Overview of Latvia
The forrested country of Latvia is nestled between its neighbours Estonia and Lithuania just off the Baltic Sea. The small country's picturesque towns and ancient cities are set within a landscape of plains, lakes, forests and river valleys. Fishing villages interrupt the dramatic coastline interspersed with white sandy beaches. The country has many manor houses, medieval castles, palaces, and ruins. The capital city of Riga, the beautiful capital, is rich in history and culture with the largest concentration of Art Nouveau buildings in Europe resulting it being declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The Latvian capital is an obvious tourist destination as the largest city in the Baltic States and a major port home to almost half the country's population. Nearby, the Baltic health and recreation resort of Jurmala doubles its population during the summer months as a popular holiday destination, with its sandy beaches, healing waters, mud baths, and quaint wooden houses.
History lovers will enjoy the ancient cities of Valmiera, Cesis, and Limbaþi in the northern region, which were once members of the Hanseatic League. The picturesque cultural towns of the Abava River Valley and the villages of the ancient Liv people in the south are also worth visiting. The Rundale Palace is a popular sight along with the spectacular Baroque palace at Jelgava in the central region of Zemgale. Lastly, the scenic Tervete forest, with the oldest and tallest pine trees in Latvia are not to be missed.
Those keen on outdoor activities will enjoy the natural surroundings in the Latgale region otherwise known as the Land of Blue Lakes; the coastal landscape of the Kurzeme region, where deserted beaches stretch for miles; and the coastline and hilly scenery of the northern Vidzeme region, which also is home to Sigulda, the country's downhill skiing area.
Key Facts
- Language:
- Latvian is the official language, but English, Lithuanian, Russian and German are also spoken.
- Passport/Visa:
-
The borderless region known as the Schengen Area includes the following countries: Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, The Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden and Switzerland. All these countries issue a standard Schengen visa that has a multiple entry option, and which allows the holder to travel freely within the borders of all the aforementioned countries. Additionally, foreign passengers to Latvia must hold valid health insurance, that includes provision for repatriation costs. NOTE: It is highly recommended that your passport has at least six months validity remaining after your intended date of departure from your travel destination. Immigration officials often apply different rules to those stated by travel agents and official sources.
- Currency:
-
The official currency is the Euro (EUR). Most hotels and restaurants in Riga accept credit cards, but outside of the capital credit cards are not widely accepted and credit card fraud can be a problem at smaller institutions. Foreign currency can be exchanged at any bank, at money change kiosks and at some hotels. Note that an extra fee will be charged to exchange US dollars that are torn or marked in any way. Most banks are closed on Saturdays and Sundays. ATMs are available in the larger cities.
- Electricity:
- Electrical current is 230 volts, 50Hz. European style two-pin plugs are in use.
Travel to Latvia
Climate in Latvia
Latvia has a temperate climate. May to September (spring and summer) is the best time to visit Latvia, with daytime temperatures averaging 61°F (16°C), but July and August is the peak tourist season and accommodation can be fully booked during this time. The coldest months are January and February, and winter temperatures can be extreme, averaging out at 21°F (-6°C) during the day.
Health Notes when travelling to Latvia
No health certificates or vaccinations are required to enter Latvia, but visitors are advised to have an inoculation against tick-borne encephalitis if planning to hike in the country and forests or stay in rural areas, especially during the summer months of March to October. There was a outbreak of Hepatitis A in a restaurant in Riga in May 2008 and travellers are recommended to get vaccinated before travelling to Latvia. Rabies is endemic, and outbreaks of meningitis occur. Medicines are usually available, but it is best to bring a supply of personal medication. Health insurance is necessary. A reciprocal agreement with the UK entitles UK citizens to emergency treatment on the same terms as Latvian nationals on presentation of a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC).
Safety Notes when travelling to Latvia
Most visits to Latvia are trouble-free, but street crime can be a problem for tourists, and there are occasional muggings of foreigners, particularly if walking alone or at night. Car theft is rife. Reports indicate that foreigners are being charged ridiculously expensive prices for drinks in bars in Riga, and visitors are cautioned against becoming victims by checking on prices before buying. Muggings are common of tourists out late at night in the Old Town.
Customs in Latvia
Latvians are generally reserved, quiet and extremely courteous, and are not comfortable making small talk. Good manners dictates that people are not embarrassed or criticised in public.
Duty Free in Latvia
Travellers to Latvia over 17 years and arriving with goods purchased in the EU for personal use do not have to pay duty on 800 cigarettes, 400 cigarillos, 200 cigars, 1kg smoking tobacco; 10 litres of spirits with alcohol content higher than 22%, 20 litres of alcohol with alcohol content lower than 22%, 90 litres wine or 60 litres of sparkling wine, 110 litres of beer, and 110 litres of non-alcoholic beverages. Travellers arriving from non-EU countries do not have to pay duty on 200 cigarettes, or 100 cigarillos, or 50 cigars, or 250g smoking tobacco; 1 litre of spirits with alcohol volume higher than 22%, or 2 litres spirits, aperitifs, liqueur, sparkling or still wines with alcohol volume less than 22% and 2 litres still wine; perfume up to 50g or 250ml eau de toilette; other goods for personal use to the value of €400. Prohibited items include narcotics, guns, and fresh food products.
