Latvia

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

Plug Type CPlug Type 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