Travel advice for Latvia

Travel only if essential to the Latvia-Belarus border area; holidays are unsafe there, consular help is limited, and security is heightened, with special border-guard powers. Elsewhere in Latvia, normal precautions apply, though drones may enter airspace and warnings are issued. Guard against theft and drink-spiking; LGBTQ+ travellers face discrimination and aggression, especially outside Riga. Some crossings are closed or vehicle-only; spring flooding can cause evacuations in southeastern Latvia.

Australia advises normal precautions for Latvia.

Take normal precautions in Latvia, but be especially alert to credit-card fraud in Riga cafés, bars, nightclubs and discos; check prices and pay immediately after receipt. Latvia has one of the EU’s highest road-traffic death rates, so drive with particular care. Do not enter Latvia in Russian-registered vehicles via the Latvian-Russian or Latvian-Belarusian border crossings, and consider supplementary medical insurance because the health system does not meet Austrian standards.

No advice against travel to Latvia, but vehicles registered in Russia cannot be present, regardless of nationality, and violations can cause fines and impoundment. A vehicle may transit once if it does not enter from Russia or Belarus, stays under 24 hours, and vehicle and driver details are notified in advance. Travel with vehicles registered in Belarus via the Latvia and Belarus or Latvia and Russia border crossings is prohibited.

Exercise normal security precautions because petty theft and car theft occur around Riga's old town, market area and central railway and bus stations. Be alert for military debris and smuggling balloons in Latvian airspace. These may cause border, transport or airspace closures, so follow authorities' instructions, including air raid sirens. Guard against card fraud, overcharging, online scams and harassment, avoid walking alone after dark, and remain alert to terrorism.

Use normal precautions; most visitors have no problems. Pickpocketing occurs in Riga, cars may be burgled, and nightlife drinks may be spiked, risking theft or assault. Guard payment cards and beware of open WiFi hacking, use authorised taxis, avoid demonstrations, and prepare for spring flooding in and around Riga. Access to the Belarus and Russia border area is restricted, crossings may close with short notice, and drug penalties are severe.

Take normal precautions when travelling to Latvia, but be prepared for more frequent vehicle and identity document checks in specified border areas through 31 December 2026. Controls are strengthened around Ludza, Kraslava, Augšdaugava, Daugavpils and Kaunata, while eastern crossings with Russia and Belarus may involve transport queues. Carry a valid identity card or passport, including for children, and arrange travel insurance and a European health insurance card.

Germany advises normal precautions for Latvia.

Hong Kong advises normal precautions for Latvia.

Normal precautions are advised because Latvia is safe. Expect stricter controls and queues at the Belarus border; some eastern crossings are closed or restricted to vehicles, and vehicles registered in Russia or Belarus are generally barred. Drive carefully because road conditions and missing motorways increase accident risk around Riga. In Riga, guard against pickpocketing and scams, and solo tourists should avoid Maskavas and parks after dark.

Japan advises normal precautions for Latvia.

Singapore issues no specific advisory for Latvia. Be alert for pickpocketing, bag snatching and street theft, especially in Riga; keep credit cards in sight because fraud and ATM skimming occur. Do not leave drinks unattended because drink spiking is common. Latvia can be extremely cold with hazardous winter weather, so dress adequately and monitor forecasts; public alcohol consumption and export of certain religious materials and antiques are prohibited.

Use the usual precautions in Latvia; no security reasons warrant advising against travel. Avoid lingering near the narrow border zone with Russia and Belarus, where a state of emergency has been declared. Additional requirements apply at Grebņeva, Terehova and Pāternieki crossings. Be especially alert for theft in Riga's Old Town and other busy tourist sites; also note tick-borne infection risks and difficult road conditions.

Take normal precautions in Latvia. British-Russian dual nationals could be refused entry. Other British citizens may visit visa-free for up to 90 days in any 180-day period under Schengen passport rules, but may document accommodation, insurance and funds; work requires separate permission. Biometric checks may delay crossings; overstaying may cause a Schengen entry ban of up to three years, with checks before departure via Dover, Folkestone or St Pancras.

United States advises normal precautions for Latvia.