Doing Business in Latvia
Conducting business in Latvia can sometimes be a challenge due to bureaucracy, as well as the lack of English spoken. Business tends to be formal, with a clear-cut hierarchy, and titles are usually used. Punctuality, directness and organisation are all important. Suits and ties are the norm and when in doubt, dress conservatively. Women might encounter some sexism and roles should be clarified to avoid confusion. Business hours are usually from 9am to 6pm, Monday to Friday.
Communication in Latvia
The international dialling code for Latvia is +371. The outgoing code is 00 followed by the relevant country code (e.g. 0044 for the UK). City/area codes are in use; there are three for Riga. International Direct Dialling is available from all public and hotel phones. Public phones use phone cards, which can be bought from numerous shops and kiosks. For local operator assistance dial 116. The two local GSM mobile phone operators use GSM 900 and GSM 1800 networks.
Tipping in Latvia
Tipping is not obligatory in restaurants, but it is customary to round up the bill to no more than 10% if a service charge has not been included and the service was good. Carry small change for tipping taxi drivers. In hotels, tip according to the services provided.
Passport/Visa Note
The borderless region known as the Schengen Area includes the following countries: Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, The Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden and Switzerland. All these countries issue a standard Schengen visa that has a multiple entry option, and which allows the holder to travel freely within the borders of all the aforementioned countries. Additionally, foreign passengers to Latvia must hold valid health insurance, that includes provision for repatriation costs. NOTE: It is highly recommended that your passport has at least six months validity remaining after your intended date of departure from your travel destination. Immigration officials often apply different rules to those stated by travel agents and official sources.
Entry Requirements
- Entry requirements for Americans:
-
US citizens must have a passport that is valid for at least three months beyond the period of intended stay in Latvia. A visa is not required for stays of up to 90 days within a 180 day period.
- Entry requirements for Canadians:
-
Canadian citizens must have a passport that is valid for three months beyond the period of intended stay in Latvia. No visa is required, for a stay of up to 90 days within a 180 day period.
- Entry requirements for UK nationals:
-
Passports endorsed 'British Citizen', 'British Subject' (containing a Certificate of Entitlement to the Right of Abode issued by the United Kingdom), and 'British Overseas Territories Citizen' issued by Gibraltar, must be valid on arrival. British passports with other endorsements must be valid for three months beyond the period of intended stay in Latvia.
A visa is not required for British passports endorsed 'British Citizen' or 'British Subject' (containing a Certificate of Entitlement to the Right of Abode issued by the United Kingdom), nor for holders of identity cards issued by Gibraltar, and endorsed 'Validated for EU travel purposes under the authority of the United Kingdom'. No visa is required for stays of up to 90 days within a 180 day period for holders of British passports with other endorsements.
- Entry requirements for Australians:
-
Australian citizens must have a passport that is valid for three months beyond the period of intended stay in Latvia. No visa is required for a stay of up to 90 days within a 180 day period.
- Entry requirements for Irish nationals:
-
Irish citizens must have a passport that is valid for the period of intended stay in Latvia. No visa is required.
- Entry requirements for New Zealanders:
-
New Zealand citizens must have a passport that is valid for three months beyond the period of intended stay in Latvia. No visa is required, for a stay of up to 90 days within a 180 day period.
- Entry requirements for South Africans:
-
South African citizens must have a passport that is valid for three months beyond the period of intended stay, and require a valid Schengen visa to enter Latvia.
Tourist Offices
Latvia Tourist Board, Riga: +371 6703 7900 or http://www.latviatourism.lv
Latvia Embassies
- In the United States:
-
- In Canada:
-
Embassy of Latvia, Ottawa, Canada: +1 613 238 6014.
- In the United Kingdom:
-
Embassy of Latvia, London, United Kingdom: +44 20 7312 0041.
- In Australia:
-
Embassy of Latvia, Melbourne, Australia: +61 3 9499 6920.
- In Ireland:
-
Embassy of Latvia, Dublin, Ireland: +353 1 478 0161.
- In New Zealand:
-
Consulate of Latvia, Auckland, New Zealand: +64 21 190 2618.
- In South Africa:
-
Honorary Consulate of Latvia, Johannesburg, South Africa: +27 11 750 1600.
Foreign Embassies in Latvia
- American Embassy
-
United States Embassy, Riga: +371 7036 200.
- Canadian Embassy
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Canadian Embassy, Riga: +371 781 3945.
- British Embassy
-
British Embassy, Riga: +371 777 4700.
