Business&Baltiya, 2 February 2007 Beginning from March this year, tourists settling in Latvian hotels will have to fill in special declarations in order for authorities to analyze foreigner-related risks. Last year Latvia passed amendments to the Law on Tourism, according to which businesspersons are required to ensure autographic filling-in of the declarations by foreigners in tourist accommodation places. Foreign nationals, be they natives of the EU or other countries, must produce a document certifying their identity. Authenticity of what is written in the declaration will have to be certified with a signature. Hotels will have to send the information declared by foreigners to the State Police within 24 hours in written or electronic form. According to the Schengen Convention, exempts are provided to children, spouses, and tourist group members. This practice has already been in operation in the Schengen countries and, for example, in Estonia. The draft is agreed upon with other institutions and will soon arrive, in the form of the Cabinet of Ministers’ rules, to the government for consideration.
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