Travel To Latvia: What Americans Need To Know

Americans can travel to Latvia for up to 90 days without a visa, as it is part of the Schengen Area. However, for stays longer than 90 days, a visa and temporary residence are required. The U.S. Department of State advises U.S. citizens travelling to Latvia to exercise normal precautions, enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP), and review the Country Security Report for Latvia.

Visa requirements for US citizens

US citizens do not need a visa to enter Latvia if their stay does not exceed 90 days within a 180-day period, as long as they are not employed or involved in any paid activity. However, if a US citizen wishes to stay longer than 90 days, they must apply for a residence permit. This can be done at the Office of Citizenship and Migration Affairs (OCMA) in Latvia, or by submitting an application to the Embassy for forwarding to the OCMA (a fee applies).

If a US citizen wishes to work in Latvia, they must apply for a visa with employment rights. This can be done at the Embassy, and is based on an invitation approved by the OCMA.

For a short-stay Schengen visa, the following documents are required:

• A valid travel document (passport) issued within the previous 10 years, with at least two blank pages for visas, and valid for at least 3 months after the expiration date of the visa.
• A completed and signed online application form.
• 1 passport-size recent (not older than 6 months) colour photo with a light background.
• An insurance policy valid in Schengen countries with coverage of at least 5,000 USD for the duration of the stay.
• Proof of legal residence in the USA (original of valid US alien registration card, or valid US resident visa).
• Proof of purpose of entry (e.g. invitation approved by the OCMA, travel itinerary, hotel reservation).
• Proof of accommodation (e.g. hotel reservation).
• Proof of means of transportation (e.g. round-trip ticket).
• Sufficient means of subsistence for the duration of the stay (e.g. records of bank account transactions in the past 3 months).

For further and more up-to-date information on visa requirements, consult the Embassy of Latvia in Washington.

Travel safety and security

The US Department of State advises that travellers to Latvia should exercise normal precautions. However, it is important to be aware of the potential risks and take the necessary precautions to ensure a safe trip. Here are some key considerations for travel safety and security when visiting Latvia:

Enroll in STEP:

Enrolling in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) is highly recommended. This free service allows you to receive travel alerts and makes it easier for the US Embassy to contact and assist you in case of an emergency. Enrolling in STEP will also help you stay informed about any security updates and stay connected with the US Embassy in Latvia.

Stay Informed:

Before and during your trip, it is essential to stay informed about the latest travel health information and security updates. Review the Country Security Report for Latvia and visit the CDC page for travel health advice. Additionally, follow the Department of State on Facebook and Twitter to receive timely updates and important information.

Prepare for Emergencies:

Having a contingency plan in place is crucial. Review the Traveler's Checklist provided by the US Department of State, which includes recommendations such as making two copies of your travel documents and leaving one copy with a trusted contact. Additionally, familiarise yourself with local emergency contacts and procedures. Know how to reach local law enforcement, medical services, and the US Embassy in case of an emergency.

Travel Documents and Visas:

Ensure your passport is valid and will remain valid for at least three months beyond your planned stay in Latvia. Latvia is part of the Schengen Area, which allows Americans to enter without a visa for stays of up to 90 days within a six-month period. If you plan to stay longer than 90 days, you must apply for temporary residence and comply with additional requirements, such as providing a criminal records check. Always carry your passport when travelling within the Schengen Area, as random passport checks may occur.

Health and Medication:

Familiarise yourself with the health risks and recommendations for Latvia. Tick-borne encephalitis and Lyme disease are prevalent, so take appropriate precautions when visiting parks or forested areas. Ensure your prescription medications are in their original packaging and check the Latvian Medicines Register to ensure their legality in Latvia.

Transportation and Road Safety:

Latvia has a high rate of automobile accidents and fatalities. If you plan to drive, obtain an International Driving Permit beforehand. Be aware of local traffic laws, including the requirement to use headlights at all times and the speed limits. Public transportation is generally considered safe, but it is recommended to select well-marked taxis.

Crime and Scams:

Crime against foreign visitors can include purse snatching, pickpocketing, and mugging, especially during the summer tourism season. Be vigilant in popular tourist areas such as Riga's Old Town, the Central Train Station, Central Bus Station, and Central Market. Avoid walking alone or using ATMs after dark. Be cautious when visiting bars and nightclubs, as there have been reports of drugging and sexual assault. Additionally, be aware of scams in restaurants and tourist pubs, including excessive pricing and aggressive tactics to secure payment.

Demonstrations and Civil Unrest:

Demonstrations and protests occur frequently in Latvia and can sometimes turn confrontational or violent. Avoid areas where demonstrations are taking place and stay informed by checking local media for updates and traffic advisories.

Local Laws and Customs:

Remember that you are subject to local laws when in Latvia. Penalties for possessing, using, or trafficking illegal drugs are severe and can result in long jail sentences and heavy fines. Driving under the influence of alcohol is strictly prohibited and can lead to immediate jail time. Additionally, be aware of customs regulations regarding the temporary importation or exportation of items such as firearms, religious materials, medications, and business equipment.

Health and medication

The quality of medical care in Latvia continues to improve but often falls short of Western standards. There are highly trained medical professionals in Latvia, but hospitals and clinics suffer from a lack of equipment and resources. Many doctors speak at least some English. There are a few private clinics in major cities that offer services equal to Western European or U.S. standards.

