Europe
Latvia
Riga's Art Nouveau, food markets and nightlife, plus Baltic beaches and forests at moderate prices. Safe with normal care; English is common among younger people. Winters are long and grey.
- US travel advisoryLevel 1Exercise normal precautionsDetails
- Visa93 of 198passports can visit visa-freeDetails
- CurrencyEURUS$1 ≈ €0.89Details
- Price level57%of US prices (World Bank PPP)Details
- English4/5Widely spokenDetails
- PlugsType C, F230 V, 50 HzDetails
- Emergency112Police 110 · Ambulance 113 · Fire 112 · All emergencies 112
- Tap waterYes, drinkableSafe to drink; old building pipes can affect the taste, so many locals filter it.Details
- LGBTQ+LegalPartnership registration since 2024, but society is conservative.Details
- Internet124 MbpsMedian fixed broadband · mobile 124 MbpsDetails
- DrivingOn the rightEU/EEA licences are valid; most others work for visits if in Latin script, otherwise carry an IDP.
- Digital nomad visaYesLong-stay visa for remote work (D-visa)Details
Where to go in Latvia
2 places with full guides. Comfortable monthly budget for one person, rent included.
When to visit Latvia
May–September for beaches, festivals and Midsummer (Jāņi); December for Christmas markets. January–March is cold, dark and grey.
Good to know
Entry
- Schengen member: non-EU visitors give fingerprints and a face photo to the Entry/Exit System (EES) on first entry.
- ETIAS pre-travel authorisation isn't required yet and has no confirmed start date; check the EU site before you fly.
Laws visitors break by accident
- Drinking alcohol in public places is banned and fined.
- Headlights must be on at all times when driving.
- Pedestrians need a reflector on unlit roads after dark.
Etiquette
- Give odd numbers of flowers; even numbers are for funerals.
- Take shoes off in homes.
- Midsummer (Jāņi, 23–24 June) empties cities for the countryside.
Tipping
About 10% in restaurants for good service; check whether service is already on the bill.
Neighbouring countries
Sources
- US State Department travel advisory
- PMLP: long-stay visa for remote work
- PMLP: visa state fees
- EU Entry/Exit System (EES)
- Speedtest Global Index, Aug 2026
- Bolt in Rīga
- Vivi
- World Bank open data
Country facts are researched by SoloSquare; advisory levels, crime, health and visa figures come from the sources listed. Compiled and reviewed by SoloSquare. How we compile and score this. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.