- Australian Embassy
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Australian Embassy, Berlin (also responsible for Latvia): +49 30 88 00 88 0
- Irish Embassy
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Embassy of Ireland, Riga: +371 6703 9370.
- New Zealand Embassy
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New Zealand Embassy, Warsaw, Poland (also responsible for Latvia): +48 22 521 0500.
- South African Embassy
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South African Embassy, Stockholm, Sweden (also responsible for Latvia): +46 866 076 93.
Travel Advisories
Health Information for Travelers to Latvia
Content source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Hide Vaccines and Medicines
Check the vaccines and medicines list and visit your doctor (ideally, 4-6 weeks) before your trip to get vaccines or medicines you may need.
| | Find Out Why | Protect Yourself |
All travelers You should be up to date on routine vaccinations while traveling to any destination. Some vaccines may also be required for travel. |
| Routine vaccines | Make sure you are up-to-date on routine vaccines before every trip. These vaccines include measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine, diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis vaccine, varicella (chickenpox) vaccine, polio vaccine, and your yearly flu shot. |   |
Most travelers Get travel vaccines and medicines because there is a risk of these diseases in the country you are visiting. |
| Hepatitis A | CDC recommends this vaccine because you can get hepatitis A through contaminated food or water in Latvia, regardless of where you are eating or staying. |  |
Some travelers Ask your doctor what vaccines and medicines you need based on where you are going, how long you are staying, what you will be doing, and if you are traveling from a country other than the US. |
| Hepatitis B | You can get hepatitis B through sexual contact, contaminated needles, and blood products, so CDC recommends this vaccine if you might have sex with a new partner, get a tattoo or piercing, or have any medical procedures. |   |
| Rabies | Although rabies can be found in dogs, bats, and other mammals in Latvia, it is not a major risk to most travelers. CDC recommends this vaccine only for these groups: - Travelers involved in outdoor and other activities in remote areas that put them at risk for animal bites (such as adventure travel and caving).
- People who will be working with or around animals (such as veterinarians, wildlife professionals, and researchers).
- People who are taking long trips or moving to remote areas in Latvia
- Children, because they tend to play with animals, might not report bites, and are more likely to have animal bites on their head and neck.
|  |
All travelers
You should be up to date on routine vaccinations while traveling to any destination. Some vaccines may also be required for travel.
Make sure you are up-to-date on routine vaccines before every trip. These vaccines include measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine, diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis vaccine, varicella (chickenpox) vaccine, polio vaccine, and your yearly flu shot.
Most travelers
Get travel vaccines and medicines because there is a risk of these diseases in the country you are visiting.
CDC recommends this vaccine because you can get hepatitis A through contaminated food or water in Latvia, regardless of where you are eating or staying.
Some travelers
Ask your doctor what vaccines and medicines you need based on where you are going, how long you are staying, what you will be doing, and if you are traveling from a country other than the US.
You can get hepatitis B through sexual contact, contaminated needles, and blood products, so CDC recommends this vaccine if you might have sex with a new partner, get a tattoo or piercing, or have any medical procedures.
Although rabies can be found in dogs, bats, and other mammals in Latvia, it is not a major risk to most travelers. CDC recommends this vaccine only for these groups:
- Travelers involved in outdoor and other activities in remote areas that put them at risk for animal bites (such as adventure travel and caving).
- People who will be working with or around animals (such as veterinarians, wildlife professionals, and researchers).
- People who are taking long trips or moving to remote areas in Latvia
- Children, because they tend to play with animals, might not report bites, and are more likely to have animal bites on their head and neck.
Key
- Get vaccinated
- Eat and drink safely
- Keep away from animals
- Reduce your exposure to germs
- Avoid sharing body fluids
- Avoid non-sterile medical or cosmetic equipment
Top
Hide Stay Healthy and Safe
Learn actions you can take to stay healthy and safe on your trip. Vaccines cannot protect you from many diseases in Latvia, so your behaviors are important.
Unclean food and water can cause travelers' diarrhea and other diseases. Reduce your risk by sticking to safe food and water habits.
Eat
- Food that is cooked and served hot
- Hard-cooked eggs
- Fruits and vegetables you have washed in clean water or peeled yourself
- Pasteurized dairy products
Don't Eat
- Food served at room temperature
- Food from street vendors
- Raw or soft-cooked (runny) eggs
- Raw or undercooked (rare) meat or fish
- Unwashed or unpeeled raw fruits and vegetables
- Unpasteurized dairy products
- ”Bushmeat” (monkeys, bats, or other wild game)
Drink
- Bottled water that is sealed
- Water that has been disinfected
- Ice made with bottled or disinfected water
- Carbonated drinks
- Hot coffee or tea
- Pasteurized milk
Don’t Drink
- Tap or well water
- Ice made with tap or well water
- Drinks made with tap or well water (such as reconstituted juice)
- Unpasteurized milk
Take Medicine
Talk with your doctor about taking prescription or over-the-counter drugs with you on your trip in case you get sick.
