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Latvia Travel Requirements

Last verified: 1 min read

Your complete guide to visiting Latvia in 2026

Quick Facts

Latvia is a member of the Schengen Area. Whether you need ETIAS, a Schengen Visa, or nothing at all depends on your nationality.

Capital Riga
Currency EUR
Schengen Yes
Languages Latvian

About Latvia

Latvia's capital, Riga, is renowned for having one of the finest collections of Art Nouveau architecture in the world, with over 800 buildings in the style concentrated in the city center. The medieval Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, features cobblestone streets, Gothic churches, and a lively cafe culture that blends Baltic and Scandinavian influences.

Beyond Riga, the seaside resort town of Jurmala offers wide sandy beaches along the Baltic coast, while the Gauja National Park provides scenic hiking and medieval castle ruins. Latvia is one of Europe's more affordable destinations, with a growing food scene that highlights locally foraged ingredients and modern Nordic-Baltic cuisine.

Capital Riga
Currency EUR
Population 1.9 million
Languages Latvian

Frequently Asked Questions about Latvia

Do I need a visa or ETIAS to visit Latvia?
It depends on your nationality. EU/EEA citizens travel freely. Citizens from 59 visa-exempt countries (US, UK, Canada, and others) will need ETIAS from Q4 2026 (€20). All other nationalities need a Schengen Visa (€80). Use the checker above to find your requirements.
Is Latvia part of the Schengen Area?
Yes, Latvia is a member of the Schengen Area. A single visa or ETIAS covers all 30 Schengen countries.
How long can I stay in Latvia?
It depends on your status. EU citizens can stay indefinitely. Non-EU visitors can stay up to 90 days within any 180-day period across all Schengen countries combined — including time spent in Latvia.
What is the currency in Latvia?
The official currency of Latvia is EUR.

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