Travel Facts
US State Dept Travel Advisory
The US Department of State currently recommends US citizens exercise normal precautions in Latvia.
https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/traveladvisories/traveladvisories.html
Passport/Visa Requirements
For the latest passport and visa requirements for this country, please consult the U.S. State Department’s “Learn About Your Destination” search tool, available through the link below.
https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel/International-Travel-Country-Information-Pages.html
US Embassy/Consulate
+(371) 6710-7000 or +(371) 2920-5708; US Embassy Riga, Samnera Velsa iela 1, Riga LV-1510, Latvia; askconsular-riga@state.gov; https://lv.usembassy.gov/
LGBTQIA+ Travelers
Telephone Code
371
Local Emergency Phone
Ambulance: 112, 03; Fire: 112, 01; Police: 112, 02
Vaccinations
The CDC and WHO recommend the following vaccinations for Latvia: hepatitis A, hepatitis B, rabies, tickborne encephalitis, meningitis, polio, measles, mumps and rubella (MMR), Tdap (tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis), chickenpox, shingles, pneumonia, influenza, COVID-19.
http://www.who.int/
Climate
Maritime; wet, moderate winters
Currency (Code)
Euros (EUR)
Electricity/Voltage/Plug Type(s)
230 V / 50 Hz / plug types(s): C, F
Major Languages
Latvian, Russian
Major Religions
Lutheran, Roman Catholic, Orthodox
Time Difference
UTC+2 (7 hours ahead of Washington, DC, during Standard Time); daylight saving time: +1hr, begins last Sunday in March; ends last Sunday in October
Potable Water
Opt for bottled water
International Driving Permit
Suggested
Road Driving Side
Right
Tourist Destinations
Gauja National Park; Jurmala Resort; Rundale Palace & Museum; Turaida Museum Reserve; Riga (includes Freedom Statue, Saint Peter's Church, Blackheads House)
Major Sports
Soccer, ice hockey, basketball
Cultural Practices
Although friendly and informal with close friends and family, Latvians are reserved and formal when dealing with outsiders.
Tipping Guidelines
A 10% tip for good table service at a restaurant or lounge is appreciated. Round up the bill for bartenders and cab drivers.
Souvenirs
Amber jewelry and decorative items, ceramic items, wickerwork, silver, beer/liquor
Traditional Cuisine
Grey Peas and Bacon — grey peas cooked in smoked bacon, onion, and salt; rye bread
Please visit the following links to find further information about your desired destination.
World Health Organization (WHO) - To learn what vaccines and health precautions to take while visiting your destination.
US State Dept Travel Information - Overall information about foreign travel for US citizens.
To obtain an international driving permit (IDP). Only two organizations in the US issue IDPs:
American Automobile Association (AAA) and American Automobile Touring Alliance (AATA)
How to get help in an emergency?
Contact the nearest US embassy or consulate, or call one of these numbers:
from the US or Canada - 1-888-407-4747 or from Overseas - +1 202-501-4444
Page last updated: Thursday, May 09, 2024
