No travel can be guaranteed safe. Read all the advice in this guide. You may also find it helpful to:
\n\nIf you choose to travel, research your destinations and get appropriate travel insurance. Insurance should cover your itinerary, planned activities and expenses in an emergency.
\n\nThe Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) provides advice about risks of travel to help you make informed decisions. Find out more about FCDO travel advice.
\n\nSign up to get email notifications when this advice is updated.
\n\nFollow FCDO:
\n\n\n\n","slug":"warnings-and-insurance","title":"Warnings and insurance"},{"body":"This information is for people travelling on a full ‘British citizen’ passport from the UK. It is based on the UK government’s understanding of the current rules for the most common types of travel.
\n\nThe authorities in Latvia set and enforce entry rules. If you’re not sure how these requirements apply to you, contact the Latvian Embassy in the UK.
\n\nIf you hold dual nationality with Russia, you could be refused entry to Latvia. See current legal guidance for Russian citizens, which is now in force until 1 January 2027.
\n\nLatvia follows Schengen area rules. Your passport must:
\n\nhave a ‘date of issue’ less than 10 years before the date you arrive – if you renewed your passport before 1 October 2018, it might have a date of issue that is more than 10 years ago, making it invalid for entry to the Schengen area
\nhave an ‘expiry date’ at least 3 months after the day you plan to leave the Schengen area (the expiry date does not need to be within 10 years of the date of issue)
\nCheck with your travel provider that your passport and other travel documents meet requirements. Renew your passport if you need to.
\n\nYou will be denied entry if you do not have a valid travel document or try to use a passport that has been reported lost or stolen.
\n\nWhen returning to the UK, British citizens must carry a valid British passport or certificate of entitlement. See Dual citizenship.
\n\nYou can travel without a visa to the Schengen area, which includes Latvia, for up to 90 days in any 180-day period. This applies if you travel:
\n\nThe requirements for working in Latvia are different.
\n\nIf you’re travelling to other Schengen countries as well, make sure your whole visit is within the 90-day visa-free limit. Visits to Schengen countries in the 180 days before you travel count towards your 90 days. If you overstay the 90-day visa-free limit, you may be banned from entering Schengen countries for up to 3 years.
\n\nAt Latvian border control, you may need to:
\n\nTo stay longer, you must meet the Latvian government’s entry requirements. Check which type of visa you need with the Latvian Embassy in the UK.
\n\nIf you’re in Latvia with a residence permit or long-stay visa, this does not count towards your 90-day visa-free limit.
\n\nRead about entry processes if you live in Latvia.
\n\nThe European Union’s (EU) new Entry/Exit System (EES) is now being implemented across the Schengen area.
\n\nThis means that when you travel into the Schengen area for short stays, you may need to register your biometric details, such as fingerprints and a photo. There is no cost for EES registration.
\n\nOn your first visit into a Schengen country, you may be asked to register your details at a special booth before proceeding to the immigration desk. Follow directions from your travel operator or the staff at your port of entry. You may also need to provide either your fingerprint or photo when you leave the Schengen area. Children aged 11 or younger will not have their fingerprints scanned but can be required to have their photo taken.
\n\nYou do not need to take any action before you arrive at the border on entry to the Schengen area, but EES may take each passenger extra time to complete so be prepared to wait longer than usual at the border and to allow more time for immigration controls when you depart the Schengen area. If you are departing the Schengen area by plane, allow extra time to reach your departure gate as EES checks may take place before boarding.
\n\nEES is replacing the previous system of manually stamping passports when visitors arrive in the Schengen area for short stays. You may be asked to input biometric details every time you enter or exit.
\n\nIf you enter the Schengen area through the Port of Dover, Eurotunnel at Folkestone or Eurostar at St Pancras International, any information will be taken at the border before you leave the UK.
\n\nYour digital EES record is valid for 3 years.
\n\nRead more information on the EU Entry/Exit System and to understand which countries are in the Schengen area.
\n\nIf you are long-term resident in a Schengen country, you are exempt from EES in all Schengen countries. The full list of EES exemptions is on the EU’s official Travel Europe website.
