Latvia is a country that combines beautiful nature with historic cities. The capital, Riga, is famous for its unique Art Nouveau architecture and vibrant culture.
CapitalRiga
Population1,886,198
Official language(s)Latvian
CurrencyEuro
Time zoneUTC+2
Public transportation in Latvia is well-developed, so you can easily visit various places using public transport.
Latvia is in the Schengen Area, so many non-EU tourists can stay visa-free for up to 90 days in any 180-day period, but visa requirements depend on your nationality. There is generally no separate travel authorization such as ESTA, K-ETA, UK ETA, eTA, or ETA for Latvia, and there is no widely used online pre-arrival registration system for tourists at present. Paper arrival cards are usually not required, as border records are handled electronically under Schengen rules. Customs declaration is only needed if you carry goods that must be declared, including large amounts of cash or restricted items.
Prepare for border control
Present your passport and any documents matching the purpose of your stay. Under Schengen rules, you may be asked for a return ticket, accommodation details, proof of funds, and the purpose of travel.
Check biometrics registration
At Schengen external borders, including Latvia, first-time entry may involve fingerprinting or facial image capture. If your Schengen biometrics are already on file, the process may be quicker, but border officers can still verify your identity on entry.
Use of e-Gates
At Latvian airports, EU/EEA/Swiss citizens and eligible travelers may use e-Gates where available. Tourists holding other passports may still be directed to regular counters, so follow the signs and staff instructions.
Pass customs
If arriving from outside the EU, rules on food products such as meat, dairy, fruit, and vegetables can be strict, so check duty-free limits and prohibited items in advance. If you have goods to declare, use the red channel and inform customs.
Keep VAT refund documents
To claim a VAT refund on goods bought in Latvia, you may need customs validation before departure, so keep your receipts and refund forms. Refunds are usually processed at designated counters or refund desks at the airport.
Complete departure control
Leaving Latvia is usually simple, with passport and boarding pass checks, though additional verification may be carried out depending on border conditions. When you leave the Schengen Area, your departure record is processed electronically.