In connection with the escalation of the situation in the Middle East and the partial closure of airspace in the region, which is hindering travellers’ return to Latvia, the obligations of package travel service providers and the rights of travellers are as follows:
1. Accommodation for up to Three Nights
The tour operator is obliged to provide travellers with the necessary accommodation for a period not exceeding three nights per traveller if, due to unavoidable and extraordinary circumstances, it is not possible to ensure return at the planned time (in accordance with Paragraph 114 of Cabinet Regulation No. 380).
2. Actions After the Three‑Night Period
If the tour operator has already provided accommodation for three nights and the traveller incurs additional accommodation or other expenses, the following is recommended:
- immediately contact the insurance company, including regarding the extension of the insurance policy;
- expenses may be reimbursed for travellers whose insurance policies include coverage for travel changes, as well as medical and other accommodation‑related costs, in accordance with the terms of the insurance contract, risk coverage and compensation limits.
3. Ensuring Repatriation
Ensuring repatriation is primarily the responsibility of the tour operator.
If a traveller decides to purchase airline tickets independently (in cases where the tour operator is unable to provide them in the near future):
- the traveller retains the right to receive reimbursement from the tour operator for the cost of the relevant tickets;
- the reimbursable amount is calculated based on actual expenses and applicable legal provisions.
4. Communication with Tour Operators and Travel Agencies
Travellers are advised to:
- maintain direct communication with the tour operator, the tour operator’s local representative at the destination, or the travel agency from which the package travel service was purchased;
- regularly follow updates through the tour operator’s official communication channels, including its website, mobile application and social media accounts.
If the tour operator fails to communicate and does not provide information about the current situation, or delays travellers’ return home, travellers are urged to immediately contact the Consumer Rights Protection Centre (CRPC). CRPC is authorised to decide on the suspension of the tour operator’s special permit (licence) for a period of up to six months, as well as to impose sanctions provided for in the Unfair Commercial Practices Prohibition Law for commercial practices that do not comply with the requirements of professional diligence.
CRPC has currently initiated an assessment of the practices of SIA “Join Up Baltic”.