\n\nIf you believe you have been incorrectly entered into EES or your record of time spent in the Schengen area is incorrect, approach border officials when you next cross the Schengen border and request a correction. If you are exempt, carry documentation confirming your status. If you believe your time spent in the Schengen area has been recorded incorrectly, raise this with border officials and be prepared to provide supporting evidence if requested.
\nFor details about medical entry requirements and recommended vaccinations, see TravelHealthPro’s Latvia guide.
\n\nThere are strict rules about goods you can take into or out of Latvia. You must declare anything that may be prohibited or subject to tax or duty.
\n\nYou cannot take meat, milk or products containing them into EU countries. There are some exceptions such as powdered baby milk, baby food and special foods or pet feed required for medical reasons.
\n\nDeclare cash or travellers cheques if the value is 10,000 euros or more. You will get a certified declaration to show you brought it in with you. If you do not, your money could be seized when you leave.
\n\nAny vehicle registered in third countries, including the UK, must be declared for use in Latvia via the e-services of the Road Traffic Safety Directorate before entering Latvia. No fee will be charged for the service and it can be done without personal authentication, but the e-mail address used will have to be verified. See Latvia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs webpage for more information about the declaration process.
\n\nVehicles with Russian and Belarusian plates and registration are, with a few technical exceptions, banned from entering Latvia and using Latvia’s roads. See Latvia’s State Revenue Service and Latvia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs for more information.
\n\n","slug":"entry-requirements","title":"Entry requirements"},{"body":"There is a high threat of terrorist attack globally affecting UK interests and British nationals, including from groups and individuals who view the UK and British nationals as targets. Stay aware of your surroundings at all times.
\n\nUK Counter Terrorism Policing has information and advice on staying safe abroad and what to do in the event of a terrorist attack. Find out how to reduce your risk from terrorism while abroad.
\n\nAlthough there’s no recent history of terrorism in Latvia, attacks cannot be ruled out.
\n\nFCDO currently advises against all travel to Belarus. There is limited access along parts of Latvia’s border with Belarus. The Silene-Urbani road border crossing is currently closed. More border checkpoints may close or implement restrictions at short notice.
\n\nAccess to within 2km of the border with Belarus is limited. If you wish to enter the border area, you are required to obtain a special licence issued by the Latvian Border Guard. You should abide by this limitation at all times and follow the instructions of Latvian authorities if you are in this area.
\n\nPetty crime, particularly bag snatching and pickpocketing, is a greater risk in:
\n\nTake extra care in these areas and:
\n\nSome tourists have been charged high prices for drinks or have found fraudulent transactions on their credit and debit cards. You should:
\n\nFraudsters can steal your card details without you noticing. Use ATMs inside banks if possible, and check ATMs on the street for signs of tampering. Keep cards in sight when paying in shops and restaurants. Read more about how to avoid bank card fraud.
\n\nThere have been instances of drink spiking in Riga and elsewhere in Latvia. Do not leave drinks unattended and be wary of accepting food and drink from strangers in bars, nightclubs and restaurants.
\n\nTry to use car parks with CCTV. Make sure your vehicle is locked and your belongings are out of sight.
\n\nAlways carry a copy of your passport’s photo page.
\n\nDrinking alcohol in public, including in parks and in the streets, is illegal. The police could arrest and fine you.
\n\nIllegal drugs, including cannabis, are strictly prohibited, even in very small quantities. Severe penalties apply for possessing, using, buying, or smuggling illegal drugs, including when transiting through airports. You should expect long jail sentences of up to 10 years and heavy fines.
\n\nAirports in Latvia have excellent technology and security for detecting illegal items. This is also used to scan the baggage of transiting passengers.
\n\nYou can get on-the-spot fines for travelling on public transport without a ticket or with an unvalidated ticket. Validate your ticket with the machine as soon as you board the bus or tram.
\n\nSame-sex sexual activity is legal in Latvia. Same-sex unions were legalised in 2023 and will be able to take place from July 2024.
\n\nWhile there are some LGBT+ friendly venues in larger cities, small towns and rural areas can be less accepting of LGBT+ travellers.
\n\nRead more advice for LGBT+ travellers.
