washington state travel advisory

Travelers can fly nonstop to 16 world destinations from Seattle — but should you? Know the COVID rules, risks

With Seattle becoming the first major city to vaccinate 70% of eligible residents , people are increasingly booking flights and making their way to Seattle-Tacoma International Airport. Travel is high on many people’s summertime bucket lists, especially since Washington state is planning to drop all remaining COVID-19 restrictions by June 30, the European Union is reopening to tourists, and there’s been talk about the U.S.-Canada border reopening this summer.

Last week, the U.S. State Department updated its full list of travel advisories for every country, lowering over 50 countries and territories from Level 4 (“Do not travel”) to Level 3 (“Reconsider travel”). The list also includes over 25 travel destinations placed into the first two levels, indicating moderate-to-low levels of COVID-19 and instructions to exercise precautions.

The State Department currently has four risk assessment levels to guide travelers:

• Level 1: Exercise normal precautions
• Level 2: Exercise increased caution
• Level 3: Reconsider travel
• Level 4: Do not travel

With public health experts recommending that travelers spend the minimum amount of time in airports, consumers may be eyeing nonstop flights to get to their favorite destinations. You can currently travel to 16 international destinations on nonstop flights out of Sea-Tac. Here are the State Department’s newest travel advisory levels for each country.

As of June 9, Sea-Tac reinstated Condor’s international nonstop flight to Frankfurt, Germany. Seoul, South Korea, is the only international city you can fly to nonstop from Seattle-Tacoma International Airport that has a travel advisory under Level 3. Seoul is rated a Level 1. Icelandair has also resumed its nonstop flight to Reykjavík, Iceland, that it suspended during the pandemic.

Regardless of whether you are fully vaccinated or not, you should still exercise caution when traveling through airports by wearing a mask and practicing social distancing. The COVID-19 vaccine is not 100% effective, and infectious-disease experts warn that vaccinated people may still be able to infect others . And remember: Just because the U.S. State Department says you can travel somewhere doesn’t guarantee that country is open to American tourists.

International destinations you can reach on a nonstop flight out of Seattle-Tacoma International Airport

These destinations are listed alphabetically.   All travel advisory levels are current as of June 9 , and sourced from the  U.S. Department of State’s travel advisory website.

Amsterdam, Netherlands

Airline(s) flying out of Seattle: Delta Air Lines

Travel Advisory Level: 4; High level of COVID-19 in the country, increased caution due to terrorism

Local tourism rules : U.S. citizens are not permitted to enter the country. Exemptions are listed on the Government of the Netherlands website . On June 5, the Netherlands entered Step 3 of their reopening plan, loosening the restrictions on venues, restaurants, recreation and more. A negative COVID-19 test taken within three days of travel is required for entry, and health screening procedures are in place at airports and other ports of entry. U.S. citizens are required to quarantine upon arrival.*

*Quarantine requirements vary by country/city. See embassy pages for more details.

Cancún, Mexico

Airline(s) flying out of Seattle: Alaska Airlines, Delta

Travel Advisory Level: 3; COVID-19-related travel restrictions, increased caution due to crime and kidnapping

Local tourism rules: U.S. citizens are permitted to enter, but nonessential travel (defined as travel that is considered tourism or recreational in nature) is restricted along the U.S.-Mexico land border until at least June 21. This action does not apply to air, rail or sea travel at this time but does apply to commuter rail and ferry travel. A negative COVID-19 test is not required for entry. Health screening procedures are in place at airports and other ports of entry.

Doha, Qatar

Airline(s) flying out of Seattle: Qatar Airways

Travel Advisory Level: 3; COVID-19-related travel restrictions

Local tourism rules : U.S. citizens are permitted to enter if they fall under a certain category of non-Qatari citizens allowed in. Beginning Aug. 1, certain categories of non-Qatari citizens are permitted to enter Qatar. Tourist travel is not permitted. A negative COVID-19 test is required for entry and health screening procedures are in place at airports and other ports of entry. U.S. citizens are required to quarantine.

Dubai, United Arab Emirates

Airline(s) flying out of Seattle: Emirates

Local tourism rules: U.S. citizens are permitted to enter with a 30-day tourist visa from the Dubai and Abu Dhabi governments. A negative COVID-19 test is required for entry and health screening procedures are in place at airports and other ports of entry. U.S. citizens are not required to quarantine, assuming a negative COVID-19 test before and after arrival.

Frankfurt, Germany

Airline(s) flying out of Seattle: Lufthansa, Condor

Travel Advisory Level: 3; COVID-19-related travel restrictions, increased caution due to terrorism

Local tourism rules: U.S. citizens are not allowed to enter the country unless they meet one of only a few exceptions. Those who are fully vaccinated with an approved vaccine, as well as those who have recovered from COVID-19 in the last six months, are exempt from many restrictions within the country. A negative COVID-19 test is required for entry and health screening procedures are in place at airports and other ports of entry. U.S. citizen quarantine requirements vary based on where they are travelling from and vaccination status.

