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On 1 May 2003, the Immigration Law and associated normative acts regulating the procedure for the entry and stay by foreign nationals in the Republic of Latvia will enter into force. This legislation is in accordance with provisions of the acquis communautaire of the European Union. From 1 May 2003, in accordance with Point 3 of Paragraph 1 and Paragraph 6 of Article 4 of the Immigration Law, upon presenting an application for a visa at any diplomatic or consular representation of the Republic of Latvia abroad, or, where a visa-free regime is applicable, when entering the Republic of Latvia at an official border-crossing point, a foreign national will additionally have to present a valid travel health insurance policy guaranteeing the coverage of costs associated with health care incurred within the Republic of Latvia, including those associated with repatriation of the foreign national to his or her country of permanent residence in the event of grave illness or death. According to information received from the Ministry of Health, Latvia has concluded reciprocal health care agreements with Sweden, Finland, Estonia and Ukraine. Therefore the requirements stipulated under Point 3 of Paragraph 1 and Paragraph 6 of Article 4 of the Immigration Law are not applicable to foreigners from these countries. The Agreement between the Government of the Republic of Latvia and the Government of the Republic of Lithuania on Cooperation in the Field of Social Security, signed on 17 December 1993, does not envisage establishment of a procedure for provision of health care services and reciprocal payments. To date, appropriate amendments to the Agreement have not been made. Therefore citizens of Lithuania seeking entry and residence in the Republic of Latvia will be required to have in their possession a valid travel health insurance policy. Policies issued by Lithuanian insurers will also be accepted. The accredited representations of foreign countries, including the Embassy of Lithuania in Riga, were informed of the changes to procedures relating to the entry and residence of foreign nationals in the Republic of Latvia by circular note, issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on 31 March 2003.
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