\n\nIf you are planning to drive in Latvia, see information on driving abroad and check the rules of the road in the RAC’s Latvia guide. The guide lists driving regulations and other legal requirements you need to be aware of.
\n\nYou can drive in Latvia with a UK driving licence. If you are living in Latvia, check the driving requirements for residents.
\n\nCarry your original vehicle registration documents when travelling to Latvia by car or motorcycle. If you do not have these documents, you will not be allowed to take your vehicle back out of Latvia.
\n\nCheck if you need a UK sticker to drive your car outside the UK.
\n\nIf you are visiting Latvia, you may be able to use your Blue Badge in some circumstances. Check local parking rules.
\n\nHire car companies often have stricter requirements for their customers, such as a year of driving experience or a higher minimum age.
\n\nTo reduce the risk of being charged inflated fares:
\n\nSome Ukrainian drones aimed at Russia have crossed into Latvian airspace. Follow official guidance as necessary.
\n\nBe prepared for extremely cold and possibly hazardous weather if you travel to Latvia in the winter – between October and March. Temperatures may drop to -25°C or below. Snowfalls can result in delays and cancellations on public transport and difficult road conditions.
\n\n","slug":"safety-and-security","title":"Safety and security"},{"body":"Before you travel check that:
\n\nThis is particularly important if you have a health condition or are pregnant.
\n\nCall 113 and ask for an ambulance.
\n\nContact your insurance company quickly if you’re referred to a medical facility for treatment.
\n\nAt least 8 weeks before your trip:
\n\nSee what health risks you’ll face in Latvia, including tick bites during the warm season between March and October. Tick bites occasionally carry diseases like encephalitis and Lyme disease.
\n\nThe legal status and regulation of some medicines prescribed or bought in the UK can be different in other countries.
\n\nRead best practice when travelling with medicines on TravelHealthPro.
\n\nFCDO has a list of medical facilities in Latvia where some staff will speak English.
\n\nTo get medically necessary state healthcare in Latvia, you need a Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC) or a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC).
\n\nThe NHS’s getting healthcare abroad webpage has details about:
\n\nA GHIC or EHIC is not an alternative to travel insurance. You may have costs your GHIC or EHIC does not cover, including:
\n\nThere is also guidance on healthcare if you’re living in Latvia.
\n\nRead FCDO guidance on travel and mental health. There is also mental health guidance on TravelHealthPro.
\n\n","slug":"health","title":"Health"},{"body":"The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) cannot provide tailored advice for individual trips. Read this travel advice and carry out your own research before deciding whether to travel.
\n\nAmbulance: 113
\n\nFire: 112
\n\nPolice: 110
\n\nRiga Tourist Police: +371 6718 1818
\n\nContact your travel provider and your insurer if you are involved in a serious incident or emergency abroad. They will tell you if they can help and what you need to do.
\n\nFor refunds or changes to travel, contact your travel provider. You may also be able to make a claim through insurance. However, insurers usually require you to talk to your travel provider first.
\n\nFind out more about changing or cancelling travel plans, including:
\n\nFCDO has guidance on staying safe and what to do if you need help or support abroad, including:
\n\nSee how to get help from the UK government abroad including in an emergency.
\n\nYou can call FCDO in London if you need urgent help because something has happened to a friend or relative abroad.
\n\nTelephone: 020 7008 5000 (24 hours)
\n\n\n\nSign up to get email notifications when this travel advice is updated.
\n\nFollow FCDO:
\n\n\n\nThe Overseas Business Risk service offers information and advice for British companies operating in Latvia on how to manage political, economic, and business security-related risks.