Guadalajara, Mexico

Airline(s) flying out of Seattle: Volaris

London, England

Airline(s) flying out of Seattle: British Airways, American Airlines, Delta

Local tourism rules: U.S. citizens are permitted to enter if not traveling from a “red-list” country. A negative COVID-19 test is required for entry and health screening procedures are in place at airports and other ports of entry. U.S. citizens are required to quarantine.

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Los Cabos, Mexico

Airline(s) flying out of Seattle: Alaska, Delta

Mexico City, Mexico

Airline(s) flying out of Seattle: Aeromexico

Puerto Vallarta, Mexico

Reykjavík, iceland.

Airline(s) flying out of Seattle: Icelandair

Local tourism rules: U.S. citizens are permitted to enter if they are fully vaccinated or can provide proof of prior infection, but all arriving passengers are obligated to undergo a test for the detection of COVID-19. U.S. citizens do not have to quarantine after receiving the results from the first test at the border. Those presenting certificates from the European Union and European Economic Area who have been fully vaccinated can travel to Iceland without being subject to border measures such as testing and quarantine.

Seoul, South Korea

Airline(s) flying out of Seattle: Asiana Airlines, Delta, Korean Air

Travel Advisory Level: 1; Low level of COVID-19 in the country

Local tourism rules : U.S. citizens are permitted to enter. There is a mandatory 14-day quarantine and pre-departure testing requirement for all inbound travelers, including those who have been vaccinated. Health screening procedures are in place at airports and other ports of entry.

Shanghai, China

Airline(s) flying out of Seattle: Delta

Travel Advisory Level: 3; Arbitrary enforcement of local laws

Local tourism rules: U.S. citizens are permitted to enter. China currently allows foreign nationals with valid residence permits and visas to enter the country under certain conditions. A negative COVID-19 test is required for entry and health screening procedures are in place at airports and other ports of entry. U.S. citizens are required to quarantine.

Taipei, Taiwan

Airline(s) flying out of Seattle: EVA Air

Local tourism rules : U.S. citizens are not permitted to enter unless one of the country’s exceptions applies to them. A negative COVID-19 test is required for entry. Visitors are required to quarantine for 14 days regardless of vaccination status.

Tokyo, Japan

Airline(s) flying out of Seattle: Delta, Japan Airlines

Local tourism rules: U.S. citizens are permitted entry on a very limited basis . Travel for tourism and most other short-term purposes is not permitted. The government of Japan makes no distinction between vaccinated and unvaccinated travelers in its COVID-related entry requirements. The government extended the national state of emergency declaration, which now covers Tokyo, Osaka, Hyogo, Kyoto, Aichi, Fukuoka, Hokkaido, Okayama, Hiroshima and Okinawa prefectures through June 20. A negative COVID-19 test is required for entry and health screening procedures are in place at airports and other ports of entry. U.S. citizens are required to quarantine.

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Everything you should know before visiting Seattle — weather, what to pack, and more

• If you're planning a trip to Seattle, be aware of updated COVID-19 and weather-related advisories.
• On average, it rains 150 days a year in Seattle, so pack a waterproof jacket and shoes.
• Visit Insider's hub for travel guides, tips, and recommendations .

I grew up outside of Seattle and have lived in the city for eight years. Here's what out-of-towners should know when planning a trip to the Emerald City.

Weather advisories

Seattle is relatively temperate with short and warm summers and wet and cloudy winters, and humidity levels remain low year-round. The wet season lasts from October to April. Snowfall is pretty rare, though it's most likely to occur during December and January. Temperatures  average in the high 60s to mid-to-high 70s in the summer, and in the high 30s to low 40s in the winter. Seattle summers, especially July and August, are the best time to visit if you're hoping to enjoy warm weather, hiking, and outdoor activities. 

As you've probably heard, rain is a regular occurrence in Seattle ( about 150 days a year on average), though it's usually not too heavy. Many hotels and outdoor shopping centers have complimentary umbrellas, but it's worth carrying one with you. I recommend bringing water-resistant shoes and a jacket — you'll probably see a lot of black puffer jackets on your trip no matter what time of year it is. It's also worth bringing a jacket if you're going to be out past sunset since temperatures drop considerably at night.

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COVID-19 advisories

As of March 2022, masks are no longer required in indoor establishments in Washington, and businesses no longer require proof of vaccination for indoor dining and shopping. However, masks are still recommended indoors and on public transportation by the CDC, and masks are required in certain settings like hospitals, pharmacies, and private businesses that require masks for employees, customers, or residents. 

Washingtonians and visitors from outside the state are expected to comply with the CDC's current COVID-19 travel advisory guidance , which recommends delaying travel until you are fully vaccinated. If you're not vaccinated, travelers should follow the CDC's guidance to take a COVID-19 test before and after travel, wear a mask, maintain good hand hygiene, and socially distance, especially in crowded areas.

If you are traveling by plane to the US, the CDC requires that most non-US citizens be fully vaccinated. You'll be required to show a negative COVID-19 test result or documentation of recovering from COVID-19 if entering the US by air. 

If you need to take a COVID-19 test during your trip, you can find COVID-19 testing sites in King County , which prioritizes appointments for people with symptoms or immediate risk for COVID-19. Bring insurance information if you have it and wear a well-fitted mask. You can also take a rapid or PCR test at the Seattle-Tacoma International Airport , or purchase at-home rapid-test kits at a pharmacy, retailer, or online.

