Press Releases
U.S. Secretary of Homeland Security Michael Chertoff visits Latvia
U.S. Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security Michael Chertoff visited Riga on Wednesday October 29. He met with President of the Republic of Latvia Mr. Valdis Zatlers, Prime Minster of the Repulbic of Latvia Mr. Ivars Godmanis, Minister of Foriegn Affairs Mr. Maris Riekstins and Minister of the Interior Mr. Mareks Seglins, to provide further information about Latvia’s admission to the Visa Waiver program. The visit is a follow up to President Bush’s announcement on October 17th of the addition of seven countries (including Latvia) to the Visa Waiver Program. U.S. Ambassador Charles Larson will accompany Secretary Chertoff during his visit.
Secretary of Homeland Security, Michael Chertoff, announced Wednesday that Latvian citizens will be eligible to travel to the United States without visas beginning November 17, 2008.
Chertoff also emphasized that eligible Citizens of Latvia will need an approval from the US Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) and a passport containing biometric data. The ESTA system can be accessed at https://esta.cbp.dhs.gov/
More information:
Visa Waiver Program
ESTA Fact Sheet
ESTA Vegas Ad
ESTA Web Site 13 Translations
VWP Expansion Frequently Asked Questions
U.S. Embassy, Riga, Public Affairs Section
Smilšu iela 7
Rīga, LV 1050
Phone: 371 6750-9037, 6750-9022
Internet: www.usembassy.lv
Media specialist’s e-mail: kreilek@state.gov; dilanes@state.gov