Foreign Ministry reminds residents to choose their travel destinations with caution and not travel to countries that are not safe to visit

RIGA - As the school holidays from October 21 to 27 approach, the Foreign Ministry advises residents to choose their travel destinations with caution and not travel to countries that are not safe to visit, the ministry told LETA.

The Foreign Ministry notes that recent developments in the Middle East have also had an impact on other countries around the world, including Europe. The terror alert level has been raised in Austria, Belgium and Sweden, while security services in European countries such as Germany are urging caution.

As the security situation in the Middle East continues to escalate, the Foreign Ministry strongly advises against travel to Israel, Lebanon and Iran.

The Foreign Ministry also strongly advises against travel to Belarus due to the high security risks and unpredictable situation there.

Before traveling anywhere, the Foreign Ministry advises residents to read the latest travel warnings on the ministry's website or mobile app "Travel Safely", follow the Consular Department's Facebook page, and register with the Consular Register.

The ministry also reminds residents to check validity of their travel document and take out an appropriate insurance policy. If the trip has been purchased from a tour operator, the ministry recommends checking the company's license and carefully reading terms of the contract.

If minors are allowed to travel alone or accompanied by other relatives or friends, the Foreign Ministry reminds residents to consult the "Children's Travel" section of the ministry's website and to remember to take out a power of attorney for the child.

In addition, the Foreign Ministry points out that Latvian Consular Service can be contacted 24 hours a day by calling +371 26 33 77 11 or by writing to "[email protected]".