View Insider's comprehensive guide to visiting Seattle, Washington.

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Visitors and residents can find travel advisories and alerts related to transportation, wildfires, and other natural impacts below. Please check back often for updates. State of Washington Tourism recommends that visitors consult local official resources for the most up-to-date information on safety and closures.

Wildfire Resources

Before you head out, check the Washington State Department of Transportation website for road conditions and closures in your travel area. You can also view the status of large wildfires on the Northwest Interagency Coordination Center’s Large Fire Information page .

For air quality and smoke conditions, head to the Washington Smoke blog , which is a partnership between state, county, federal agencies, and Tribes.

For tips on wildfire safety, check out Recreate Responsibly’s wildfire resources .

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Washington State has an extensive network of ferries connecting visitors and residents to points throughout Western Washington. For alerts, schedule changes/route cancellations, and more, please check the Washington State Ferries alerts bulletin .

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Spokane Region Travel Advisory

What you need to know:, wildfires and smoke impacting the spokane region.

Stay informed and stay safe while exploring the Spokane Region. Due to ongoing wildfires and resulting smoke in the Spokane region and surrounding areas, there may be impacts to health, safety and travel. Be sure to check local travel advisories for the latest updates on air quality and wildfire conditions before traveling.

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What to expect when you visit.

The Spokane region prides itself on its friendly nature. While many businesses are open and welcoming guests, these times remain uncertain. Still, you will find plenty of things to do. We simply encourage visitors to Spokane to take personal responsibility for researching and adhering to current safety protocols as well as traveling with a positive, flexible mindset accepting of the circumstances.

Outdoor Recreation

One of the best things the Spokane region has to offer is an abundance of outdoor recreation opportunities that tend to provide greater opportunities for social distancing. You’ll want your mask with you at all times in case you come upon a crowded trail or parking lot, but the opportunities to enjoy parks, hiking, biking, and water recreation are countless. RecreateResponsibly.org offers great advice on how to protect yourself, others, and the outdoors in these unusual times.

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Washington state travel guide: Breathtaking national parks, the bustling city of Seattle and beyond

W ashington state is known for its wide range of stunning natural landscapes, from rugged coastlines to snow-capped mountain peaks to vibrant rainforests.

Cities like Seattle and Spokane offer their own array of cultural and culinary attractions.

Whether you are interested in outdoor adventure or simply taking in the scenery, the Evergreen State has something for every type of traveler.

AMERICA THE BEAUTIFUL: 50 MUST-SEE LANDMARKS THAT TELL OUR NATIONAL STORY 

Here's a deep dive.

Olympic National Park spans 70 miles of coastline and almost 1 million acres. This World Heritage Site and International Biosphere Reserve offers anything you could want from a national park , like hiking, boating and the opportunity to see wild animals in their natural habitat in the temperate Hoh Rain Forest.

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"It's one of those places that really embodies what you would consider the Evergreen State," Jennifer Coleman, publisher of the Scenic Washington road trip guidebook and the road map for Washington state , told Fox News Digital during a phone interview. "The beaches along the Pacific there are pretty wild. So, I always tell people, bring a raincoat and plan for wind. You know, it's not like going to the beach even in Oregon, where you can really lay out in the sun."

"I mean, OK, we do get sunny days, but it's just not the same as a little further south," Coleman added.

Visitors can observe ecosystems in miniature in the tide pools of Olympic National Park's beaches. And while there might not be many sunbathers, the park is a well-known destination for stargazers. About 95% of the park is designated as wilderness and is devoid of human-caused light, making for a spectacular view of the night sky.

This park is named for the many waterfalls along its hundreds of miles of trails. The clear, blue mountain waters of Lake Diablo and the park's other lakes and rivers offer opportunities for boat tours and fishing and make North Cascades Coleman's favorite of the state's three national parks.

She pointed out that although the park is remote, its beauty is accessible to those not up for a hike, since a driving trip along the North Cascades Scenic Highway still affords gorgeous views of mountain peaks, verdant trees and rushing waterfalls.

And for those who want a hands-on experience, North Cascades National Park is known for its climbing opportunities.

SPRINGTIME TRAVEL: 5 FLOWER GARDENS ACROSS 5 TIME ZONES SHOWCASING AMERICAN BEAUTY  

Naturalists can keep their eyes peeled for the gray wolves, wolverines and more than 200 species of birds that call one of Earth's most diverse ecosystems home.

"It's sort of the iconic Washington thing, to go to Mount Rainier National Park," Coleman said. The mountain lies along several officially designated scenic byways for the road trippers out there, and it is the highest peak in the Evergreen State, rising 14,410 above sea level.

Since the park is so highly attended, a timed entry system will be implemented during the busiest months, from May to September, beginning in 2024. Reservations open 90 days in advance.

NATIONAL PARK WEEK: 15 SURPRISING FACTS ABOUT AMERICA'S PARKS YOU MAY NOT KNOW

This is the most popular state park for mountain climbing and skiing, with more than 20 climbing routes and ski descents. With its wilderness backpacking campsites and more than 260 miles of maintained trails, including some that are paved, hikers of all stripes can find the perfect trek. 