\n\n","slug":"getting-help","title":"Getting help"}],"reviewed_at":"2026-08-11T09:17:07Z","updated_at":"2026-08-11T09:17:07Z"},"document_type":"travel_advice","first_published_at":"2013-03-14T00:00:00+00:00","links":{"available_translations":[{"api_path":"/api/content/foreign-travel-advice/latvia","api_url":"https://www.gov.uk/api/content/foreign-travel-advice/latvia","base_path":"/foreign-travel-advice/latvia","content_id":"ba3b46db-c2eb-404d-bcdd-63ccd956cebc","document_type":"travel_advice","links":{},"locale":"en","public_updated_at":"2026-08-11T09:17:07Z","schema_name":"travel_advice","title":"Latvia travel advice","web_url":"https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/latvia","withdrawn":false}],"ordered_related_items":[{"api_path":"/api/content/guidance/about-foreign-commonwealth-development-office-travel-advice","api_url":"https://www.gov.uk/api/content/guidance/about-foreign-commonwealth-development-office-travel-advice","base_path":"/guidance/about-foreign-commonwealth-development-office-travel-advice","content_id":"dd34d3a4-56bd-4cf5-b821-d76f9d997153","document_type":"detailed_guide","links":{},"locale":"en","public_updated_at":"2025-09-24T10:41:27Z","schema_name":"detailed_guide","title":"About Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office travel advice","web_url":"https://www.gov.uk/guidance/about-foreign-commonwealth-development-office-travel-advice","withdrawn":false},{"api_path":"/api/content/government/collections/brexit-guidance","api_url":"https://www.gov.uk/api/content/government/collections/brexit-guidance","base_path":"/government/collections/brexit-guidance","content_id":"479cd15b-680f-4fbe-bc64-55058879957e","document_type":"document_collection","links":{},"locale":"en","public_updated_at":"2023-04-05T08:09:16Z","schema_name":"document_collection","title":"Travel or do business in Europe: Brexit guidance","web_url":"https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/brexit-guidance","withdrawn":false},{"api_path":"/api/content/government/collections/support-for-british-nationals-abroad","api_url":"https://www.gov.uk/api/content/government/collections/support-for-british-nationals-abroad","base_path":"/government/collections/support-for-british-nationals-abroad","content_id":"aad65646-964d-4f68-ac22-5bc6c8281336","document_type":"document_collection","links":{},"locale":"en","public_updated_at":"2022-08-30T23:00:00Z","schema_name":"document_collection","title":"Support for British nationals abroad","web_url":"https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/support-for-british-nationals-abroad","withdrawn":false},{"api_path":"/api/content/guidance/foreign-travel-checklist","api_url":"https://www.gov.uk/api/content/guidance/foreign-travel-checklist","base_path":"/guidance/foreign-travel-checklist","content_id":"5d8baf93-7631-11e4-a3cb-005056011aef","document_type":"detailed_guide","links":{},"locale":"en","public_updated_at":"2026-06-05T15:27:25Z","schema_name":"detailed_guide","title":"Foreign travel checklist","web_url":"https://www.gov.uk/guidance/foreign-travel-checklist","withdrawn":false},{"api_path":"/api/content/world/latvia","api_url":"https://www.gov.uk/api/content/world/latvia","base_path":"/world/latvia","content_id":"30ce668a-e8fb-411d-af4d-7417ad72fce8","description":"Services if you're visiting, studying, working or living in Latvia. Includes information about trading with and doing business in the UK and Latvia, and your rights after the UK’s exit from the EU.","details":{"internal_name":"UK help and services in Latvia","notes_for_editors":"","visible_to_departmental_editors":false},"document_type":"taxon","links":{},"locale":"en","phase":"live","public_updated_at":"2020-02-28T16:11:37Z","schema_name":"taxon","title":"UK help and services in Latvia","web_url":"https://www.gov.uk/world/latvia","withdrawn":false}],"organisations":[{"analytics_identifier":"D1315","api_path":"/api/content/government/organisations/foreign-commonwealth-development-office","api_url":"https://www.gov.uk/api/content/government/organisations/foreign-commonwealth-development-office","base_path":"/government/organisations/foreign-commonwealth-development-office","content_id":"f9fcf3fe-2751-4dca-97ca-becaeceb4b26","details":{"acronym":"FCDO","brand":"foreign-commonwealth-development-office","default_news_image":{"high_resolution_url":"https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/621e4de4e90e0710be0354d7/s960_fcdo-main-building.jpg","url":"https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/621e4de48fa8f5490aff83b4/s300_fcdo-main-building.jpg"},"logo":{"crest":"single-identity","formatted_title":"Foreign, Commonwealth