abroad.

• At the airport
  Please verify flight check-in requirements and min time before the flight when check-in counters close. In order to avoid rush we recommend arriving to the airport at least 2 hours before your flight. Please pay attention to your luggage: always pack your own baggage and never leave it unattended; never carry packages through Customs for other people.
  
• Money & Credit Cards
  Leave your valuables and spare cash in the hotel safe. Don't carry all your cards with you – leave at least one in the hotel safe. Carry only the minimum amount of cash that you need for the day. Change money in banks or legal foreign exchange dealers. It is often illegal to change with unauthorized persons, and you run the risk of receiving fake currency and arrest. Keep all exchange receipts, as you may have to prove you obtained your local currency legally.
  
• Car rent
  Make sure you know the driving laws, licence requirements and driving conditions specific to the country you are visiting. Make sure your driving licence is current and valid. DO NOT drink and drive. Do not lend your vehicle to anyone else.
  
• Alcohol
  Be aware of the local laws and attitudes to alcohol.
  
• Travel documents
  Keep your passport, tickets and vouchers in the hotel safe and carry a passport’s photocopy with you.
  
• Be cultural aware and respect the local environment
  Get a good guidebook. This will tell you about the country you are visiting. Find out about local laws, customs and culture. Respect local customs and dress codes. Obey the law. Be discreet about your views on cultural differences, political and other demonstrations. Behave and dress appropriately, particularly when visiting religious sites.