Latvia
Riga and Jurmala
Riga's old town is beautiful, but outside it the city has far less charm. Spend your time in the old town, then take the train out to the beach at Jurmala.
Best time: June, July and August
Good to know
- Capital
- Riga
- Currency
- Euro (€)
- Language
- Latvian
- Say hello
- SveikiThank you: Paldies
- Plugs
- Type C and F (two round pins)
- Tap water
- Generally safe to drink
When to go
- January: low season
- February: low season
- March: low season
- April: good
- May: good
- June: best
- July: best
- August: best
- September: good
- October: low season
- November: low season
- December: good
June to August for the beach at Jurmala; December for the Christmas markets.
Where to go in Latvia
Day trips
Easy escapes from a city base, usually without a tour.
More guides
Visa & entry
- Latvia is in the Schengen area. EU citizens only need a passport or ID card.
- UK, US and many other passports can stay visa-free for up to 90 days in any 180 days, counted across the whole Schengen area.
- Since April 2026 non-EU visitors are registered (photo and fingerprints) in the new Entry/Exit System (EES) at the border, so allow extra time.
- ETIAS, a paid online travel authorisation for visa-free visitors, is expected to start in late 2026. Check before you book.
- Indian passports need a Schengen visa.
- EU official site: EES and ETIAS
- EU list: who needs a Schengen visa
- UK government travel advice
- US government travel advice
General info for the most common passports, checked November 2026. Rules depend on your passport and can change at short notice, so always confirm on the official site before you book.
Latvia FAQ
When is the best time to visit Latvia?
June to August for the beach at Jurmala; December for the Christmas markets.
What currency does Latvia use?
Euro (€).
What language do they speak in Latvia?
Latvian. Hello is "Sveiki" and thank you is "Paldies".
Can you drink the tap water in Latvia?
Generally safe to drink.
What plugs does Latvia use?
Type C and F (two round pins). Pack a universal adapter if yours are different.
Do I need a visa for Latvia?
Latvia is in the Schengen area. EU citizens only need a passport or ID card. UK, US and many other passports can stay visa-free for up to 90 days in any 180 days, counted across the whole Schengen area. Rules change, so check the official site (https://travel-europe.europa.eu/) before you book.