Winter sports are popular in Mount Rainier National Park, but it is also known for its hundreds of species of wildflowers that bloom spectacularly over the summer.

Washington's largest city is also one of its main travel destinations and serves as the origin point for many of the road trips in Scenic Washington's guides. The city itself offers plenty to do.

The Emerald City is known for its food and drink scene: Japanese cuisine, craft beer, wine and especially coffee and seafood.

Starbucks is based in Seattle , so naturally, the Starbucks Reserve Roastery is located there, too. Think Willy Wonka's chocolate factory but for coffee, complete with a coffee bean library. Numerous smaller cafés are spread across the city as well for those who want a more unique espresso experience. 

Tea houses and bakeries are in no short supply, either, in case you need to cool it on the caffeine.

Seattle sits on Puget Sound, where shellfish are readily available. The city is known for its oysters.

Visitors to Seattle can stop at one of its many museums, like the Museum of Pop Culture, or look for the Fremont Troll, a giant sculpture under the George Washington Memorial Bridge. The colorful, if a bit gross, Gum Wall near Pike Place Market is worth seeing, and the market is itself well-known for its craftspeople, restaurants and fishmongers.

But few Emerald City attractions are more iconic than the Space Needle. The Space Needle was originally built for the 1962 World’s Fair and has become perhaps the most recognizable element of the city skyline. In just 43 seconds, you can ride the elevator all the way to the observation deck, where you can see far and wide over the rest of Seattle.

Across the street from the Space Needle is Chihuly Garden and Glass, home to the works of renowned glass artist Dale Chihuly. The breathtaking installations make this TripAdvisor's top-rated Seattle attraction.

If the Space Needle is the most iconic component of Seattle's Skyline, the Great Wheel is No. 2. This Ferris wheel was built in 2012 and offers a different way to get a bird's eye view of the city and the surrounding mountains.

The Amazon Spheres provide an unexpected break from the hustle and bustle of the city with their four-story jungle-like interior, containing more than 40,000 plants. Another Washington-based company, Amazon, constructed the spheres to afford employees the tranquility of the rainforest without leaving the city. The Spheres are open to the public for free during the first and third Saturday of each month.

Kerry Park offers an extraordinary vista of the city skyline, Space Needle and all. On a clear day, Mount Rainier can be seen in the background. Photographers can often be found here as the sun goes down.

Washington's national parks and Seattle might be its most famous attractions, but you could see them all without even leaving the western half of the state — and even then, you would be missing other attractions in the west.

In the southwest of Washington, visitors can find the Mount St. Helens National Volcanic Monument, just south of Mount Rainier. "And that's a really cool place to go visit," Coleman said, "Because you can actually drive right up into the blast zone." The total devastation wrought by the volcano's 1980 eruption contrasts with the new growth that has regenerated in the area, making for a thought-provoking trip to a natural wonder that could easily be overshadowed by Mount Rainier.

The Columbia River Gorge isn't far away: "The Gorge is really a fantastic place. It's basically along the Columbia River, which is the river that separates us from Oregon. That whole gorge region … both the Washington and Oregon sides, is kind of like waterfall central," said Coleman.

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Orcas, gray whales and humpback whales can be spotted in Washington's Puget Sound all year round, and whale-watching boat tours are available at multiple locations along the coast. Most boats won't get too close to the whales, as some are endangered and have been killed in collisions with ships. Make sure to dress warmly and bring your binoculars.

The eastern portion of the state is totally different from what many think of as the wet environs of the Pacific Northwest. On the other side of the Cascade mountain range, it gets dry and hot. The city of Spokane provides an urban hub for excursions eastward and, though smaller than Seattle, offers arts and culture, craft beer and wine, and other trappings of an urban center.

South of Spokane lies Pullman, where Washington State University is located. Further south still is Hells Canyon, the deepest river gorge in North America. Though it lies mostly in Oregon and Idaho, a portion of it does fall in southeastern Washington. This gorge is popular for high-speed jet-boating during the hot summers.

The warm, sunny weather makes the region great for agriculture. "Wine country" is in the center of the southern portion of the state. The region, as you might be able to guess, is known for its more than 300 vineyards and wineries.

There are many reasons to visit Washington state, but many visitors tend to fit within a certain profile, Coleman told Fox News Digital: "Everybody has their different thing that they're wanting to accomplish when they visit, but overall … if they've chosen Washington as their destination, chances are they're looking for outdoor recreation or, you know, scenic views, seafood or national parks."

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That is why Scenic Washington offers pre-planned road trip itineraries. The popular Cascade Loop begins from Seattle and circles the northern half of the state. The Palouse Scenic Byway explores Washington's east, from its central desert lands to lakes and waterfalls to the rolling wheat fields of the Palouse region, which holds the largest concentration of wheat per acre in the world.

For more Lifestyle articles, visit www.foxnews.com/lifestyle .

Original article source: Washington state travel guide: Breathtaking national parks, the bustling city of Seattle and beyond

Update April 12, 2024

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Travel Advisory July 26, 2023

Latvia - level 1: exercise normal precautions.

Reissued with obsolete COVID-19 page links removed. 

