Travel Vaccines and Advice for Latvia
Latvia is in Northern Europe and is a country in the Baltic Region. Estonia, Lithuania, Russia, and Belarus border Latvia. There is a maritime border located to the west. Its capital is Riga.
Latvia is a mix of the old and new, offers travellers a chance to get in touch with nature, and has beautiful skylines. While Latvia is a small country, there is a lot to experience. It’s a place where the people of Latvia celebrate their culture through festivals.
Whether you love history, architecture, or the beach, travellers will love Latvia.
On This Page:
Do I Need Vaccines for Latvia?
Other Ways to Stay Healthy in Latvia
Do I Need a Visa for Latvia?
What Is the Climate Like in Latvia?
How Safe Is Latvia?
Skrunda-1
What Should I Take to Latvia?
Canadian Embassy in Latvia
Do I Need Vaccines for Latvia?
Yes, some vaccines are recommended or required for Latvia. The PHAC and WHO recommend the following vaccinations for Latvia: hepatitis A, polio, rabies, hepatitis B, influenza, pneumonia, meningitis, chickenpox, shingles, Tdap (tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis) and measles, mumps and rubella (MMR).
See the bullets below to learn more about some of these key immunizations:
- Hepatitis A –
Food & Water –
Recommended for most travellers. - Polio –
Food & Water –
Due to an increase in cases globally, an additional adult booster is recommended for most travellers to any destination. - Rabies –
Saliva of Infected Animals –
High risk country. Vaccine recommended for long-term travellers and those who may come in contact with animals. - Hepatitis B –
Blood & Body Fluids –
Recommended for travellers to most regions. - Influenza –
Airborne –
Vaccine components change annually. - COVID-19 –
Airborne –
Recommended for travel to all regions, both foreign and domestic. - Pneumonia –
Airborne –
Two vaccines given separately. All 65+ or immunocompromised should receive both. - Meningitis –
Direct Contact & Airborne –
Given to anyone unvaccinated or at an increased risk, especially students. - Chickenpox –
Direct Contact & Airborne –
Given to those unvaccinated that did not have chickenpox. - Shingles –
Direct Contact –
Vaccine can still be given if you have had shingles. - Polio –
Food & Water –
Considered a routine vaccination for most travel itineraries. Single adult booster recommended. - TDAP (Tetanus, Diphtheria & Pertussis) –
Wounds & Airborne –
Only one adult booster of pertussis required. - Measles Mumps Rubella (MMR) –
Various Vectors –
Given to anyone unvaccinated and/or born after 1957. One time adult booster recommended.
See the table below for more information:
Recommended Travel Vaccinations for Latvia |
||
| VACCINE | HOW DISEASE SPREADS | DETAILS |
|---|---|---|
| Hepatitis A | Food & Water | Recommended for most travellers. |
| Polio | Food & Water | Due to an increase in cases globally, an additional adult booster is recommended for most travellers to any destination. |
| Rabies | Saliva of Infected Animals | High risk country. Vaccine recommended for long-term travellers and those who may come in contact with animals. |
| Hepatitis B | Blood & Body Fluids | Recommended for travellers to most regions. |
Routine Vaccinations for Latvia |
||
| VACCINE | HOW DISEASE SPREADS | DETAILS |
|---|---|---|
| Influenza | Airborne | Vaccine components change annually. |
| COVID-19 | Airborne | Recommended for travel to all regions, both foreign and domestic. |
| Pneumonia | Airborne | Two vaccines given separately. All 65+ or immunocompromised should receive both. |
| Meningitis | Direct Contact & Airborne | Given to anyone unvaccinated or at an increased risk, especially students. |
| Chickenpox | Direct Contact & Airborne | Given to those unvaccinated that did not have chickenpox. |
| Shingles | Direct Contact | Vaccine can still be given if you have had shingles. |
| TDAP (Tetanus, Diphtheria & Pertussis) | Wounds & Airborne | Only one adult booster of pertussis required. |
| Measles Mumps Rubella (MMR) | Various Vectors | Given to anyone unvaccinated and/or born after 1957. One time adult booster recommended. |
Specific Vaccine Information
- Hepatitis A – Contagious hepatitis A, caused by the hepatitis A virus (HAV), spreads through contaminated food, water, or close contact. Prevention involves vaccination and practicing good hygiene, particularly when travelling to high-risk areas.
