Latvia: Travel Requirements, Health & Medical Insurance
Latvia is part of the European Union and the Schengen Area, so its entry rules depend on each traveler's passport: some nationalities are visa-exempt for short stays, while others must apply for a visa in advance. Together with Estonia and Lithuania, it forms the group of Baltic states, well connected to one another by bus and train with no extra formalities when crossing their internal Schengen borders.
The currency is the euro (EUR) and the official language is Latvian. The general emergency number is 112.
Visa and health for travelers
Visa: Latvia is a member of the European Union and the Schengen Area; the short-stay visa requirement depends on the traveler's passport, not their country of residence.
Health & travel insurance: The healthcare system is solid but bills visitors without a reciprocal agreement; insurance with at least EUR 30,000 in medical coverage is recommended.
Visa and Entry Requirements
Passport holders who require a Schengen visa must apply at the relevant Latvian consulate, with a flight reservation, accommodation booking, and travel insurance providing at least EUR 30,000 in medical coverage. Visa-exempt nationalities may stay up to 90 days within any 180-day period, counting time spent across the entire Schengen Area.
- Passport valid for at least 3 months beyond the planned departure date.
- Proof of accommodation and sufficient financial means.
- Travel insurance with the minimum required coverage if your nationality needs a visa.
Health, Hospitals & Medical Insurance
Latvia's healthcare system is solid, but visitors without a reciprocal agreement with their country of residence are billed directly. Travel insurance speeds up payment with the hospital and avoids the need to pay cash upfront.
Assist-365 covers hospitalization, COVID-19, and 24-hour medical assistance in Latvia, with a certificate accepted for the Schengen visa application; the code MEDALLOADV2023 gives a discount when quoting the plan.
Transportation and Currency
The currency is the euro (EUR). Riga has good bus and train connections to Tallinn (Estonia) and Vilnius (Lithuania), making it easy to tour all three Baltic states on a single itinerary.
When to Travel
Summer (June to August) is the best time to explore Riga's historic center, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Winter is cold with short days, but appealing for its Christmas markets.
Travel checklist for Latvia
Quick list based on this guide's real data (not generic) before traveling to Latvia.
- Check the visa requirement for Latvia based on your passport: Latvia is a member of the European Union and the Schengen Area; the short-stay visa requirement depends on the traveler's passport, not their country of residence.
- Passport valid for at least 6 months from the entry date
- Travel medical insurance arranged, keeping this in mind: The healthcare system is solid but bills visitors without a reciprocal agreement; insurance with at least EUR 30,000 in medical coverage is recommended.
- Save Latvia's emergency number: 112, along with your insurer's contact
- Cash or a no-fee card in Euro (EUR)
- Physical and digital copies of passport, insurance and bookings
- Required or recommended vaccines up to date for the region
- eSIM or international data plan active on arrival
Frequently Asked Questions
Do all travelers need a visa to enter Latvia?
No. As a Schengen country, the requirement depends on each traveler's passport; some nationalities enter without a visa while others must apply in advance.
What is the emergency number in Latvia?
112, active throughout the country for police, ambulance, and fire services.
Can you travel between Latvia, Estonia, and Lithuania without formalities?
Yes; since all three belong to the Schengen Area, there's no border control between them for anyone who has already legally entered the bloc.
What currency should I use in Latvia?
The euro (EUR), the same currency used in Estonia and Lithuania.
