Latvia
Art nouveau streets, pine forest coastline and a river valley full of castles.
Photo: Pudelek (Marcin Szala) (CC BY-SA 3.0)
Good to know
You can travel without a visa to the Schengen area, which includes Latvia, for up to 90 days in any 180-day period…
Latvia follows Schengen area rules. Your passport must: have a ‘date of issue’ less than 10 years before the date you arrive – if you renewed your passport before 1 October 2018, it might have a date of issue that is more than 10 years ago…
The European Union’s (EU) new Entry/Exit System (EES) is now being implemented across the Schengen area…
There are strict rules about goods you can take into or out of Latvia. You must declare anything that may be prohibited or subject to tax or duty…
Exercise normal security precautions. Latest change: Entry and exit requirements section – updated information on the European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS).
Exercise normal security precautions. Latest change: Editorial change.
Riga has the largest collection of art nouveau architecture in Europe, concentrated on Alberta and Elizabetes streets.
Tap water is safe across Latvia. It can taste mineral heavy in some coastal towns.
Regional trains are cheap and reliable. Riga to Jurmala takes 30 minutes and Riga to Sigulda about an hour.
Round up or leave about 10 percent in restaurants. It is appreciated rather than expected.
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Frequently asked questions
For details about medical entry requirements and recommended vaccinations, see TravelHealthPro’s Latvia guide. Source: UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office.
There are strict rules about goods you can take into or out of Latvia. You must declare anything that may be prohibited or subject to tax or duty. Source: UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office.
U.S. Department of State currently advises normal precautions (level 1 of 4). Advice differs slightly between governments, so check your own country's advisory before you travel.
Latvia is in the Schengen area. Most UK, US, Canadian, Australian and EU visitors can stay 90 days in any 180 without a visa.
Yes by western European standards. Budget 85 to 125 EUR per person per day mid-range, less outside Riga.
Riga's art nouveau quarter, the Gauja river valley, a long Baltic beach coastline and a strong choral tradition.
June to August for beaches and festivals, September for the Gauja valley in autumn colour, December for markets.
Widely in Riga and tourist areas. Latvian and Russian dominate elsewhere, but younger people usually speak English.
Travel information last reviewed 18 August 2026. Compiled from European Commission Newsroom, IATA Timatic, Open-Meteo and Tourpublish Travel Intelligence. Always confirm entry rules and safety guidance with official government sources before you travel.
Aggregated from official sources. Content is never rewritten — always display the publisher, publication time and original source link.
Photography: Pudelek (Marcin Szala) (CC BY-SA 3.0); Jorge Franganillo from Barcelona, Spain (CC BY 2.0); David Holt uploaded and derivative work: MrPanyGoff (CC BY-SA 2.0); Diliff (CC BY-SA 3.0); Lazdynas at Lithuanian Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 3.0).