Exercise normal precautions in Latvia.

Read the country information page for additional information on travel to Latvia.

If you decide to travel to Latvia:

• Enroll in the  Smart Traveler Enrollment Program  ( STEP ) to receive travel alerts and make it easier to locate you in an emergency.
• Follow the Department of State on  Facebook  and  Twitter .
• Review the  Country Security Report  for Latvia.
• Visit the CDC page for the latest Travel Health Information related to your travel.
• Prepare a contingency plan for emergency situations. Review the Traveler’s Checklist .

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Not required for stays less than 90 days within a six-month period

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Samnera Velsa iela 1  Riga LV-1510 Latvia Telephone: +(371) 6710-7000 Emergency After-Hours Telephone: +(371) 6710-7000 or +(371) 2920-5708 Fax: +(371) 6710-7001 Email:   [email protected]

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Entry, Exit and Visa Requirements

Visit the website the Embassy of Latvia in Washington for the most current visa information.

• If you plan to stay in Latvia more than 90 days, you must apply for temporary residence.
• A criminal records check from the United States, which can be requested through the  FBI , is required for a temporary residence permit. You must also submit proof of identity and a set of ink-rolled fingerprint impressions.
• The U.S. Embassy cannot take your fingerprints, but the Latvian State Criminal Police Department is able to provide this service at Bruninieku iela 72, Riga, tel: 371 6720-8662. For more information, contact  the Latvian Embassy  at 2306 Massachusetts Avenue NW, Washington, D.C. 20008, tel: (202) 328-2840, fax: (202) 328-2860. 
• You should carry your passport when travelling to neighboring Baltic countries from Latvia – even on day trips – as random passport checks are possible.

Traveling Through Europe : If you are planning to visit or travel through European countries, you should be familiar with the requirements of the Schengen Agreement.

• Your passport should be valid for at least three months beyond the period of stay if you plan on transiting a Schengen country review our U.S. Travelers in Europe page .    
• You will need s ufficient proof of funds and a return plane ticket .  
• For additional information about visas for the Schengen area, see the Schengen Visa  page.

HIV/AIDS Restrictions : The U.S. Department of State is unaware of any HIV/AIDS entry restrictions for visitors to or foreign residents of Latvia. Find information on  dual nationality ,  prevention of international child abduction  and  customs regulations on our websites.

Safety and Security

Terrorism: Credible information indicates terrorist groups continue plotting possible attacks in Europe. European governments are taking action to guard against terrorist attacks. However, all European countries remain potentially vulnerable to attacks from transnational terrorist organizations. 

For more information, see our Terrorism page.  

Crime: Crime against foreign visitors is generally non-violent in nature; however, violent assaults and robberies have occurred. Harassment of foreigners and same-sex partners has also occurred in Latvia.

• Be aware of your surroundings and take personal security measures to stay safe.
• The most common crimes encountered by foreign tourists are purse snatching, pick pocketing, and mugging, especially during the summer tourism season.
• Thieves have targeted foreign vistiors in Riga’s Old Town (Vecriga), Central Train Station (Dzelzcela stacija), Central Bus Station (Autoosta), and Central Market (Centraltirgus).
• Avoid walking alone or using ATMs after dark.
• There have been cases of visitors partying at bars and nightclubs in Riga who have been drugged and subsequently sexually assaulted.
• Be aware of other common scams in restaurants and tourist pubs. Pay special attention to drink prices, as they may rise to exorbitant levels for tourists. Management may use force to secure payment.
• Internet crime is increasing in Latvia.  Common schemes involve internet auction or job-search sites.

Demonstrations  occur frequently. They may take place in response to political or economic issues, on politically significant holidays, and during international events.  

• Even demonstrations intended to be peaceful can turn confrontational and possibly become violent. 
• Avoid areas around protests and demonstrations.  
• Check local media for updates and traffic advisories

Information regarding demonstrations in Latvia can be found on the U.S. Embassy Latvia website .

International Financial Scams : See the  Department of State  and the  FBI  pages for information on scams.

Victims of Crime : Report crimes to the local police at 112 and contact the U.S. Embassy at +(371) 6710-7000. Remember that local authorities are responsible for investigating and prosecuting the crime.

See our webpage on  help for U.S. victims of crime overseas .

• Help you find appropriate medical care
• Assist you in reporting a crime to the police
• Contact relatives or friends with your written consent
• Provide general information regarding the victim’s role during the local investigation and following its conclusion
• Provide a list of local attorneys
• Provide our information on  victim’s compensation programs in the United States.
• Assist you with a list of non-governmental organizations and centers providing a number of programs for victims of crime in Latvia.  Please see  our website  for more information.
• Provide an emergency loan for repatriation to the United States and/or limited medical support in cases of destitution
• Help you find accommodation and arrange flights home
• Replace a stolen or lost passport

Domestic Violence:  U.S. citizen victims of domestic violence are encouraged to contact the local police at 112 and  the U.S. Embassy for assistance. Tourism:  The tourism industry is regulated and rules with regards to best practices and safety inspections are enforced. Hazardous areas/activities are identified with appropriate signage and professional staff is typically on hand in support of organized activities. In the event of an injury, appropriate medical treatment is available throughout the country. Outside of urban areas, it may take more time for first responders and medical professionals to provide assistance. U.S. citizens are encouraged to purchase medical evacuation insurance . 

