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Before you go to Latvia: what to know

Must know

  • 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.

Entry and visas

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 arrival forms and permits

  • Electronic Travel Declaration ↗ required
    At least 48 hours before entering Latvia · Non-exempt third-country nationals without a Latvian visa or residence permit; consult the official exemption list.

Passport validity: Non-EU short-stay visitors: issued within the previous 10 years and valid at least 3 months after planned Schengen departure.

At the border you may be asked for

  • Carry evidence of accommodation, onward travel and funds; allow time for external border checks.

Checked October 30, 2026 · Sources: 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 ↗

Money

Cash and cards are both common. Cards are widely accepted.

Payment networks: Visa, Mastercard

Apple Pay — works in some places · Google Pay — no data

  • 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.

Checked October 30, 2026 · Sources: latvia.travel ↗, support.apple.com ↗

Rules and bans

Laws visitors break unknowingly

  • Check the national declaration obligation even when travelling on a visa or permit issued by another Schengen country.

Checked October 30, 2026 · Sources: mfa.gov.lv ↗

Culture and clothing

Religion: Lutheran and Roman Catholic church heritage is prominent in Riga’s Old Town.

Clothing: Pack warm clothes, gloves and moisture-resistant footwear for winter.

Etiquette

  • Respect services when visiting active churches.

Checked October 30, 2026 · Sources: latvia.travel ↗, latvia.travel ↗

Climate

Four distinct seasons. Winter may be snowy or grey and muddy; summers can be warm. Rain and rapid changes mean waterproof layers are useful.

Month by month
  • January: Jan: cold; snow, ice or slush possible
  • February: Feb: cold; snow, ice or slush possible
  • March: Mar: changeable; take layers
  • April: Apr: changeable; take layers
  • May: May: changeable; take layers
  • June: Jun: warm; take rain protection
  • July: Jul: warm; take rain protection
  • August: Aug: warm; take rain protection
  • September: Sep: cooling; take rain protection
  • October: Oct: cooling; take rain protection
  • November: Nov: cooling; take rain protection
  • December: Dec: cold; snow, ice or slush possible

Best season: Summer for warmer outdoor visits; winter needs warm clothing and weatherproof footwear.

Checked October 30, 2026 · Sources: latvia.travel ↗

What to pack

  • Declaration confirmation when required
  • Warm winter layers and boots
  • Euros for rural visits

Do not bring / prohibited to import

  • Treating the declaration as immigration permission

Practical

Plugs: Type F (official tourism factsheet).

Water: Tap water is generally safe to drink.

Traffic: drives on the right

Emergency: 112

Checked October 30, 2026 · Sources: latvia.travel ↗, travel.state.gov ↗

Entry rules change. Before your trip, check the website of the embassy or immigration service of the country.