Latvia (Republic of)

Latvia (Republic of)

History of Relations

South Africa was one of the first countries to recognise the independence of Latvia on 28 August 1991. Full diplomatic relations were established later that year. Bilateral relations between South Africa and Latvia have developed gradually. There are no contentious and outstanding issues between South Africa and Latvia and the two countries have offered one another mutual support in international organisations. The SA Ambassador in Sweden is accredited to Latvia in a non-residential capacity. Latvia currently has no residential diplomatic representation in South Africa.

Diplomatic Representation

South African Representation in Latvia

H E Ms B S Mabandla
Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary (non-residential)

Representation accredited from South African Embassy in Stockholm, Sweden

South African Embassy

Latvian Representation in South Africa

No Representation

Travel Info

Visa requirements for South Africans

All South African passport holders require visas for Latvia. On 21 December 2007, Latvia acceded to the Schengen Agreement. With this accession, Latvian diplomatic and consular representations abroad have started to issue Schengen visas that are valid in the territory of all Schengen countries. The Latvian Ministry of Foreign Affairs has concluded an agreement with Hungary for South African passport holders to apply for visas for Latvia through the Hungarian Embassy in Pretoria.

Health requirements

South Africans do not require vaccinations when visiting Latvia. However, vaccinations against Polio, Hepatitis A and Tetanus are advisable as a precautionary measure.

For further information go to Travelers' Health.

Climate

Wet, moderate winters and cool summers.

For up-to-date weather information click here.

Currency

The Monetary Unit is the Latvian Lat (LVL), 1 lat = 100 santimi. The Lat remains strong and stable and has been pegged to the Euro since 2005.

For current exchange rates click here.

State and Official Visits / Bilateral Meetings

No Information

Bilateral Agreements

If you have any queries with regard to treaties please contact the Treaty Section of the Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO) at 012 351 1000.

Trade Info

South Africa's exports to Latvia are mainly wine, woven fabrics, refrigerators and freezers, ethyl alcohol and machine tools while Latvian exports to SA include machinery and electrical appliances, parts and accessories, rubber products, drums and telephone sets.

For current information on trade statistics between South Africa and Latvia, visit the website of the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition of South Africa.

Interest Groups and Information

Latvian Chamber of Commerce and Industry

Ms Andris Gutmanis : Director-General

Kr. Valdemāra Street 35

Riga, LV-1010

Latvia

Tel: +371 7 225 595

Fax: +371 7 820 092

Email: info@chamber.lv

Website: www.chamber.lv