Hide Bugs (like mosquitoes, ticks, and fleas) can spread a number of diseases in Latvia. Many of these diseases cannot be prevented with a vaccine or medicine. You can reduce your risk by taking steps to prevent bug bites.
What can I do to prevent bug bites?
- Cover exposed skin by wearing long-sleeved shirts, long pants, and hats.
- Use an appropriate insect repellent (see below).
- Use permethrin-treated clothing and gear (such as boots, pants, socks, and tents). Do not use permethrin directly on skin.
- Stay and sleep in air-conditioned or screened rooms.
- Use a bed net if the area where you are sleeping is exposed to the outdoors.
What type of insect repellent should I use?
- FOR PROTECTION AGAINST TICKS AND MOSQUITOES: Use a repellent that contains 20% or more DEET for protection that lasts up to several hours.
- FOR PROTECTION AGAINST MOSQUITOES ONLY: Products with one of the following active ingredients can also help prevent mosquito bites. Higher percentages of active ingredient provide longer protection.
- DEET
- Picaridin (also known as KBR 3023, Bayrepel, and icaridin)
- Oil of lemon eucalyptus (OLE) or PMD
- IR3535
- Always use insect repellent as directed.
What should I do if I am bitten by bugs?
- Avoid scratching bug bites, and apply hydrocortisone cream or calamine lotion to reduce the itching.
- Check your entire body for ticks after outdoor activity. Be sure to remove ticks properly.
What can I do to avoid bed bugs?
Although bed bugs do not carry disease, they are an annoyance. See our information page about avoiding bug bites for some easy tips to avoid them. For more information on bed bugs, see Bed Bugs.
For more detailed information on avoiding bug bites, see Avoid Bug Bites.
Hide If your travel plans in Latvia include outdoor activities, take these steps to stay safe and healthy during your trip.
- Stay alert to changing weather conditions and adjust your plans if conditions become unsafe.
- Prepare for activities by wearing the right clothes and packing protective items, such as bug spray, sunscreen, and a basic first aid kit.
- Consider learning basic first aid and CPR before travel. Bring a travel health kit with items appropriate for your activities.
- Heat-related illness, such as heat stroke, can be deadly. Eat and drink regularly, wear loose and lightweight clothing, and limit physical activity during high temperatures.
- If you are outside for many hours in heat, eat salty snacks and drink water to stay hydrated and replace salt lost through sweating.
- Protect yourself from UV radiation: use sunscreen with an SPF of at least 15, wear protective clothing, and seek shade during the hottest time of day (10 a.m.–4 p.m.).
- Be especially careful during summer months and at high elevation. Because sunlight reflects off snow, sand, and water, sun exposure may be increased during activities like skiing, swimming, and sailing.
- Very cold temperatures can be dangerous. Dress in layers and cover heads, hands, and feet properly if you are visiting a cold location.
Stay safe around water
- Swim only in designated swimming areas. Obey lifeguards and warning flags on beaches.
- Practice safe boating—follow all boating safety laws, do not drink alcohol if driving a boat, and always wear a life jacket.
- Do not dive into shallow water.
- Do not swim in freshwater in developing areas or where sanitation is poor.
- Avoid swallowing water when swimming. Untreated water can carry germs that make you sick.
- To prevent infections, wear shoes on beaches where there may be animal waste.
Hide Most animals avoid people, but they may attack if they feel threatened, are protecting their young or territory, or if they are injured or ill. Animal bites and scratches can lead to serious diseases such as rabies.
Follow these tips to protect yourself:
- Do not touch or feed any animals you do not know.
- Do not allow animals to lick open wounds, and do not get animal saliva in your eyes or mouth.
- Avoid rodents and their urine and feces.
- Traveling pets should be supervised closely and not allowed to come in contact with local animals.
- If you wake in a room with a bat, seek medical care immediately. Bat bites may be hard to see.
All animals can pose a threat, but be extra careful around dogs, bats, monkeys, sea animals such as jellyfish, and snakes. If you are bitten or scratched by an animal, immediately:
- Wash the wound with soap and clean water.
- Go to a doctor right away.
- Tell your doctor about your injury when you get back to the United States.
Consider buying medical evacuation insurance. Rabies is a deadly disease that must be treated quickly, and treatment may not be available in some countries.
Hide Reduce your exposure to germs
Follow these tips to avoid getting sick or spreading illness to others while traveling:
- Wash your hands often, especially before eating.
- If soap and water aren’t available, clean hands with hand sanitizer (containing at least 60% alcohol).
- Don’t touch your eyes, nose, or mouth. If you need to touch your face, make sure your hands are clean.
- Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or your sleeve (not your hands) when coughing or sneezing.
- Try to avoid contact with people who are sick.
- If you are sick, stay home or in your hotel room, unless you need medical care.
