Since the escalation of the situation in the Middle East, the Consular Register of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) of Latvia has received reports of 95 Latvian nationals in Israel and three in Iran, according to ministry representatives. Some of these individuals have managed to leave Israel, but evacuation flights to Europe have not yet taken place.
On Tuesday, 11 Latvian nationals left Tel Aviv for Jordan. Initially, they were scheduled to fly to Vilnius that evening on a Lithuanian-organized evacuation flight, but this has not yet occurred. The MFA explained to LETA that various circumstances are behind the delay, but stressed that the important point is that these individuals have successfully left Israel.
Meanwhile, another group of 20 Latvian nationals is expected to depart from Jordan today on a Slovak military flight.
The MFA states that it and the Latvian Embassy in Israel are closely monitoring the evolving situation and remain in continuous contact with EU member states, the EU delegation, and the Israeli Ministry of Foreign Affairs regarding safe evacuation routes and coordination of a joint EU evacuation operation.
Air evacuations are currently impossible due to airspace closures in Israel and surrounding countries. Regional flights have been suspended in Iraq, Iran, Lebanon, and Syria.
At present, exit routes from Israel include crossings into Egypt via the Taba border crossing, and into Jordan via the Allenby Bridge (open from 9:00 to 14:00), the Jordan River crossing (open from 9:00 to 16:00), and the Yitzhak Rabin crossing (open from 8:00 to 20:00).
The MFA emphasizes that travel within Israel is currently dangerous, as Iranian attacks can be sudden and large-scale.
It is therefore important to remain near bomb shelters and follow the instructions of the authorities. The Ministry underscores that exit opportunities are constantly changing, and advises staying in contact with the Consular Department.
Since the escalation began, the Consular Register has received reports of 82 Latvian nationals in Israel and three in Iran. Prior to the conflict, the register contained information about only four Latvian nationals in the region.
The MFA again urges all Latvian nationals in the region to register in the Consular Register. Registration can be done by emailing: [email protected].
Israel is currently under a state of emergency, and all official institutions — including the Latvian Embassy — are closed until further notice. However, Latvian diplomats remain active and continue their duties.
The Ministry calls on Latvian nationals in the region to contact their relatives, inform them of their safety, and — if needed — call the MFA’s emergency hotline at +371 26337711, or email [email protected].
According to official data, there are 6,062 Latvian nationals residing in Israel and three in Iran.