Letland: wat je moet weten voor vertrek
Het belangrijkste
- 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.
Inreis en 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 aankomstformulieren en vergunningen
- Electronic Travel Declaration ↗ verplicht
At least 48 hours before entering Latvia · Non-exempt third-country nationals without a Latvian visa or residence permit; consult the official exemption list.
Geldigheid paspoort: Non-EU short-stay visitors: issued within the previous 10 years and valid at least 3 months after planned Schengen departure.
Aan de grens kan worden gevraagd naar
- Carry evidence of accommodation, onward travel and funds; allow time for external border checks.
Gecontroleerd op 30 oktober 2026 · Bronnen: 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
Contant en pinnen zijn allebei gangbaar. Kaarten worden bijna overal geaccepteerd.
Betaalnetwerken: Visa, Mastercard
Apple Pay — werkt op sommige plekken · Google Pay — geen gegevens
- 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.
Gecontroleerd op 30 oktober 2026 · Bronnen: latvia.travel ↗, support.apple.com ↗
Regels en verboden
Wetten die reizigers onbewust overtreden
- Check the national declaration obligation even when travelling on a visa or permit issued by another Schengen country.
Gecontroleerd op 30 oktober 2026 · Bronnen: mfa.gov.lv ↗
Cultuur en kleding
Religie: Lutheran and Roman Catholic church heritage is prominent in Riga’s Old Town.
Kleding: Pack warm clothes, gloves and moisture-resistant footwear for winter.
Etiquette
- Respect services when visiting active churches.
Gecontroleerd op 30 oktober 2026 · Bronnen: latvia.travel ↗, latvia.travel ↗
Klimaat
Four distinct seasons. Winter may be snowy or grey and muddy; summers can be warm. Rain and rapid changes mean waterproof layers are useful.
Per maand
- januari: Jan: cold; snow, ice or slush possible
- februari: Feb: cold; snow, ice or slush possible
- maart: Mar: changeable; take layers
- april: Apr: changeable; take layers
- mei: May: changeable; take layers
- juni: Jun: warm; take rain protection
- juli: Jul: warm; take rain protection
- augustus: Aug: warm; take rain protection
- september: Sep: cooling; take rain protection
- oktober: Oct: cooling; take rain protection
- november: Nov: cooling; take rain protection
- december: Dec: cold; snow, ice or slush possible
Beste seizoen: Summer for warmer outdoor visits; winter needs warm clothing and weatherproof footwear.
Gecontroleerd op 30 oktober 2026 · Bronnen: latvia.travel ↗
Wat mee te nemen
- Declaration confirmation when required
- Warm winter layers and boots
- Euros for rural visits
Niet meenemen / invoer verboden
- Treating the declaration as immigration permission
Praktisch
Stopcontacten: Type F (official tourism factsheet).
Water: Tap water is generally safe to drink.
Verkeer: rechts rijden
Noodnummers: 112
Gecontroleerd op 30 oktober 2026 · Bronnen: latvia.travel ↗, travel.state.gov ↗
Inreisregels veranderen. Controleer vóór de reis de website van de ambassade of immigratiedienst van het land.