Hide Avoid sharing body fluids
Diseases can be spread through body fluids, such as saliva, blood, vomit, and semen.
Protect yourself:
- Use latex condoms correctly.
- Do not inject drugs.
- Limit alcohol consumption. People take more risks when intoxicated.
- Do not share needles or any devices that can break the skin. That includes needles for tattoos, piercings, and acupuncture.
- If you receive medical or dental care, make sure the equipment is disinfected or sanitized.
Hide Know how to get medical care while traveling
Plan for how you will get health care during your trip, should the need arise:
- Carry a list of local doctors and hospitals at your destination.
- Review your health insurance plan to determine what medical services it would cover during your trip. Consider purchasing travel health and medical evacuation insurance.
- Carry a card that identifies, in the local language, your blood type, chronic conditions or serious allergies, and the generic names of any medications you take.
- Some prescription drugs may be illegal in other countries. Call Latvia’s embassy to verify that all of your prescription(s) are legal to bring with you.
- Bring all the medicines (including over-the-counter medicines) you think you might need during your trip, including extra in case of travel delays. Ask your doctor to help you get prescriptions filled early if you need to.
Many foreign hospitals and clinics are accredited by the Joint Commission International. A list of accredited facilities is available at their website (www.jointcommissioninternational.org).
In some countries, medicine (prescription and over-the-counter) may be substandard or counterfeit. Bring the medicines you will need from the United States to avoid having to buy them at your destination.
Hide Select safe transportation
Motor vehicle crashes are the #1 killer of healthy US citizens in foreign countries.
In many places cars, buses, large trucks, rickshaws, bikes, people on foot, and even animals share the same lanes of traffic, increasing the risk for crashes.
Walking
Be smart when you are traveling on foot.
- Use sidewalks and marked crosswalks.
- Pay attention to the traffic around you, especially in crowded areas.
- Remember, people on foot do not always have the right of way in other countries.
Riding/Driving
Choose a safe vehicle.
- Choose official taxis or public transportation, such as trains and buses.
- Ride only in cars that have seatbelts.
- Avoid overcrowded, overloaded, top-heavy buses and minivans.
- Avoid riding on motorcycles or motorbikes, especially motorbike taxis. (Many crashes are caused by inexperienced motorbike drivers.)
- Choose newer vehicles—they may have more safety features, such as airbags, and be more reliable.
- Choose larger vehicles, which may provide more protection in crashes.
Think about the driver.
- Do not drive after drinking alcohol or ride with someone who has been drinking.
- Consider hiring a licensed, trained driver familiar with the area.
- Arrange payment before departing.
Follow basic safety tips.
- Wear a seatbelt at all times.
- Sit in the back seat of cars and taxis.
- When on motorbikes or bicycles, always wear a helmet. (Bring a helmet from home, if needed.)
- Avoid driving at night; street lighting in certain parts of Latvia may be poor.
- Do not use a cell phone or text while driving (illegal in many countries).
- Travel during daylight hours only, especially in rural areas.
- If you choose to drive a vehicle in Latvia, learn the local traffic laws and have the proper paperwork.
- Get any driving permits and insurance you may need. Get an International Driving Permit (IDP). Carry the IDP and a US-issued driver's license at all times.
- Check with your auto insurance policy's international coverage, and get more coverage if needed. Make sure you have liability insurance.
Flying
- Avoid using local, unscheduled aircraft.
- If possible, fly on larger planes (more than 30 seats); larger airplanes are more likely to have regular safety inspections.
- Try to schedule flights during daylight hours and in good weather.
Medical Evacuation Insurance
If you are seriously injured, emergency care may not be available or may not meet US standards. Trauma care centers are uncommon outside urban areas. Having medical evacuation insurance can be helpful for these reasons.
Helpful Resources
Road Safety Overseas (Information from the US Department of State): Includes tips on driving in other countries, International Driving Permits, auto insurance, and other resources.
The Association for International Road Travel has country-specific Road Travel Reports available for most countries for a minimal fee.
Hide Maintain personal security
Use the same common sense traveling overseas that you would at home, and always stay alert and aware of your surroundings.
Before you leave
- Research your destination(s), including local laws, customs, and culture.
- Monitor travel warnings and alerts and read travel tips from the US Department of State.
- Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP).
- Leave a copy of your itinerary, contact information, credit cards, and passport with someone at home.
- Pack as light as possible, and leave at home any item you could not replace.
While at your destination(s)
- Carry contact information for the nearest US embassy or consulate.
- Carry a photocopy of your passport and entry stamp; leave the actual passport securely in your hotel.
- Follow all local laws and social customs.
- Do not wear expensive clothing or jewelry.
- Always keep hotel doors locked, and store valuables in secure areas.
- If possible, choose hotel rooms between the 2nd and 6th floors.
