Latvia
Summary
Before you travel, check the ‘Entry requirements’ section for Latvia’s current entry restrictions and requirements. These may change with little warning. Monitor this advice for the latest updates and stay in contact with your travel provider.
If you plan to pass through another country to return to the UK, check the travel advice for the country you’re transiting.
It is more important than ever to get travel insurance and check it provides sufficient cover. See the FCDO’s guidance on foreign travel insurance.
There are rules about taking food and drink into the EU. See Taking food and drink into the EU for further information. There are rules about taking your pet into the EU. See Taking your pet dog, cat or ferret abroad for further information.
Around 142,000 British nationals visit Latvia each year. Most visits are trouble-free.
If you are living in or moving to Latvia, read the Living in Latvia guide in addition to this travel advice.
You are required to have health insurance when you enter Latvia. See Health insurance
Terrorist attacks in Latvia can’t be ruled out. See Terrorism
If you’re abroad and you need emergency help from the UK government, contact the nearest British embassy, consulate or high commission.
Summary
Before you travel, check the ‘Entry requirements’ section for Latvia’s current entry restrictions and requirements. These may change with little warning. Monitor this advice for the latest updates and stay in contact with your travel provider.
If you plan to pass through another country to return to the UK, check the travel advice for the country you’re transiting.
It is more important than ever to get travel insurance and check it provides sufficient cover. See the FCDO’s guidance on foreign travel insurance.
There are rules about taking food and drink into the EU. See Taking food and drink into the EU for further information. There are rules about taking your pet into the EU. See Taking your pet dog, cat or ferret abroad for further information.
Around 142,000 British nationals visit Latvia each year. Most visits are trouble-free.
If you are living in or moving to Latvia, read the Living in Latvia guide in addition to this travel advice.
You are required to have health insurance when you enter Latvia. See Health insurance
Terrorist attacks in Latvia can’t be ruled out. See Terrorism
If you’re abroad and you need emergency help from the UK government, contact the nearest British embassy, consulate or high commission.
Update history
2024-09-05 13:19
Information on the new EU Entry/Exit System (EES), planned to be introduced from November 2024 (‘Entry requirements’ page).
2024-07-19 11:37
Addition of information on restrictions on Belarusian vehicles from entering Latvia (Entry Requirements page)
2024-06-21 13:49
This travel advice was reviewed for style and accuracy. Added information about the legalisation of same-sex unions (see ‘Safety and security’ page).
2024-05-08 16:07
New information on the Belarus-Latvia border (‘Safety and Security’ page).
2024-03-08 15:09
Information on entry to Latvia for British-Russian dual nationals and driving in Latvia (‘Entry requirements’ and ‘Safety and security’ pages).
2024-01-22 16:19
Information on entry to Latvia for British-Russian dual nationals (‘Entry requirements’ page).
2023-11-16 15:46
Information about political demonstrations and vehicle crime (‘Safety and security’ page).
2023-10-30 16:21
Information about restrictions on vehicles with Russian licence plates (‘Entry requirements’ page).
2023-09-06 15:40
This travel advice has been rewritten to make it easier to read and understand.
2023-06-22 10:51
Information about the global terrorism risks to British nationals abroad on all FCDO travel advice pages.
2023-01-20 12:55
Change of information on terrorism (‘Terrorism’ page)
2022-10-14 18:36
Updated information on entry requirements for some dual nationals (‘Entry requirements’ page)
2022-07-05 10:22
Updated information on the lifting of the requirement to wear face masks on public transport (‘Coronavirus’ page)
2022-05-12 15:26
Clarification about current passport validity (‘Entry requirements’ page)
2022-05-10 09:48
Removal of reference to possible demonstrations in Riga on 9 May
2022-05-06 17:22
Addition of information on possible demonstrations in Riga on 9 May (‘Summary’ and ‘Safety and security’ pages)
2022-03-31 12:23
Update to information on the use of face masks (‘Coronavirus’ page). Updated information following changes to entry rules (‘Entry requirements’ page).
2022-03-11 17:24
Updated information regarding entry requirements (Entry requirements)
2022-03-07 10:31
Updated advice on travel from Russia and Belarus (‘Safety and security’ page)
2022-03-05 14:21
Updated information on travelling to Latvia from Russia (see ‘Safety and security’) and information on bringing your pet into the EU (see ‘Summary’).
2022-02-28 17:34
Updated information on restrictions for public places and services and entry requirements (‘Coronavirus’ and ‘Entry requirements’ page)
2022-02-21 11:01
Update to information following the removal of the requirement to self-isolate after arrival in Latvia (‘Entry requirements’ page)