Latvia

If you need to go back to Ukraine for reasons for a short time for instance for family visits, to collect papers or to rescue family members, you don’t lose your temporary protection status. Any short visit to Ukraine should not be considered by EU countries as a decision to return voluntarily before the temporary protection ends. This means that a short trip back to Ukraine shouldn’t lead to the revocation of the residence permit and loss of other rights attached to temporary protection status.

You can receive social benefits in accordance with the Latvian Law on Assistance to Ukrainian Civilians as long as you are receiving temporary protection in Latvia. You may not be able to receive social benefits if you are outside the country until you return back to Latvia.

It is not required to report your return to Ukraine, if you plan to return to Latvia. If you do not plan to return to Latvia, then you may submit an application for termination of temporary protection in Latvia. Even though you may reapply for temporary protection after its termination under mentioned circumstances, it is advised to apply for termination of temporary protection only if you are confident about your permanent return to Ukraine.

In Latvia you can terminate your status in any branch of The Office of Citizenship and Migration affairs, as well as in Unified State and Municipal Customer Service Centres. If you are provided with a digital signature in Latvia, you can sign and fill the form online. For more information, please check The Office of Citizenship and Migration affairs.

In Latvia you can terminate your status in any branch of The Office of Citizenship and Migration affairs, as well as in Unified State and Municipal Customer Service Centres. If you are provided with a digital signature in Latvia, you can sign and fill the form online. For more information, please check The Office of Citizenship and Migration affairs.

Documents that can be used to enter Ukraine:

• Biometric passport (passport for traveling abroad)
• Diplomatic or service passport
• Valid child’s travel document
• Crew member ID card/seaman ID card
• Certificate for return to Ukraine

If your biometric passport has expired, you can extend it at the Ukrainian embassy in Latvia.

Please note that Ukrainian men aged 18-60 years of age may not be able to obtain a passport or certain consular services abroad without an updated military booklet. For information on the latest procedures for men to renew or obtain their identity documentation while abroad, please check the clarification from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine.

If you left Ukraine with an internal passport (book-shaped) or ID card, you can still return to Ukraine. To do so, obtain a certificate for return to Ukraine from the Ukrainian embassy in Latvia (the certificate is issued on the same day).

In principle, citizens of Ukraine cannot be denied entry to Ukraine.

Be cautious of people who offer you help but cannot provide you with official documentation to identify themselves and their organization. Keep your personal information and documents safe and confidential. If you feel that you are in danger, call emergency number 112.

To report a suspected case of human trafficking you also reach out to 24/7 Hotline (+371) 28612120.

You should inform the school principal that you are withdrawing the enrollment of your child and inform where the child will be enrolled. Ask for an official document acknowledging your child’s educational achievement that will facilitate recognition of the qualifications in Ukraine. More information on what information the document should include can be found on the Ukrainian Ministry of Education and Science’s webpage.

Usually, children are left in the care of grandparents, sisters or brothers, in other words, close relatives. However, if such decision is not legally authorized, it affects both the children and the relatives who take care of the children. Without a legal representative, children will not be able to access medical, education, social and other services. Therefore, it is important to establish the guardianship of the child before leaving for a longer period to live and work in another country. For additional information please refer to Ukraine to Latvia quide, or consult with the Orphan’s and Custody Court of the municipality where the parents or appointed guardians reside.

Citizens of Ukraine cannot be denied entry to Ukraine under no circumstances. Children are subject to the same entry and exit control as adults. Please refer to State Border Guard Service of Ukraine for detailed information (under section “Виїзд дітей”). Those crossing the border should have a passport or other document confirming their identity or at least a birth certificate. Children can cross the border with a birth certificate issued abroad.

In case there are no documents, in all countries apart from those where consular relations are ceased (i.e. Russian Federation), children would need to be assisted in obtaining a return certificate based on any documents that can confirm connection to Ukraine (and possessing its citizenship). Consulates may issue a return certificate based on copies of documents.

If a child is entering alone or with a non-parent adult, State Border Guard Service of Ukraine shall contact local child protection services, unless they have information about parents awaiting the child. It is advised to inform the Border Guard post that the parent is expecting the child on the Ukrainian side of the border in advance.

Please note that a child should also meet the exit requirements of the host country – please contact your local Ukrainian consulate to ask for information and get the required documents for return. In some cases, a birth certificate cannot be used as a travel document.

You can receive copies of your medical records from your health clinic in Latvia. The copies of medical records are issued according to the procedures detailed in the rulebook of your health clinic. The service might involve a fee.

You will need to obtain a disability certificate issued in Ukraine. It can be done on arrival or remotely – please check the instructions on the governmental portal. 

Please note that even if your disability certificate obtained in Ukraine has expired, the document is automatically extended and is considered valid until 6 months after the end of martial law in Ukraine.

If you were an employee in Latvia, you do not need to declare your income and submit a declaration. If you were self-employed, please check the guidance and tax requirements from State Revenue Service. At the Unified Customer Service Centre for the provision of state and municipal services, Ukrainian citizens can receive a video consultation from an employee of the State Revenue Service on tax issues.

If you decide to relocate back to Ukraine and will no longer utilize your bank account in Latvia, it is advisable to inform the bank accordingly. If there is no activity on the account for a period of time, the bank may choose to close it.

Please note that each bank prepares its own general terms and conditions of the contract, with which the client must be introduced before signing the contract. It is in accordance with the provisions of this contract that legal relations between the payment service provider and the client are concluded, executed and terminated. In general, you should have access to your account as long as your residence permit is valid.

During the martial law in Ukraine the procedure of entry with pets is simplified.  The pet must have:

• An identification document issued by the EU member state – pet passport or international veterinary certificate.
• Microchip
• Vaccination against rabies.

For more information, please visit State Service of Ukraine on Food Safety and Consumer Protection. Please also contact your local veterinarian to learn about the requirements for pet transportation within EU.