Hide Top
Hide Healthy Travel Packing List
Use the Healthy Travel Packing List for Latvia for a list of health-related items to consider packing for your trip. Talk to your doctor about which items are most important for you.
Why does CDC recommend packing these health-related items?
It’s best to be prepared to prevent and treat common illnesses and injuries. Some supplies and medicines may be difficult to find at your destination, may have different names, or may have different ingredients than what you normally use.
Top
Hide Travel Health Notices
There are no notices currently in effect for Latvia.
Top
If you are not feeling well after your trip, you may need to see a doctor. If you need help finding a travel medicine specialist, see Find a Clinic. Be sure to tell your doctor about your travel, including where you went and what you did on your trip. Also tell your doctor if you were bitten or scratched by an animal while traveling.
For more information on what to do if you are sick after your trip, see Getting Sick after Travel.
Top
Map Disclaimer - The boundaries and names shown and the designations used on maps do not imply the expression of any opinion whatsoever on the part of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention concerning the legal status of any country, territory, city or area or of its authorities, or concerning the delimitation of its frontiers or boundaries. Approximate border lines for which there may not yet be full agreement are generally marked.
Currency
The official currency is the Euro (EUR). Most hotels and restaurants in Riga accept credit cards, but outside of the capital credit cards are not widely accepted and credit card fraud can be a problem at smaller institutions. Foreign currency can be exchanged at any bank, at money change kiosks and at some hotels. Note that an extra fee will be charged to exchange US dollars that are torn or marked in any way. Most banks are closed on Saturdays and Sundays. ATMs are available in the larger cities.
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Exchange rate for 1 EUR - Euro
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1.12 BMD
Bermudan Dollar
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1.12 USD
U.S. Dollar
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0.77 GBP
U.K. Pound Sterling
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121.65 JPY
Japanese Yen
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1.46 CAD
Canadian Dollar
|
1.10 CHF
Swiss Franc
|
1.54 AUD
Australian Dollar
|
28.05 UAH
Ukrainian Hryvnia
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377.26 KZT
Kazakhstani Tenge
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1,682.21 LBP
Lebanese Pound
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0.80 LYD
Libyan Dinar
|
7.66 BOB
Bolivian Boliviano
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120.52 NPR
Nepalese Rupee
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0.43 OMR
Omani Rial
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4.07 QAR
Qatari Rial
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1.54 SGD
Singapore Dollar
|
9.26 SEK
Swedish Krona
|
7.41 TTD
Trinidad Tobago Dollar
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11.15 VEF
Venezuelan Bolivar
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51.20 DOP
Dominican Peso
|
7.51 HRK
Croatian Kuna
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20.82 MXN
Mexican Peso
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654.97 XOF
West African CFA Franc
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3.54 PGK
Papua New Guinean kina
|
1.12 BSD
Bahamian Dollar
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2.36 FJD
Fiji Dollar
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25.29 HNL
Honduran Lempira
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123.47 DZD
Algerian Dinar
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1,330.84 MMK
Myanma Kyat
|
12.50 BWP
Botswana Pula
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3.76 PEN
Peruvian Nuevo Sol
|
774.75 CLP
Chilean Peso
|
534.10 AMD
Armenia Dram
|
27.00 CZK
Czech Koruna
|
22.32 MDL
Moldova Lei
|
138.84 ISK
Icelandic Krona
|
3,282.94 UZS
Uzbekistan Sum
|
4.31 ILS
Israeli New Sheqel
|
0.79 JOD
Jordanian Dinar
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0.34 KWD
Kuwaiti Dinar
|
35.02 UYU
Uruguayan Peso
|
39.68 MUR
Mauritian Rupee
|
31.85 NIO
Nicaraguan Córdoba
|
9.32 NOK
Norwegian Krone
|
4.38 PLN
Polish Zloty
|
4.19 SAR
Saudi Riyal
|
163.12 LKR
Sri Lanka Rupee
|
39.79 THB
Thai Baht
|
4.10 AED
U.A.E Dirham
|
4.02 BRL
Brazilian Real
|
4.52 RON
Romanian New Leu
|
8.68 HKD
Hong Kong Dollar
|
656.46 XAF
Central African CFA Franc
|
25,106.99 VND
Vietnamese Dong
|
15.58 ARS
Argentine Peso
|
3.01 XCD
East Caribbean Dollar
|
8.75 GTQ
Guatemalan Quetzal
|
10.92 MAD
Moroccan Dirham
|
0.42 BHD
Bahrain Dinar
|
1.12 PAB
Panamanian Balboa
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Riga International Airport (RIX)
Riga International Airport
http://www.riga-airport.com
Location: Riga The airport is situated six miles (10km) from Riga.
Time: GMT +2 (GMT +3 from the last Sunday in March to the last Sunday in October).
Contacts:
Tel: +371 29 311 187
Transfer between terminals:
The terminals are all accessible on foot.
