In connection with the spread of the new coronavirus disease "Covid-19", the Latvian Consumer Rights Protection Center ( CRPC ) has issued recommendations to travelers . The portal "Delfi" offers to get acquainted with them.
If a traveler has purchased a package tour with a tour operator or travel agent (eg flight + hotel)
If the tour operator cancels the planned trip, the traveler is entitled to a refund of any advance payment for the trip.
If the traveler refuses to travel and terminates the package travel contract himself before the start of the journey on the grounds that the traveler has concerns about the destination, the service provider shall not be obliged to reimburse the consumer for the advance paid for the journey.
Only in the case of unavoidable and exceptional circumstances at or near the travel destination which significantly affect the provision of the package or significantly affect the carriage of passengers to the destination (declared emergency, including quarantine), the traveler has the right to refuse to go on a trip. In such a situation, the traveler is entitled to a non-payment of the termination fee and a refund of any advance payment made by the travel service provider for the trip but is not entitled to any additional compensation.
As each case is individually assessed, the traveler should first contact the tourism provider in question.
If, due to unavoidable and extraordinary circumstances during the trip, it is not possible to ensure the return of the traveler as provided for in the package travel contract, the tour operator shall provide accommodation for up to three nights per traveler and cover the cost of the necessary accommodation. Accommodation costs for the remaining nights are borne by the traveler if necessary.
If a traveler has purchased a separate service at a travel service provider or individually, for example, only a flight ticket or just booked accommodation
If a direct service provider (such as an airline or hotel) cancels a scheduled trip or booking an accommodation, the traveler is entitled to a refund of the money paid for the service.
If the traveler refuses to receive a separate tourist service himself / herself, the traveler will have to bear the loss (that the money paid for the failed service will not be refunded), unless the terms of service specify otherwise (for example, airline tickets can be changed). If necessary, the traveler may contact the relevant tourism provider.
The CRPC invites travelers and tourism providers to assess each case on a case-by-case basis and to keep up to date with the information published on the websites of the competent authorities.
The CRPC draws attention to the fact that the travel warnings published on the website of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs are of a recommendatory nature. Emergency situations, including quarantine, can only be confirmed by decisions of the local authorities at the destination concerned.
In addition, the CRPC states that flight information can also be found on the website of the airline concerned. Additional information is also available on the relevant foreign state and local government websites.
If the traveler has purchased travel insurance
Taking into account the recommendations of the Latvian Association of Insurers, we invite travelers to consult with each particular insurance company about the risks it covers, including: in connection with the new coronavirus, and whether travel cancellations, interruptions, and other changes are covered.
The CRPC invites travelers and tourism providers to assess each case on a case-by-case basis and to keep up to date with the information published on the websites of the competent authorities.
The CRPC draws attention to the fact that the travel warnings published on the website of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs are of a recommendatory nature. Emergency situations, including quarantine, can only be confirmed by decisions of the local authorities at the destination concerned.
In addition, the CRPC states that flight information can also be found on the website of the airline concerned. Additional information is also available on the relevant foreign state and local government websites.
