Prostitution in Latvia

Prostitution is legal and regulated in Latvia. According to Latvian State police report on human trafficking and soutenerism level in 2011 there were 200-300 regular prostitutes in Latvia. Prostitutes must have reached age of majority and receive a health card from Venereologist and undergo health check every month, they must be able to produce the health card on clients request. A prostitute may not provide services while having herpes infection, Dermatophytosis, pubic lice, gonococcal infection, chlamydia, scabies, leprosy or syphilis. A person who has HIV infection is banned from providing sexual services. Although prostitution is regulated in Latvia, brothels and other forms of procuring are illegal. It is illegal to lend a flat to run brothel. Persons are prohibited to join in groups in order to offer and provide sexual services for fee or to receive orders for sexual services. The managers of entertainment and recreational establishments must ensure that sexual services for fee are not offered, provided and received in their establishments. According to the law "Any activity of the third person which promotes prostitution is prohibited" and "Persons are prohibited to join in groups in order to offer and provide sexual services..." The prostitutes may only operate in a residence rented or owned by them. However they may not provide services, if neighbours object. Furthermore the residence may not be closer than hundred meters to a school or a church. Any violation of restrictions on prostitution is punished by a fine in an amount up to 500 latvian lats for a person and up to 1000 lats for a company.