Local Laws & Special Circumstances

Criminal Penalties: You are subject to local laws. If you violate local laws, even unknowingly, you may be arrested, imprisoned or deported. 

Furthermore, some laws are also prosecutable in the United States, regardless of local law. For examples, see our website on crimes against minors abroad and the Department of Justice website.

Arrest Notification:  If you are arrested or detained, ask police to notify the U.S. Embassy immediately. See our  webpage  for further information.

• Penalties for possessing, using, or trafficking in illegal drugs in Latvia are severe. You can expect long jail sentences and heavy fines.
• You can be jailed immediately for driving under the influence of alcohol.
• Your U.S. passport will not help you avoid arrest or prosecution.

Special Circumstances:  Latvia is part of the Eurozone and only euros are accepted.

• Bank and currency exchange counters may refuse to accept U.S. currency that is crumpled, torn, discolored, or defaced (even small pen strokes are considered defacing). If such notes are accepted for exchange, an additional processing fee, based on the size of the transaction, may be charged. Cashing personal and Treasury checks issued in the United States may be time-consuming and costly.
• ATMs are widely available in Riga and in major towns.  For security purposes, it is recommended that visitors use ATMs located inside major hotels or shopping malls.
• Telephone connections with the United States are reliable;  however, U.S. toll-free numbers cannot be accessed from Latvia. 

Customs:  Latvian customs authorities may enforce strict regulations concerning temporary importation into or export from Latvia of items such as firearms, religious materials, antiquities, medications, business equipment, drugs, etc.

Individuals establishing a business or practicing a profession that requires additional permits or licensing should seek information from the competent local authorities, prior to practicing or operating a business.

Contact  the Embassy of Latvia in Washington  or one of the  Latvian consulates  in the United States for specific information regarding customs requirements.

Counterfeit and Pirated Goods: Although counterfeit and pirated good are prevalent in many countries, they may still be illegal according to local laws. You may also pay fines and have to give them up if you bring them back from the United States.   See the U.S. Department of Justice website for more information. 

Faith-Based Travelers: See our following webpages for details:

• Faith-Based Travel Information
• International Religious Freedom Report – see country reports

LGBTI Travelers: There are no legal restrictions on same-sex sexual relations or the organization of LGBTI events in Latvia.

Credible non-governmental organizations report widespread intolerance and discrimination against LGBTI persons, as well as underreporting to authorities of attacks and discrimination against LGBTI individuals.

See our  LGBTI Travel Information  page and section 6 of the  Department of State's Human Rights Report  for further details.

Travelers Who Require Accessibility Assistance : While in Latvia, individuals with disabilities may find accessibility and accommodation very different than in the United States.

• The law prohibits discrimination against persons with disabilities in employment, education, access to health care, and other state services, and the government generally enforces these provisions. 
• The law mandates access to buildings for persons with disabilities; however, most buildings are not yet accessible. Although Latvia has made efforts to improve disabled access, only new and completely renovated hotels, guest houses, hostels, and public buildings provide suitable facilities for seriously disabled travelers. See our Traveling with Disabilities page.
• You may find general information on accessibility and accommodations on the website of the  Latvian Tourism Board .
• You will rarely find easy-access public transportation and taxis. Free or reduced fares on public transportation are available only to persons with disabilities who are Latvian residents.

Students: See our Students Abroad page and FBI travel tips .

Women Travelers: See our travel tips for Women Travelers .

The quality of medical care in Latvia continues to improve but often falls short of Western standards. Latvia has highly trained medical professionals, but hospitals and clinics suffer from a lack of equipment and resources. 

• Many doctors speak at least limited English.
• There are few private clinics in major cities that offer services equal to Western European or U.S. standards. 
• Western-quality dental care can be obtained in Riga.
• Payment is expected upon admission at private hospitals.

Prescription Medicines : Pharmaceuticals sold in Latvia are produced by companies certified in accordance with EU standards but may not be labeled the same as in the United States.

For general emergency services in Latvia, dial 112. For medical emergency services, dial 113.

Ambulance services are available in urban areas but not countrywide. Injured or seriously ill travelers may prefer to take a taxi or private vehicle to the nearest major hospital rather than wait for an ambulance in rural areas. 

We do not pay medical bills.  Be aware that U.S. Medicare/Medicaid does not apply overseas. Most hospitals and doctors in Latvia do not accept U.S. health insurance.

Medical Insurance:  Make sure your health insurance plan provides coverage overseas. Most care providers overseas only accept cash payments. See our webpage for more information on types of overseas insurance. Visit the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention for more information on type of insurance you should consider before you travel overseas.

We strongly recommend supplemental insurance  to cover medical evacuation.

Always carry your prescription medication in original packaging, along with your doctor’s prescription. Check with the Latvian Medicines Register Medicinal Product Register of Latvia to ensure the medication is legal in Latvia.

