Lettonie : à savoir avant de partir
L’essentiel
- 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.
Entrée et 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.
Formulaires et autorisations en ligne
- Electronic Travel Declaration ↗ obligatoire
At least 48 hours before entering Latvia · Non-exempt third-country nationals without a Latvian visa or residence permit; consult the official exemption list.
Validité du passeport: Non-EU short-stay visitors: issued within the previous 10 years and valid at least 3 months after planned Schengen departure.
À la frontière, on peut vous demander
- Carry evidence of accommodation, onward travel and funds; allow time for external border checks.
Vérifié le 30 octobre 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 ↗
Argent
Espèces et cartes sont courantes. Cartes acceptées presque partout.
Réseaux de paiement : Visa, Mastercard
Apple Pay — fonctionne par endroits · Google Pay — pas de données
- 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.
Vérifié le 30 octobre 2026 · Sources: latvia.travel ↗, support.apple.com ↗
Règles et interdictions
Lois que les visiteurs enfreignent sans le savoir
- Check the national declaration obligation even when travelling on a visa or permit issued by another Schengen country.
Vérifié le 30 octobre 2026 · Sources: mfa.gov.lv ↗
Culture et tenue
Religion: Lutheran and Roman Catholic church heritage is prominent in Riga’s Old Town.
Tenue: Pack warm clothes, gloves and moisture-resistant footwear for winter.
Savoir-vivre
- Respect services when visiting active churches.
Vérifié le 30 octobre 2026 · Sources: latvia.travel ↗, latvia.travel ↗
Climat
Four distinct seasons. Winter may be snowy or grey and muddy; summers can be warm. Rain and rapid changes mean waterproof layers are useful.
Mois par mois
- janvier: Jan: cold; snow, ice or slush possible
- février: Feb: cold; snow, ice or slush possible
- mars: Mar: changeable; take layers
- avril: Apr: changeable; take layers
- mai: May: changeable; take layers
- juin: Jun: warm; take rain protection
- juillet: Jul: warm; take rain protection
- août: Aug: warm; take rain protection
- septembre: Sep: cooling; take rain protection
- octobre: Oct: cooling; take rain protection
- novembre: Nov: cooling; take rain protection
- décembre: Dec: cold; snow, ice or slush possible
Meilleure saison : Summer for warmer outdoor visits; winter needs warm clothing and weatherproof footwear.
Vérifié le 30 octobre 2026 · Sources: latvia.travel ↗
À emporter
- Declaration confirmation when required
- Warm winter layers and boots
- Euros for rural visits
À ne pas emporter / interdit à l’importation
- Treating the declaration as immigration permission
Pratique
Prises: Type F (official tourism factsheet).
Eau: Tap water is generally safe to drink.
Circulation: à droite
Urgences: 112
Vérifié le 30 octobre 2026 · Sources: latvia.travel ↗, travel.state.gov ↗
Les règles d’entrée changent. Avant le voyage, consultez le site de l’ambassade ou du service d’immigration du pays.