Getting to the city:
Bus 22 has a direct service between the airport and the city centre; the bus stop is located opposite the terminal behind the car park. Minibus 322 is a faster service connecting the airport to the city centre; minibuses operated by RÄ«gas Mikroautobusu Satiksme are known to be the most comfortable and efficient. Some hotels provide their own shuttle services. Taxis are also available outside the terminal building, taking approximately 15 minutes to the city centre.
Car rental:
Car rental companies include well-known names like Avis, Budget, Sixt, and Europcar and can be found in the Arrivals sector E.
Airport Taxis:
Taxis are also available outside the terminal building, taking approximately 15 minutes to the city centre.
Facilities:
Facilities include banks and currency exchange bureaux, duty-free shopping, restaurants and cafes, left luggage, a pharmacy, a spa, barber, and a variety of shops. Facilities for those with special needs are good and passengers should notify their airline about their requirements before travel.
Parking:
Parking is available in the short-term car park (P1) or in one of two long-term car parks (P2 and P3) situated within a few minutes' walking distance from the airport terminal. Short-term parking is situated in front of the terminal building and costs €1.50 for the first 30 minutes. Long-term parking costs €4 per day.
Overview of the Attractions in Latvia
Dom Cathedral
Riga
Opening time: Open daily: 10am to 5pm.
Admission: Free
Dating back to 1211, the red brick Dom (or Dome) Protestant Cathedral is a highlight of the historic centre of Riga. The cathedral is situated near the Western Daugava River and boasts an incredible organ with over 6,500 pipes built in 1844, stained-glass windows, and a beautifully whitewashed interior. There are regular concerts held on the organ, and the cathedral also has its own boys' choir that gives regular performances. A great historical sight in Latvia, that earns rave reviews from all who experience it. The Dom Protestant Cathedral is a great historical sight in Latvia that earns rave reviews from all who experience it.
Address: Herdera laukums 6, Centra rajon
Telephone: +371 67 227 573
Website: http://www.doms.lv/index/
Riga Castle
Riga
Opening time: Foreign Art Museum: Open Tuesday to Sunday from 11am to 5pm. The Castle is open daily, though some sections are off-limits to tourists due to the Presidential residence
Riga Castle (or Riga Pils) was built in 1330 on the site of the original settlement of the city as a residence for the master of the Livonian Order, and later it served as the base for the city's occupiers throughout its history. The distinctive yellow castle was destroyed and rebuilt over time, and today it serves as the offices and home of the Latvian president, as well as the Latvian Museum of Foreign Art and the Rainis Museum of Literature and Art History. The castle is strategically placed on the banks of the Daugava, originally in order to oversee all ships entering the city's port, and has four towers and an inner courtyard.
Address: Pils laukums 3
Telephone: +371 67 092 106
Email Address: prese@president.lv
Open Air Ethnographic Museum
Riga
Opening time: Open daily from 10am to 5pm
Admission: LVL 1
The Open Air Ethnographic Museum is a fascinating reflection of the traditional Latvian way of life. Set on 247 acres (100ha), the museum consists of farmhouses, fishing villages, windmills, and other historic buildings relocated here to create an outdoor exhibit. Visitors to Riga can watch craftsmen at work, sample traditional Latvian cooking and ales, and learn more about the history of this deeply interesting country.
Address: Brivibas Gatve 440
Telephone: +371 799 4106
Website: http://www.brivdabasmuzejs.lv/en/
Email Address: info@brivdabasmuzejs.lv
Riga Central Market
Riga
Opening time: Daily from 7am to 6pm.
Admission: Free
One of the oldest and biggest of its kind, Riga's Central Market dates back to 1201 and is a riot of sounds, sights, and smells. Anything from fresh fruits, cheeses, and whole sheep carcasses, to appliances, clothing, and CDs are on offer, usually at very reasonable prices. The market was moved from its original home and relocated several times, but since the 1930s has occupied the same space in several World War I hangars, close to the bus and train stations. There is room for over 1,000 vendors, and no visit to Riga is complete without a stroll through its tantalising stalls.
Address: 7, Nēģu iela
Telephone: +371 67 229 985
Website: http://www.rct.lv/lv/
The Museum of the Occupation of Riga
Riga
Opening time: Open Tuesday to Sunday, from 11am to 5pm (October to April); and 11am to 6pm (May to September).
Admission: Donation
Latvia was occupied from 1949 to 1991 by two successive regimes in the forms of Nazi Germany and Soviet Russia. This well-curated museum conveys what life was like during this time, and serves as a memorial to those who died or fled as a result of the occupation. Visitors can view film archives and see a reconstruction of life in the infamous Siberian labour camps. A sobering and humanising experience, highly recommended for those who wish to connect to Latvian culture while on holiday in Riga.
Address: Raiņa bulvāris 7, Centra rajons
Telephone: +371 67 212 715
Website: http://www.omf.lv/index.php?lang=english
Art Nouveau Architecture
Riga
Opening time: Open 24 hours a day.