General Health Information:

The following diseases are prevalent:

• Tuberculosis .
• Tick-borne encephalitis and Lyme-disease are widespread throughout the country.
• Use  CDC recommended insect repellents  containing either 20% DEET, picaridin, oil of lemon eucalyptus or IR3535 to help diminish bites from ticks and other insects if you intend to visit parks or forested areas. 
• Tick-borne encephalitis vaccinations are given as a series of three doses, and are not available in the United States. 
• There are no vaccines against Lyme disease.
• Hepatitis A is a significant health concern in Latvia. Hepatitis A vaccine is available in the US and is recommended for those with prolonged stays or travel in rural areas.

Vaccinations:  Be up-to-date on all vaccinations recommended by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Further health information:

• World Health Organization
• U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)  

The U.S. Embassy maintains a list of doctors and hospitals Medical Resources . We do not endorse or recommend any specific medical provider or clinic.

Travel and Transportation

Road Conditions and Safety:  While in Latvia, you may encounter road conditions that differ significantly from those in the United States.

• Latvia’s rate of automobile accidents and fatalities is one of the highest in Europe.
• If you plan to drive in Latvia, you are required to obtain an International Driving Permit. You may get these through the American Automobile Association (AAA) or the American Automobile Touring Alliance for a small fee.
• If you drive without an International Driving Permit, police could confiscate your vehicle.
• If you are resident in Latvia more than six months, you are required to apply for a Latvian driver’s license.
• Pedestrians and cyclists are required to wear small reflectors on clothing in Latvia whenever dark outside.

Traffic Laws:  Driving while intoxicated is a very serious offense and carries heavy penalties. Latvian authorities use roadblocks and breathalyzer tests as enforcement tools.

• You must use your headlights at all times. Speed limits are usually 50 km/hr (31 mph) in the city and 90 km/hr (55 mph) on highways.
• There are many mobile and fixed speed cameras deployed throughout the country.

Public Transportation:  Public transportation is considered safe, but travelers are encouraged to select well-marked taxis.

See our  Road Safety page  for more information.

Aviation Safety Oversight:  As there is no direct commercial air service to the United States by carriers registered in Latvia, the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has not assessed the Government of Latvia’s Civil Aviation Authority for compliance with International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) aviation safety standards. Further information may be found on the  FAA’s safety assessment page.

Maritime Travel:  Mariners planning travel to Latvia should check for U.S. maritime advisories and alerts at the  Maritime Security Communications with Industry Web Portal . Information may also be posted to the  U.S. Coast Guard homeport website  and as a broadcast warning on the  National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency’s website .

For additional travel information

• Enroll in the  Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP)  to receive security messages and make it easier to locate you in an emergency.
• Call us in Washington, D.C. at 1-888-407-4747 (toll-free in the United States and Canada) or 1-202-501-4444 (from all other countries) from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., Eastern Standard Time, Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal holidays).
• See the  State Department’s travel website  for the  Worldwide Caution  and  Travel Advisories .
• Follow us on  Twitter  and  Facebook .
• See  traveling safely abroad  for useful travel tips.

Review information about International Parental Child Abduction in Latvia . For additional IPCA-related information, please see the International Child Abduction Prevention and Return Act ( ICAPRA ) report.

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US issues level 3 travel advisory to China amid safety concerns. Here's what to know

Are you thinking about traveling to China to visit or study abroad? The U.S. government suggests reconsidering your trip for now. 

According to the U.S. Department of State , traveling to China is under a level 3 travel advisory , warning Americans to reconsider. The State Department has four warning levels. The fourth is “Do not travel.”

Is it safe to travel to China right now?

The U.S. is asking Americans to reconsider traveling to China due to various reasons, including concerns about health and safety, such as the prevalence of contagious diseases like COVID-19, as well as political tensions or security risks in certain regions.

As of April 12, there are some specific areas that the U.S. is asking people to reconsider travel to. Those areas include:

• Mainland China due to the arbitrary enforcement of local laws, including exit bans and the risk of wrongful detentions.
• Exercise increased caution when traveling to the Hong Kong SAR due to the arbitrary enforcement of local laws.
• Reconsider travel to the Macau SAR due to a limited ability to provide emergency consular services. 

Additionally, the U.S. government may issue travel advisories based on factors like civil unrest, natural disasters, or other hazards that could affect travelers' well-being.

Americans detained in China

Mark Swidan — a man from Houston, Texas — has been detained in China for over 10 years on drug charges. According to The Texas Tribune , Swidan was detained in China in 2012 while on a trip looking for materials for his home and business in Houston. Chinese authorities arrested him after his driver and translator were found in possession of drugs. The driver blamed Swidan, who is accused of trafficking and manufacturing methamphetamine.

A review of Swidan’s case said there were no drugs on him or in his hotel. Last year, the Republic of China’s Jiangmen Intermediate Court denied Swidan’s appeal and upheld his death penalty with a two-year suspended death sentence.

Other Americans considered wrongfully detained include Chinese American businessman Kai Li from Long Island, N.Y., and California pastor David Lin.

What countries have a Level 3 travel warning?

• Trinidad & Tobago
• El Salvador
• South Sudan
• Democratic Republic of the Congo
• Papua New Guinea
• Saudi Arabia

What countries have a Level 4 travel warning?

