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Weather & climate
Weather in Latvia
Latvia
12°
Light drizzle
Thu
7°
12°
Fri
7°
11°
Sat
6°
13°
Sun
2°
12°
Mon
1°
11°
Tue
2°
11°
Wed
4°
13°
SPF level in Latvia
Recommended: SPF 30
Spring
SPF 30
Summer
SPF 30
Autumn
SPF 15
Winter
SPF 15
Suncream is often more expensive in tourist zones. Pack your preferred SPF from the UK, especially for beach holidays. Always carry travel-size (100ml max) for hand luggage.
Before you go
Entry requirements for Latvia
What British travellers need to know
Your passport must have been issued less than 10 years before you arrive in Latvia.
Your passport must be valid for at least 3 months after the day you plan to leave the Schengen area.
You can travel without a visa for up to 90 days in any 180-day period for tourism.
You may need to show proof of accommodation, travel insurance with health cover, and a return ticket at the border.
Ensure you get your passport stamped on entry and exit until the new Entry-Exit System is fully rolled out.
Good to know:
Declare any cash or travellers cheques if the total value is 10,000 euros or more upon arrival.
You cannot take meat, milk or products containing them into Latvia, with few exceptions like baby food.
Safety in Latvia
Tips when travelling
Latvia is tourist-friendly but has some key cultural and legal rules:
Always carry a copy of your passport's photo page for identification.
Drinking alcohol in public places, including parks and streets, is illegal and can result in a fine.
Pickpocketing and bag snatching are common in Riga Old Town, the Central Market, and main transport stations, so stay alert in these areas.
Be wary of drink spiking in bars and clubs, and never leave your drink unattended or accept drinks from strangers.
You must validate your ticket as soon as you board public transport, or you risk an on-the-spot fine.
Bonus tips:
Avoid unlit streets and parks at night, and keep valuables secure in your hotel safe.
When taking a taxi, use official companies with yellow plates and agree on the approximate fare before starting your journey.
More information
Driving in Latvia
A UK driving licence is accepted in Latvia. Check local regulations for long-term residency requirements.
Side of road
right
Motorway speed limit
110 km/h
Urban speed limit
50 km/h
Alcohol limit
0.05%
Remember: Latvia drives on the right. Take extra care at junctions if you normally drive on the left.
Health in Latvia
As a UK resident, you can use a Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC) or European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) for state healthcare in Latvia. However, it's still recommended to have comprehensive travel insurance that covers medical expenses, repatriation, and other emergencies.
Generally, Latvia has good standards of healthcare, especially in major cities. No specific vaccinations are required for entry, but it's always wise to consult your GP before travelling to ensure your routine vaccinations are up to date. Tap water is generally safe to drink, but bottled water is widely available.
Cards & payments
Widely accepted in larger establishments, but smaller businesses may prefer cash.
Visa
High
Mastercard
High
American Express
Medium
Lost card? Call Visa: +1-303-967-1096
Tipping in Latvia
Tipping is appreciated for good service but not obligatory in Latvia. A small tip shows your appreciation.
Restaurant
5-10% for good service
Bar/Café
A few euros for good service
Taxi
Rounding up the fare or 5-10% for good service
Hotel Porter
1-2 EUR per bag
Hotel Housekeeper
1-2 EUR per night of stay, left at the end of your stay
Tour Guide
5-10 EUR for a good tour
Mobile & roaming
Since Brexit, the guarantee of EU roaming without extra charges no longer applies. Check with your mobile provider for roaming charges in Latvia. Some providers may still offer inclusive roaming packages.
Local SIM
10 GB for 10 EUR (~£8.50)
Network coverage
4G, 5G
Electrical in Latvia
Voltage
230V / 50Hz
Plug types
Type C, Type F
WiFi & internet
Good in cities, hotels, cafes, and restaurants. May be limited in rural areas.
Average speed
50 Mbps
WiFi is readily available in urban centres. Many hotels and cafes offer free WiFi to customers.
Emergency numbers
Universal emergency
112
Police
110
Ambulance
113
Save 112 in your phone before travelling.
Calling Latvia
Country code
+371
To call the British Embassy in Riga from the UK, you would dial 00 371 6777 4700.
To make international calls, dial 00 followed by the country code and phone number. When calling a Latvian number from abroad, be sure to include the country code +371.
UK Embassy
Frequently asked questions
While we strive to provide accurate and up-to-date information, AtoBeach cannot be held responsible for any inaccuracies. We recommend verifying details with official sources before travelling.