Travel tips
What to consider when choosing travel insurance?
- Insure yourself for the full travel period, from departure from Latvia until your return. You cannot buy a policy that only covers specific days, such as those spent at a resort or ski destination.
- Purchase travel insurance early to ensure trip cancellation coverage is effective in case you need to cancel the trip.
- Choose a policy that suits your travel plans – pay attention to the coverage area and any planned recreational, sports, or transit activities. If you plan to engage in winter sports, select a “Winter Trip” insurance program, which includes additional coverage specific to these activities.
- If plans change during your trip and you decide to participate in extreme activities, purchase additional coverage for those days to include the desired activity.
- If planning a cruise, consider adding “Missed Connection” coverage.
What should you do to ensure a worry-free trip?
- Check the validity of your required travel documents, which often need to be valid for at least six months. Within the European Union (EU), Latvian citizens can travel with either a passport or an ID card, but a passport is mandatory for travel outside the EU. Non-citizens can only travel with a passport. For more detailed information, consult relevant sources. If a visa is required for entry, ensure it is arranged in advance.
- Download the “Ceļo droši” mobile app, which provides travel information and emergency contact numbers.
- When planning your trip, familiarize yourself with the local customs, laws, and regulations, and take into account the climate conditions expected during your travel.
- Check what items are allowed and prohibited for import and export in the country you're visiting. For instance, electronic cigarettes are banned in some Asian countries.
- For flights with layovers, plan at least a 2-hour connection (optimally 3–4 hours) to comfortably make your next flight without unnecessary stress.
- If planning to travel by car, ensure it is in good technical condition and has appropriate insurance that covers roadside assistance expenses.
- If you’re renting a car, consider adding “Rental Car” coverage to your travel insurance policy to cover deductible and damage costs not included in standard rental insurance. • In the event your baggage is lost or damaged during the trip, make sure to report it to the airport’s “Lost & Found Office” and obtain a document confirming the loss or damage.
- Know your rights and request compensation from the carrier for any trip disruptions.