Skip to main content
Independent travel resource

Visiting Latvia

Last verified: 2 min read

Everything you need to know before you go for Latvia

Quick Facts

Latvia is a Schengen Area member. What you need to enter depends on your citizenship: ETIAS, a visa, or neither.

Capital Riga
Currency EUR
Schengen Yes
Languages Latvian

Exploring 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

How to Enter Latvia

  • EU/EEA citizens No visa or travel authorization needed — just bring your passport or national ID.
  • Visa-exempt nationals (US, UK, Canada, and others) Stay up to 90 days visa-free. From Q4 2026, you will need ETIAS ({etiasFee
  • Visa-required nationals You need a Schengen Visa ({visaFee
Recommended

Stay Connected in Latvia

Skip the roaming charges and avoid searching for a local SIM card. Set up a Saily eSIM before your flight — activate in seconds from your phone. Plans start at $1.99.

  • Works across all Schengen countries
  • No physical SIM card needed
  • Activate instantly from your phone
Get My Travel eSIM Affiliate link — we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you

Popular Cities in Latvia

Common Questions about Visiting Latvia

Do I need ETIAS to visit Latvia?
If you're from an ETIAS-eligible country (like the US, UK, Canada, Australia, etc.), you will need ETIAS to visit Latvia starting Q4 2026. ETIAS costs €20 and is valid for 3 years.
Is Latvia part of the Schengen Area?
Yes. Latvia has been a Schengen Area member since 2007.
How long can I stay in Latvia without a visa?
Visitors from visa-exempt countries can stay up to 90 days within any 180-day period in Latvia and the entire Schengen Area combined.
Do I need a visa for Latvia?
It depends on your nationality. Citizens from 59 countries (including US, UK, Canada, Australia, Japan) don't need a visa for short stays. Others need a Schengen visa.
What currency does Latvia use?
Latvia uses the Euro (EUR). Latvia adopted the Euro in 2014.

Prepare for Your Trip to Latvia

Valid passport (check requirements for your nationality)
Visa or ETIAS (depends on your nationality)
Travel insurance Get covered
eSIM for mobile data in Europe Get Saily
VPN for public WiFi security Get NordVPN

Some links are affiliate links — we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you

Last updated: