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Travel Guide
Visiting Latvia
Select your passport to instantly check if you need a visa.
Discover
Top Attractions in Latvia
The most iconic and unmissable experiences this country has to offer.
UNESCO World Heritage
Historic Centre of Riga
Riga's Old Town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site inscribed in 1997, encompassing a medieval core of warehouses, guild halls, and Gothic spires alongside the world's largest and finest collection of Art Nouveau architecture. Strolling from the 13th-century Riga Cathedral to the ornate facades of Alberta Street, visitors move through centuries of mercantile and architectural ambition in just a few blocks. The City Canal forms a green belt around the old quarter, making the area pleasant to explore on foot in all seasons.
Gauja National Park
Established in 1973, Gauja National Park covers more than 90,000 hectares of forest, river valley, and sandstone formations along Latvia's longest inland river. The Gauja has carved a valley up to 85 metres deep through ancient rock, exposing caves, cliff faces, and the largest grotto in the Baltic states at Gutmana Cave. The park contains Turaida Castle, Cesis Castle, and a network of hiking, cycling, and kayaking routes that makes it the country's most visited natural destination.
Wise
Your bank marks up every USD you spend in Latvia. Wise doesn't.
- No foreign transaction fees
- Free ATM withdrawals up to your limit
- Pay in local currency at the real rate
4.8 ★ App Store·4.8 ★ Google Play
Airalo eSIM
Your phone plan was built for home. This one was built for Latvia.
- No SIM swapping
- No data roaming charges
- Active in minutes
4.7 ★ App Store·4.6 ★ Google Play
Health & Safety
Health & Emergency Info
Before You Travel
Before you travel check that: your destination can provide the healthcare you may need you have appropriate travel insurance for local treatment or unexpected medical evacuation This is particularly important if you have a health condition or are pregnant. Emergency medical number Call 113 and ask for an ambulance. Contact your insurance company quickly if you’re referred to a medical facility for treatment. Vaccine recommendations and health risks At least 8 weeks before your trip: check the latest vaccine recommendations for Latvia see where to get vaccines and whether you have to pay on the
Full health advice (FCDO) →Emergency Numbers
Police110
Ambulance113
Fire112
Health information sourced from UK FCDO. Always consult a travel health professional before departure.
Practical Info
Travel Essentials
Travel Guide
Frequently Asked Questions About Visiting Latvia
Entry requirements vary by passport. Check the requirements for your specific passport on the Latvia page at Yoogo.
Latvia uses the euro (EUR), having adopted it in 2014 as a member of the European Union. Card payments are widely accepted in Riga and most tourist destinations, though it is worth carrying some cash for smaller towns, markets, and rural areas.
Latvia is generally considered a safe destination with low rates of violent crime. As in any city, petty theft and pickpocketing can occur in crowded areas such as Riga's Old Town and the Central Market, so it is sensible to keep valuables secure.
Riga has an extensive public transport network of buses, trams, and trolleybuses, and the Riga Card offers unlimited travel alongside museum discounts. Trains connect Riga to Jurmala, Sigulda, and Cesis, while regional buses serve destinations across the country. Taxis and ride-hailing apps are available in Riga, and car hire is a practical option for exploring the countryside.
Late spring and summer, roughly May to August, offer the warmest temperatures, long daylight hours, and the full calendar of outdoor festivals including the beloved Jani midsummer celebrations in late June. Autumn brings striking foliage across the national parks, while winter attracts visitors to Riga's Christmas markets and the region's cross-country skiing trails.
Latvian is the official language, though Russian is also widely spoken, particularly among older residents and in cities with large Russian-speaking communities such as Daugavpils. English is well understood in Riga's tourism and hospitality sector, and younger Latvians generally speak it confidently.
Routine vaccinations should be up to date before travel; hepatitis A, diphtheria, and tetanus are commonly recommended. Tick-borne encephalitis is present in forested areas across Latvia, so travellers planning to hike or spend time outdoors, including in parks close to Riga, should discuss the TBE vaccine with a healthcare provider before departure.
Tipping is not obligatory in Latvia but is appreciated for good service. Rounding up the bill or leaving around 10% in restaurants and cafes is a courteous gesture, and taxi drivers and hotel porters are similarly happy to receive a small tip.
Latvia has good 4G and expanding 5G coverage in Riga and major towns, making it well suited for eSIM use. Several international providers including Airalo offer Latvia eSIM plans that can be purchased and activated before departure, giving you data connectivity from the moment you land.