Travel Facts
US State Dept Travel Advisory
The US Department of State currently recommends US citizens exercise normal precautions in Latvia. Consult its website via the link below for updates to travel advisories and statements on safety, security, local laws, and special circumstances in this country.
https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/traveladvisories/traveladvisories.html
Passport/Visa Requirements
US citizens should make sure their passport will not expire for at least 6 months after they enter the country even if they do not intend to stay that long. They should also make sure they have at least 1 blank page in their passport for any entry stamp that will be required. A visa is not required as long as the stay is less than 90 days, within a six month period.
US Embassy/Consulate
+(371) 6710-7000 or +(371) 2920-5708; US Embassy Riga, Samnera Velsa iela 1, Riga LV-1510, Latvia; askconsular-riga@state.gov; https://lv.usembassy.gov/
LGBTQIA+ Travelers
Lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, intersex, and asexual (LGBTQIA+) travelers can face unique challenges when traveling abroad. Laws and attitudes in some countries may affect safety and ease of travel. Legal protections vary from country to country. Many countries do not legally recognize same-sex marriage. Approximately seventy countries consider consensual same-sex sexual relations a crime, sometimes carrying severe punishment.
https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel/before-you-go/travelers-with-special-considerations/lgbtqi.html
Telephone Code
371
Local Emergency Phone
Ambulance: 112, 03; Fire: 112, 01; Police: 112, 02
Vaccinations
The CDC and WHO recommend the following vaccinations for Latvia: hepatitis A, hepatitis B, rabies, tickborne encephalitis, meningitis, polio, measles, mumps and rubella (MMR), Tdap (tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis), chickenpox, shingles, pneumonia, COVID-19, and influenza.
http://www.who.int/
Climate
Maritime; wet, moderate winters
Currency (Code)
Euros (EUR)
Electricity/Voltage/Plug Type(s)
230 V / 50 Hz / plug types(s): C, F
Major Languages
Latvian, Russian
Major Religions
Lutheran 36.2%, Roman Catholic 19.5%, Orthodox 19.1%
Time Difference
UTC+2 (7 hours ahead of Washington, DC, during Standard Time); daylight saving time: +1hr, begins last Sunday in March; ends last Sunday in October
Potable Water
Opt for bottled water
International Driving Permit
Suggested
Road Driving Side
Right
Tourist Destinations
Gauja National Park; Jurmala Resort; Rundale Palace & Museum; Turaida Museum Reserve; Riga (includes Freedom Statue, Saint Peter's Church, Blackheads House)
Major Sports
Soccer, ice hockey, basketball
Cultural Practices
Although friendly and informal with close friends and family, Latvians are reserved and formal when dealing with outsiders.
Tipping Guidelines
A 10% tip for good table service at a restaurant or lounge is appreciated. Round up the bill for bartenders and cab drivers.
Souvenirs
Amber jewelry and decorative items, ceramic items, wickerwork, silver, beer/liquor
Traditional Cuisine
Grey Peas and Bacon — grey peas cooked in smoked bacon, onion, and salt; rye bread
Please visit the following links to find further information about your desired destination.
World Health Organization (WHO) - To learn what vaccines and health precautions to take while visiting your destination.
US State Dept Travel Information - Overall information about foreign travel for US citizens.
To obtain an international driving permit (IDP). Only two organizations in the US issue IDPs:
American Automobile Association (AAA) and American Automobile Touring Alliance (AATA)
How to get help in an emergency?
Contact the nearest US embassy or consulate, or call one of these numbers:
from the US or Canada - 1-888-407-4747 or from Overseas - +1 202-501-4444
Page last updated: Tuesday, September 26, 2023
