HomeCountries & Areas…Latvia hide Latvia Subscribe View Fact Sheet Embassies & Consulates Bureau of European and Eurasian Affairs International Travel Information What you need to know before you go: visas, Embassy & Consulate locations, vaccinations, etc. International Travel Information: Learn More Current Travel Advisories Level 1: Exercise Normal Precautions Learn More U.S. Relationship These are excerpts from the U.S. Relations With Latvia U.S.-Latvia Relations U.S. Security Assistance to Latvia Bilateral Economic Relations U.S.-Latvia Relations The U.S. and Latvia share a history as strategic allies and valued partners. The United States established diplomatic relations with Latvia in 1922 following its independence in the years after World War I. Latvia was annexed by the Soviet Union in 1940 during World War II. In 1991, Latvia claimed de facto independence, and international recognition followed. The United States The U.S. and Latvia share a history as strategic allies and valued partners. The United States established diplomatic relations with Latvia in 1922 following its independence in the years after World War I. Latvia was annexed by the Soviet Union in 1940 during World War II. In 1991, Latvia claimed de facto independence, and international recognition followed. The United States had never recognized the forcible incorporation of Latvia into the Soviet Union, and it views the present Government of Latvia as the legal continuation of the interwar republic. Collapse U.S.-Latvia Relations Read more about U.S.-Latvia Relations U.S. Security Assistance to Latvia The U.S. Department of State also provides security assistance to Latvia, including Foreign Military Financing (FMF) and International Military Education and Training (IMET) funding. The Department of State provided approximately $19 million in Fiscal Year 2020 in security assistance to Latvia. Bilateral Economic Relations U.S.-Latvian economic relations are dynamic, with room for growth. Service industries such as telecommunications, transport and logistics, and information technology are potential areas for U.S.-Latvian investment and trade. Latvia and the United States have signed treaties on investment, trade, intellectual property protection, and avoidance of double taxation. Latvia participates in the visa waiver program, which allows nationals of participating countries U.S.-Latvian economic relations are dynamic, with room for growth. Service industries such as telecommunications, transport and logistics, and information technology are potential areas for U.S.-Latvian investment and trade. Latvia and the United States have signed treaties on investment, trade, intellectual property protection, and avoidance of double taxation. Latvia participates in the visa waiver program, which allows nationals of participating countries to travel to the United States for certain business or tourism purposes for stays of 90 days or less without obtaining a visa. Collapse Bilateral Economic Relations Read more about Bilateral Economic Relations Integrated Country Strategies The Integrated Country Strategy is the four-year strategy articulating U.S. priorities in a given country. The Chief of Mission leads the strategy. View Integrated Country Strategies Investment Climate Statements The Investment Climate Statements analyze a variety of economies that are or could be markets for U.S. businesses and provide information on the business climates. View Investment Climate Statements Fiscal Transparency Report The Fiscal Transparency Report analyzes government transparency and identifies needed changes to improve public spending accountability. View Fiscal Transparency Report Discover More 2022 Country Reports on Human Rights Practices 2022 Report on International Religious Freedom 2023 Trafficking in Persons Report View all Department Reports and Publications Highlights March 15, 2024 The United States of America and the Republic of Latvia sign Memorandum of Understanding to Expand Collaboration on Countering Foreign State Information Manipulation March 14, 2024 Deputy Secretary Campbell’s Meeting with Latvian Prime Minister Silina February 29, 2024 Riga, Latvia: The International School of Latvia: 2024 Special Needs Profile November 18, 2023 Latvia National Day October 16, 2023 Riga, Latvia: The International School of Latvia: 2023-2024 Fact Sheet VIEW ALL NEWS Tags Bureau of European and Eurasian Affairs Latvia