The city of Riga contains the highest concentration of Art Nouveau architecture in the world. Otherwise known as Jugendstil, some of the buildings in central and downtown Riga date as far as the late 19th century. The style is characterised by unusual shapes, curved and organic arches, gargoyles, carved faces, and flamboyant cornices. Over 30 percent of central Riga's buildings were created in this style, many supervised by famous Russian architect Mikhail Eisenstein. The best streets to view buildings on are Elisebetes, Strelnieku, and Albert. The Riga Art Nouveau Centre, located in central downtown, has been furnished in the Art Nouveau style allowing visitors to fully immerse themselves in the early 20th century.
Address: Albert St 13, Central District
Telephone: +371 80 000 800
Website: http://www.latvia.travel/en/article/art-nouveau
Riga Motor Museum
Riga
Opening time: Open daily from 10am to 6pm.
Admission: LVL 1.50
What is undoubtedly eastern Europe's finest motor museum is tucked away on the outskirts of Riga, and makes for an essential outing if you enjoy classic cars and Soviet history. The museum contains Molotov's limousine, Stalin's bombproof sedan, and the wreck of Brezhnev's car in which he crashed. The model dummies in the vehicles are a nice touch. There is a priceless collection of classic sports cars and motorcycles, irresistibly photogenic for petrol heads.
Address: Sergeja Eizenšteina iela 8, Vidzemes priekšpilsēta
Telephone: +371 67 02 5888
Website: http://www.motormuzejs.lv
Email Address: info@motormuzejs.lv
Jurmala
Riga
Jurmala is the main holiday resort town in Latvia, the place locals go to when they want to relax, catch a tan, and enjoy a spa treatment. The beaches are very good and the seafood restaurants are excellent too. Apart from sand and sea, the main attractions of Jurmala are its spas, which offer a range of therapies and treatments at a fraction of what they'd cost in western Europe. Getting to Jurmala from Riga is easy: by train or bus, the journey takes 30 minutes. Jurmala is fast becoming one of eastern Europe's best spa destinations, and tourists are urged to check it out before the secret gets out and prices begin to sky-rocket.
Sigulda
Riga
Just 33 miles (56km) from the capital, Sigulda is a picturesque little town located in the primordial Gauja Valley. It's well worth the trip for tourists to Riga. Dubbed the 'Switzerland of Vidzeme' due to the steep cliffs and caves that line the sides of the river gorge, Sigulda makes a wonderful base from which to explore Latvia's considerable natural bounty. Notable tourist attractions of the area include the Medieval and Turaida Castles, with the former staging an annual open-air Opera Festival in the summer. Gauja National Park is within touching distance of Sigulda, offering great activities such as walking trails and bungee-jumping in summer; and luge, bobsledding, and skiing in the winter. The town of Sigulda itself is particularly worth visiting in spring, when cherry blossoms bloom; and in autumn, where the town seems to take on the blood-orange hue of the leaves falling from its trees. Be sure to visit the Gutmanis Cave, the largest in the Baltic region, and the
setting of the Latvian folktale of the Rose of Turaida.
Latvian National Opera
Riga
Opening time: Tours on Friday at 5pm
Admission: Tour: LVL 3
The Latvian National Opera building is a magnificent 19th-century structure, home to the National Opera, Ballet, and Orchestra companies. Built in 1863 by the St Petersburg architect Ludwig Bohnstedt, the columned and colonnaded building is not only incredibly photogenic, but lays claim to an interesting history. Guided tours of the opera building take place at 5pm every Friday, and are a very popular tourist attraction in Riga. Culture-vultures should also check out the Latvian National Opera's website for programme information. The country has a proud classical music history, with Richard Wagner being Director of Music in Riga between 1837 and 1839, and recitals are often of rare quality.
Address: Aspazijas bulvāris 3, Centra rajons
Telephone: +371 67 073 777
Website: http://www.opera.lv
Email Address: info@opera.lv
Public Holidays in Latvia
| |
2020 |
2021 |
| New Year's Day |
Wed. January 1 |
Wed. January 1 |
| Good Friday |
Thu. April 10 |
Wed. April 2 |
| Easter Monday |
Sun. April 13 |
Sat. April 5 |
| Labour Day |
Thu. May 1 |
Thu. May 1 |
| Declaration of Independence Day |
Sun. May 4 |
Sun. May 4 |
| Ligo (Midsummer's Eve) |
Mon. June 23 |
Mon. June 23 |
| Jani (St John's Day) |
Tue. June 24 |
Tue. June 24 |
| Latvian National Day |
Tue. November 18 |
Tue. November 18 |
| Christmas Day |
Thu. December 25 |
Thu. December 25 |
| Boxing Day |
Fri. December 26 |
Fri. December 26 |
| New Year's Eve |
Wed. December 31 |
Wed. December 31 |
