Group trips to Latvia

Find out the entry requirements for Latvia, and, if needed, apply for your visa through our partner Sherpa.

Before traveling, always remember to check the government website of your country of origin for updates on the entry requirements for Latvia – you wouldn’t want to stay home due to a bureaucratic detail!

• UK residents: review the FCDO Travel Advice.
• US residents: consult the US Department of State Travel Advice.
• Other residents: refer to your government or local consulate's travel advice.

Latvia operates in the Eastern European Time Zone (EET), which is UTC+2. During daylight saving time, the country shifts to Eastern European Summer Time (EEST), which is UTC+3, typically from the last Sunday in March to the last Sunday in October.

If it is 12pm in the UK, it will be 2pm in Latvia during standard time and 3pm during daylight saving time. If it is 12pm in the USA (Eastern Time), it will be 7pm in Latvia during standard time and 8pm during daylight saving time.

Latvia uses the Euro (EUR) as its currency. You can easily exchange GBP, USD, or other currencies at banks, currency exchange offices, or even some hotels in Latvia. The daily exchange rates can fluctuate, so it's good to check online or at a local bank for the most current rates before you exchange.

In Latvia, you can easily pay using credit and debit cards, which are widely accepted in most places, including restaurants, shops, and hotels. Contactless payments are also common, so you can use your smartphone or smartwatch if you prefer. It's always a good idea to have some cash on hand for smaller vendors or markets, but ATMs are readily available for withdrawals if you need them.

Tipping in Latvia is not mandatory, but it's appreciated for good service. In restaurants, rounding up the bill or leaving a tip of around 10 percent is common. For taxi drivers and hotel staff, rounding up or leaving a small tip is also welcomed. Remember, tipping is at your discretion based on the service you receive.

Latvia is part of the European Union, so if you're from another EU country, you can use your mobile data plan just like at home thanks to roaming agreements. If you're from outside the EU, buying a local SIM card or an e-SIM data plan is a good idea. Look for providers like LMT or Tele2, which offer good coverage and data packages. Wi-Fi is widely available in hotels, cafes, and public areas in cities like Riga, so staying connected won't be an issue.

In Latvia, the official language is Latvian. Here are some useful expressions you might hear or use during your visit:

• Hello: Sveiki
• Thank you: Paldies
• Please: Lūdzu
• Yes: Jā
• No: Nē

Many Latvians also speak English, especially in larger cities and tourist areas, so you should be able to get by with English as well.

In Latvia, the plugs used are Type C and Type F. These plugs have two round pins. The standard voltage is 230 V, and the frequency is 50 Hz. If you're coming from a country that doesn't use these plug types, we suggest bringing a universal adapter to ensure you can charge your devices without any issues.

The main religion in Latvia is Christianity, with Lutheranism, Roman Catholicism, and Eastern Orthodoxy being the most practiced branches. Latvia is known for its religious tolerance, and there are various religious communities coexisting peacefully.

Important religious holidays in Latvia include Christmas and Easter, which are celebrated widely with various customs and traditions. Remember that while visiting religious sites, it is respectful to dress modestly and be mindful of local customs.

When packing for Latvia, it's good to be prepared for varying weather conditions, especially if you're visiting during spring or autumn. Here's a handy list to help you pack your backpack efficiently:

• Clothing:
  • Light layers
  • Warm sweater
  • Waterproof jacket
  • T-shirts
  • Comfortable jeans or trousers
• Shoes:
  • Comfortable walking shoes
  • Waterproof boots
  • Casual shoes for evenings
• Accessories and Technology:
  • Power bank
  • Camera or smartphone with charger
  • Universal travel adapter
  • Sunglasses
• Toiletries and Medication:
  • Travel-size shampoo and conditioner
  • Toothbrush and toothpaste
  • Moisturizer
  • Basic first aid kit
  • Pain relievers like ibuprofen or paracetamol

Latvia has a temperate climate with distinct seasons, and the weather can vary depending on the region:

• Coastal Areas: Mild summers and cool, windy winters. Summer temperatures range from 15 to 20°C, while winter can drop to -5°C.
• Inland: Warm summers with temperatures around 20 to 25°C, and cold winters with temperatures often below -10°C.

The best time to visit is during late spring (May to June) and early autumn (September) for pleasant weather and fewer crowds. Summer is also lovely, especially for outdoor activities. Winter can be quite cold, but it's perfect for enjoying the festive season and winter sports.