Below you can find my latest posts about my experiences of plus-size travel in Latvia! Plus scroll down for practical information on travelling to Latvia, including entry requirements, luggage storage, how to use the public transport, and more.
Latest Posts
Latvia Travel Advice
Practical information to plan your trip
Entry Requirements
If you are an EU or UK national and own a valid passport, you are able to stay in Latvia for up to 90 days.
Coronavirus
Passengers arriving in Latvia from the UK, EU, EEA or Switzerland currently do not need to show proof of COVID vaccination, a negative COVID test, or a certificate of recovery from COVID.
Passengers arriving from elsewhere currently must be able to show a vaccination certificate or recovery certificate or proof of a negative COVID-19 test.
VISA
All non-EU citizens that intend to travel to Latvia need to apply for a VISA. You can read more information on the requirements and whether you need to apply for one here.
ETIAS Waiver
From November 2023, visitors that do not need a visa to enter Europe will need to register with ETIAS. ETIAS (European Travel Information and Authorisation System) will become a mandatory entry requirement.
European Health Insurance Card (EHIC)
If you’re entering the EU as a UK resident, you can apply for an EHIC. It is completely free, and entitles you to essential medical care during a temporary stay in Europe.
Read more about it, check your eligibility, and apply for an EHIC here.
Latvia Weather
These are the average highs and lows of the temperature in Latvia throughout the year:
| City | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Riga | -5° / 0° | -6° / 0° | -2° / 4° | 3° / 11° | 7° / 17° | 11° / 20° |
| Liepāja | -3° / 1° | -4° / 1° | -2° / 4° | 2° / 9° | 7° / 15° | 11° / 17° |
| City | Jul | Aug | Sept | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Riga | 13° / 23° | 12° / 21° | 8° / 17° | 4° / 10° | 0° / 4° | -3° / 1° |
| Liepāja | 14° / 20° | 13° / 20° | 10° / 16° | 6° / 11° | 2° / 6° | -1° / 3° |
When to visit
The best time to visit Latvia is between the months of April and September, when the weather is warmer, but as most people travel during the Summer, Springtime is the better time to visit if you want to avoid the crowds.
Getting around in Latvia
Latvia is a ‘single-city country’, with about half of the population living within the main city of Riga and its suburbs. Public transport outside of Riga is sparse, and locations outside of the city are best reached by train or car.
Trains
Latvia’s rail network connects Riga with several other locations within the country, including Liepāja, Sigulda, Cēsis, Jelgava, and Rēzekne. You can check the train schedules here.
You can purchase tickets at the station, or inside the train from the onboard conductor.
Buses
Buses, trams and trolleybuses in Latvia run from around 5am to midnight. You can check the timetables here. Tickets can be purchased at any Narvesen outlet or ticket machine at the stop. Once you’ve boarded the bus or tram, validate the ticket to avoid a fine. Tickets are meant for one boarding only, so if you change transports, you will need to register a new ticket.
You can also purchase a ticket directly from the driver, but this will cost almost double to price of getting it from a machine.
Bus No. 22 travels between Riga Airport and Riga city centre, taking around 30 minutes and leaving every 10-30 minutes.
Taxis
All taxis in Latvia are registered, reasonably priced, and available 24/7. Red Cab and Baltic Taxi are two of the more popular taxi providers.
Luggage storage
In Riga Airport you can store your luggage for €5 per item per 24 hours, for a maximum of 6 months. Luggage Storage is located at Arrivals Hall E on the 1st floor of the terminal.
For other storage solutions, try Nannybag, LuggageHero or Radical Storage to see all of their locations and prices.
Further practical information for travelling in Latvia
What language is mainly spoken in Latvia?
Latvian is the official language of Latvia, and most people speak a little English, especially in touristy areas.
What is the main currency of Latvia?
The currency of Latvia is the Euro (€).
What is the emergency number in Latvia?
If you need emergency services in Latvia, you can dial 112 and ask for an ambulance, the fire service, the police and other services such as the coastguard.
What kind of plug adapter do I need in Latvia?
You will need a Type C or F 2-pin system adapter for plugs in Latvia. Latvia operates on a 230V supply voltage & 50Hz.
Is the tap water safe to drink in Latvia?
Yes, the tap water is perfectly safe to drink in Latvia.
Are public toilets free in Latvia?
Generally, public toilets cost a small fee to use, so it’s worth carrying around a little pocket change in case you cannot pay by card.
Is there free public wi-fi in Latvia?
There are lots of free wi-fi spots in Latvia. Look for it in places like museums, parks, cafes and other public locations.
Is tipping expected in Latvia?
Tipping isn’t expected in Latvia, but if you’ve received an excellent service, a 10% tip is always appreciated.
What is the drinking age in Latvia?
The official drinking age in Latvia is 18 years old.
Are there are venomous or dangerous animals in Latvia?
There is some dangerous wildlife in Latvia, including the venomous Adder snake, and bigger animals such as wolves, moose, wild boars and bears. Always research the area you’re travelling to, to see if there’s anything there that might pose a threat to you.
Updated 14/06/2024
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Alternatively, Expedia and Hotels.com also offer hotels comparisons, with handy apps which offer exclusive discounts on thousands of hotels, and other rewards when you book.
Check out where else I’ve travelled in East Europe!