It is recommended that you take out comprehensive travel insurance and check that your policy covers your specific needs. If you have a health condition or are pregnant, this is particularly important.

For general emergency services in Latvia, dial 112. For medical emergency services, dial 113. Ambulance services are available in urban areas but not countrywide. If you are in a rural area, you may prefer to take a taxi or private vehicle to the nearest major hospital rather than wait for an ambulance.

Before you travel, check the latest vaccine recommendations for Latvia. At least eight weeks before your trip, see where to get vaccines and whether you have to pay. The following vaccines are recommended for Latvia:

• Hepatitis A
• Polio
• Tick-borne encephalitis
• Rabies
• Hepatitis B
• Influenza
• COVID-19
• Pneumonia
• Meningitis
• Chickenpox
• Shingles
• Tdap (tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis)
• Measles, mumps and rubella (MMR)

It is also recommended that you are up to date with all routine vaccines before every trip. These include:

• Chickenpox (Varicella)
• Diphtheria-Tetanus-Pertussis
• Measles-Mumps-Rubella (MMR)

To get medically necessary state healthcare in Latvia, you need a Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC) or a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC). A GHIC or EHIC is not an alternative to travel insurance. You may have costs that your GHIC or EHIC does not cover, including:

• Changes to travel and accommodation bookings
• Additional standard costs for treatment
• Medical repatriation to the UK
• Treatment that is ruled non-urgent

Ticks are common in Latvia and can carry diseases like encephalitis and Lyme disease. If you intend to visit parks or forested areas, use CDC-recommended insect repellents containing either 20% DEET, picaridin, oil of lemon eucalyptus or IR3535 to help diminish bites from ticks and other insects.

To prevent travellers' diarrhoea, maintain hand hygiene, avoid raw foods, and dine at reliable restaurants.

Always carry your prescription medication in its original packaging, along with your doctor’s prescription. Check with the Latvian Medicines Register Medicinal Product Register of Latvia to ensure the medication is legal in Latvia.

Driving in Latvia

If you're planning on driving in Latvia, there are a few things you should know. Firstly, they drive on the right-hand side of the road. The legal driving age is 18, but you must be at least 21 years old to hire a car.

Rules and Regulations

• It is compulsory to call the police to the scene of an accident.
• The use of hand-held mobile phones while driving is illegal. You may use a hands-free device.
• Cars must keep headlights lit throughout the day, all year round.
• The Blood Alcohol Content (BAC) limit is 0.05%. Driving under the influence of alcohol is a serious offence and carries heavy penalties.
• The speed limit is usually 50 km/hr (31 mph) in the city and 90 km/hr (55 mph) on highways.
• Overtake from the left.
• You can turn right on a red light when the right/left arrow signal light is on.
• All vehicles must have a valid vignette to pay toll fees electronically. This can be bought online and at petrol stations.
• In the winter, from December to March, it is intended that you use snow tires or chains.
• It is compulsory for all inside the vehicle to wear a seatbelt.
• Children under 12 or less than 135cm must travel with an appropriate child restraint, no matter the seat.
• Pedestrians and cyclists are required to wear small reflectors on their clothing when it is dark outside.

Documents and Licenses

Tourists and short-term visitors holding valid U.S. driver’s licenses may drive in Latvia. Usually, an International Driving Permit (IDP) is not required if the class of the license matches the classification defined in the 1968 Convention of Road Traffic. However, some states have different classification systems, and you may need to obtain an IDP from one of the two automobile associations authorized by the U.S. Department of State. If you are resident in Latvia for longer than six months, you will need to apply for a Latvian driver's license and surrender your U.S. license.

Money and currency

The official currency of Latvia is the euro, denoted by the symbol € and the currency code EUR. One euro is made up of 100 cents. Euro banknotes come in denominations of €5, €10, €20, €50, €100, €200, and €500, while the euro coins are €1, €2, 1c, 2c, 5c, 10c, 20c, and 50c. The €500 banknote is becoming less common, and you may find it difficult to spend the larger denominations.

Latvia adopted the euro in 2014, replacing the Latvian lat (Ls or LVL). The Bank of Latvia will continue to exchange lats for euros indefinitely and free of charge.

ATMs are widely available in Riga and other major towns. For security reasons, it is recommended that visitors use ATMs located inside major hotels or shopping malls. Latvian ATMs should accept credit and debit cards from popular providers, including Visa, Mastercard, and Maestro. However, some ATMs charge a fee for cash withdrawals, and your home bank may also charge fees for overseas withdrawals and currency conversions. Before your trip, check with your bank to see if they have partnered with any local Latvian banks, as this may reduce your fees.

Credit and debit cards are accepted in most restaurants, shops, hotels, and petrol stations in Latvia. However, it is still useful to carry cash, as some establishments may only accept cash payments. You will need euro coins to buy a ticket on a bus, for example, although you can purchase public transport tickets in advance with a card.

When exchanging currency in Latvia, it is best to avoid currency exchange desks at airports, hotels, and ports of entry, as they often have poor exchange rates and high commissions. Instead, look for a bank or an official money exchange bureau in the centre of a major town. Eurex and Tavid are considered more trustworthy exchange bureaus.

When withdrawing cash from an ATM, choose to be charged in the local currency (euros) rather than your home currency. This will give you a better exchange rate.

Latvian businesses can be particular about the banknotes they accept and may refuse to take them if they are torn, discoloured, or defaced in any way.

Frequently asked questions