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Weather & climate
Weather in Latvia
Latvia
13°
Light drizzle
Sat
9°
13°
Sun
8°
11°
Mon
7°
19°
Tue
10°
15°
Wed
7°
15°
Thu
5°
16°
Fri
9°
17°
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
You do not need a visa to travel to Latvia for tourism for up to 90 days in any 180-day period.
Your passport's date of issue must be less than 10 years before you arrive, and its expiry date must be at least 3 months after the day you plan to leave the Schengen area.
At border control, you may need to show proof of accommodation, proof of travel insurance with health cover, a return ticket, and proof you have enough money for your stay.
Be prepared for the new Entry/Exit System, which may require you to register your biometric details like fingerprints or a photo when you enter or leave the Schengen area.
You cannot take meat, milk, or products containing them into Latvia, with exceptions for items like powdered baby milk or special medical foods.
Good to know:
Declare cash or travellers cheques if the value is 10,000 euros or more, or it could be seized when you leave.
Any vehicle registered in the UK must be declared online via Latvia's Road Traffic Safety Directorate before entering the country.
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.
Stay connected on your trip
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.
No vaccinations required
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
UK adapter needed
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.
Languages in Latvia
UK Embassy
Recent updates
Entry requirements
18 days ago
Entry/Exit System (EES)
- You no longer need to take any action before you arrive at the border on entry to the Schengen area.
- Be prepared to wait longer than usual at the border and allow more time for immigration controls when you depart the Schengen area.
Entry requirements
22 days ago
Entry/Exit System (EES)
- Long-term residents of Schengen countries are now exempt from the Entry/Exit System (EES) in all Schengen countries.
- A new note refers to a full list of EES exemptions on the EU's official Travel Europe website.
Border procedures
- The guidance about getting your passport stamped until EES is rolled out has been removed.
Airports in Latvia
Beaches in Latvia
Frequently asked questions
No, British citizens do not need a visa for tourist visits to Latvia lasting up to 90 days within a 180-day period. Ensure your passport is valid for the duration of your stay.
The best time to visit Latvia is during the summer months (June-August) for warm weather and outdoor activities. However, spring (April-May) and autumn (September-October) offer pleasant temperatures and fewer crowds. Winter (November-March) can be very cold, but it's a great time for winter sports and experiencing Christmas markets.
Latvia is generally a safe country with a low crime rate. However, petty theft can occur in tourist areas, so it's important to be vigilant and take precautions to protect your belongings. Be aware of your surroundings, especially at night.
The local currency in Latvia is the Euro (€). Credit and debit cards are widely accepted in major cities and tourist areas. It is advisable to carry some cash for smaller establishments and rural areas.
Latvia boasts several must-see attractions, including the historic Old Town of Riga (a UNESCO World Heritage site), the stunning Art Nouveau architecture, the Gauja National Park for outdoor adventures, and the beautiful beaches of Jurmala. Don't miss Rundale Palace, a magnificent Baroque palace.
The official language of Latvia is Latvian. However, Russian is also widely spoken, especially among older generations. English is commonly spoken in tourist areas, hotels, and restaurants.
Be wary of pickpockets in crowded areas, avoid unlicensed taxis, and be cautious of overly friendly strangers offering assistance. Always agree on a price before taking a taxi and keep your valuables secure.
Latvians are generally reserved, so avoid being overly loud or boisterous in public. Dress modestly when visiting religious sites. It is customary to remove your shoes when entering someone's home. Tipping is appreciated in restaurants and for good service.
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.