• Afghanistan
• Central African Republic
• North Korea (Democratic People's Republic of Korea)
• Burkina Faso

Traveling abroad? Here are some safety tips

U.S. citizens are encouraged to enroll in the State Department’s free  Smart Traveler Enrollment Program  and to prepare contingency plans for emergencies. 

Safety tips if you're traveling outside the U.S.:

• Don't travel alone.
• Be aware of your surroundings.
• Keep a low profile.
• Try not to be flashy.
• Avoid going to places at night, especially by yourself.

Blinken meets with Arab officials to discuss Gaza and postwar plans

Secretary of State Antony Blinken spoke with Arab officials Monday in Saudi Arabia about the war between Israel and Hamas and the difficult issues it has created, from humanitarian aid to hostages. Blinken plans to travel to Jordan and Israel on Tuesday.

After landing in Riyadh, the Saudi capital, shortly after dawn, Blinken met with Prince Faisal bin Farhan, the foreign minister of Saudi Arabia, and then with foreign ministers and a top foreign policy adviser from five other Arab nations in the Persian Gulf that, along with Saudi Arabia, form the Gulf Cooperation Council. Prince Faisal was also part of that second meeting. On Monday night Blinken met with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.

The State Department listed the cease-fire and hostage issues first in the summary it released of Blinken’s one-on-one meeting with the prince. The two “discussed ongoing efforts to reach an immediate cease-fire in Gaza that would secure the release of hostages held by Hamas,” the department said.

The two diplomats also talked about greater regional integration and “a pathway to a Palestinian state with security guarantees for Israel,” the summary said. That was a reference to negotiations over a broad deal that would involve the United States, Saudi Arabia, Israel and Palestinian representatives agreeing to terms that would result in the creation of a Palestinian state and greater diplomatic recognition for Israel in the region.

Blinken planned to meet with Arab and European officials in a group later Monday to talk about plans for rebuilding the Gaza Strip, even though Israel is still carrying out its war there and has not stepped back from its difficult — and perhaps impossible — goal of fully eradicating Hamas.

Saudi Arabia is hosting a three-day meeting of the World Economic Forum, and top Arab officials, including Blinken’s diplomatic counterparts, are attending the event in Riyadh. The gathering includes senior ministers from Qatar and Egypt, the two Arab mediators in multiple rounds of talks over a potential cease-fire between Israel and Hamas.

“The quickest way to bring this to an end is to get to a cease-fire and the release of hostages,” Blinken said in an onstage talk with Borge Brende, president of the World Economic Forum. “Hamas has before it a proposal that is extraordinarily generous on the part of Israel. And at the moment, the only thing standing between the people of Gaza and a cease-fire is Hamas.”

“I’m hopeful they will make the right decision and we can have a fundamental change in the dynamic,” he added.

Blinken and other top aides of President Joe Biden have also been trying to push for a long-term political solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, which is where the broader deal comes in. In a call meant to pave the way for Blinken’s trip, his seventh to the region since the war began, Biden and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of Israel spoke by phone Sunday afternoon for nearly an hour.

The two leaders discussed “increases in the delivery of humanitarian assistance into Gaza,” according to a White House statement released after the call, and Biden repeated his warning against an Israeli ground assault on Rafah in southern Gaza. He also reviewed with Netanyahu the negotiations over a hostage release.

In their best-case scenario, the Biden administration envisions Saudi Arabia and perhaps a few other Arab nations agreeing to normalize diplomatic relations with Israel. In exchange, Saudi Arabia would receive advanced weapons and security guarantees, including a mutual defense treaty, from the United States and a commitment for U.S. cooperation on a civilian nuclear program in the kingdom.

For its part, Israel would have to commit to a concrete pathway to the founding of a Palestinian nation, with specific deadlines, U.S. and Saudi officials say.

“I think it’s clear that in the absence of a real political horizon for the Palestinians, it’s going to be much harder, if not impossible, to really have a coherent plan for Gaza itself,” Blinken said at the public talk Monday.

Prince Faisal said Sunday that Saudi officials hoped to discuss concrete steps toward creating a Palestinian state during Blinken’s visit to Riyadh. Calling the war and humanitarian crisis in Gaza “a complete failing of the existing political system,” he told a news conference that the kingdom’s government believes that the only solution is “a credible, irreversible pathway to a Palestinian state.”

Before the war started in October, U.S. and Saudi officials were in intense discussions to reach an agreement on the terms of such a proposal. For those negotiators, a big question at the time was what Israel would agree to. Since the war began, the Americans and the Saudis have publicly insisted that Israel must agree to the existence of a Palestinian state.

But Israeli leaders and ordinary citizens have become even more resistant to that idea since the Oct. 7 attacks, in which the Israeli authorities say Hamas and allied gunmen killed about 1,200 people and took about 240 people as hostages. Israel’s retaliatory military offensive has killed more than 34,000 Palestinians, most of them civilians, including thousands of children, say officials from the Gaza Health Ministry.

This article originally appeared in The New York Times .

Fast heart attack care saves Spokane man from a widow-maker

In August 2022, Rick Hosmer was mountain biking in Mount Spokane State Park, one of his favorite hobbies.