Lettland: was man vor der Reise wissen sollte
Das Wichtigste
- Check whether the national travel declaration applies; where required, submit at least 48 hours before entry.
- A declaration does not override visa requirements or Russian tourist-entry restrictions.
Einreise und Visa
Latvia follows Schengen rules, including external-border EES checks, and also has its own Electronic Travel Declaration. Non-exempt travellers without a Latvian visa or residence permit must submit it at least 48 hours before entry. It is not a visa or entry permit. Russian tourist-entry restrictions also apply; check exceptions before booking.
Online-Einreiseformulare und Genehmigungen
- Electronic Travel Declaration ↗ Pflicht
At least 48 hours before entering Latvia · Non-exempt third-country nationals without a Latvian visa or residence permit; consult the official exemption list.
Gültigkeit des Reisepasses: Non-EU short-stay visitors: issued within the previous 10 years and valid at least 3 months after planned Schengen departure.
An der Grenze kann verlangt werden
- Carry evidence of accommodation, onward travel and funds; allow time for external border checks.
Geprüft am 30. Oktober 2026 · Quellen: gov.uk ↗, gov.pl ↗, mfa.gov.lv ↗, www2.mfa.gov.lv ↗, mzv.gov.cz ↗, consilium.europa.eu ↗, home-affairs.ec.europa.eu ↗, commission.europa.eu ↗
Geld
Bargeld und Karten sind beide üblich. Karten werden fast überall akzeptiert.
Zahlungsnetze: Visa, Mastercard
Apple Pay — funktioniert teilweise · Google Pay — keine Daten
- Use bank or authorised exchange services and compare rates. Withdraw cash before going to remote areas.
- Apple lists this country for Apple Pay with participating banks/cards; actual payment also depends on the merchant and card issuer.
Geprüft am 30. Oktober 2026 · Quellen: latvia.travel ↗, support.apple.com ↗
Regeln und Verbote
Gesetze, gegen die Reisende unwissentlich verstoßen
- Check the national declaration obligation even when travelling on a visa or permit issued by another Schengen country.
Geprüft am 30. Oktober 2026 · Quellen: mfa.gov.lv ↗
Kultur und Kleidung
Religion: Lutheran and Roman Catholic church heritage is prominent in Riga’s Old Town.
Kleidung: Pack warm clothes, gloves and moisture-resistant footwear for winter.
Umgangsformen
- Respect services when visiting active churches.
Geprüft am 30. Oktober 2026 · Quellen: latvia.travel ↗, latvia.travel ↗
Klima
Four distinct seasons. Winter may be snowy or grey and muddy; summers can be warm. Rain and rapid changes mean waterproof layers are useful.
Monat für Monat
- Januar: Jan: cold; snow, ice or slush possible
- Februar: Feb: cold; snow, ice or slush possible
- März: Mar: changeable; take layers
- April: Apr: changeable; take layers
- Mai: May: changeable; take layers
- Juni: Jun: warm; take rain protection
- Juli: Jul: warm; take rain protection
- August: Aug: warm; take rain protection
- September: Sep: cooling; take rain protection
- Oktober: Oct: cooling; take rain protection
- November: Nov: cooling; take rain protection
- Dezember: Dec: cold; snow, ice or slush possible
Beste Reisezeit: Summer for warmer outdoor visits; winter needs warm clothing and weatherproof footwear.
Geprüft am 30. Oktober 2026 · Quellen: latvia.travel ↗
Was einpacken
- Declaration confirmation when required
- Warm winter layers and boots
- Euros for rural visits
Nicht mitnehmen / Einfuhr verboten
- Treating the declaration as immigration permission
Praktisches
Steckdosen: Type F (official tourism factsheet).
Wasser: Tap water is generally safe to drink.
Verkehr: Rechtsverkehr
Notruf: 112
Geprüft am 30. Oktober 2026 · Quellen: latvia.travel ↗, travel.state.gov ↗
Einreiseregeln ändern sich. Prüfen Sie vor der Reise die Website der Botschaft oder Einwanderungsbehörde des Landes.