- Rabies – Rabies is a deadly viral illness transmitted mainly through animal bites. Vaccination is pivotal, with pre-exposure and post-exposure options available to protect against this potentially fatal disease.
- Hepatitis B – The hepatitis B virus leads to liver infection through contact with infected fluids. The most effective safeguard is the hepatitis B vaccine, administered in a series of shots that stimulate the body to produce antibodies, providing long-term immunity. It is crucial for infants and those at an increased risk of exposure.
- Measles, Mumps, Rubella (MMR) – Measles, mumps, and rubella are infectious diseases that can easily spread. Vaccination remains the primary defense against these threats. The MMR vaccine, with its two-dose regimen, is a reliable way to bolster immunity and reduce the risk of infection and outbreaks.
See our vaccinations page to learn more about these infections and vaccines. Ready to protect yourself? Book your travel health appointment today by calling or schedule online now.
Other Ways to Stay Healthy in Latvia
Prevent Bug Bites in Latvia
Safeguard against bug bites by dressing appropriately and using EPA-registered repellents with DEET, picaridin, or OLE. If bitten, cleanse the area, refrain from scratching, and mitigate discomfort with OTC treatments. Seek medical aid for serious reactions.
Food and Water Safety in Latvia
Abroad, food safety entails avoiding street vendors, thorough hand-washing, and opting for well-cooked dishes. Choose sealed bottled or canned beverages. To prevent travellers’ diarrhea, maintain hand hygiene, avoid raw foods, and dine at reliable restaurants.
Do I Need a Visa for Latvia?
A tourist visa is not required for stays up to 90 days and a business visa is not required for up to 14 days. A passport which is valid for at least 3 months from the date of departure from the Schengen area is required to enter the country.
Latvia Entry Requirements |
||
| Do I Need A… | For My Trip to Latvia? | |
|---|---|---|
| Passport |  |
|
| Tourist Visa | ||
| Business Visa | ||
| Vaccinations | ||
Sources: Embassy of Latvia and Canadian Travel and Tourism
You may be required to show proof of sufficient funds and an onward airline ticket.
Visit the Canadian Travel and Tourism website for more information on entry and exit requirements.
What Is the Climate Like in Latvia?
Latvia is in a temperate climate zone where travellers can enjoy all four seasons. People will encounter sub-zero temperatures and snow in the winter. Rains are common in the spring. Warm summers are a great time to visit and autumn colors are amazing.
- Winter — Temperatures are usually negative, but rarely below -5. Skiing is the ideal sport to do because of the flat terrain, but the mountains are not that high. The sea freezes over during the cold winters.
- Spring — Temperatures are around zero most of the season. The rivers tend to overflow in the springtime. This is the perfect time for people to go boating because of the high water levels.
- Summer — The best time to go is when it is usually around 15. Thunderstorms may occur later in the summertime.
- Autumn — Temps are around 5 this time of year. The first snowfall can occur in October or November. Travellers will see the red, orange, gold colors of the leaves across the country of Latvia.
How Safe Is Latvia?
Latvia is generally safe for travellers, but it’s still important to take precautions to ensure your safety. Here are some tips to help you stay safe while travelling in Latvia:
- Be aware of your surroundings and pay attention to what’s happening around you, especially in crowded places.
- Use common sense and avoid carrying large amounts of cash or valuable items.
- Keep your important documents safe in a hotel safe, and carry copies with you.
- Be careful with taxis, and only use licensed taxis.
- Drink responsibly to avoid accidents, theft, and other dangers.
- Respect the local customs and traditions.
- Stay informed by checking travel advisories and local news to be aware of any potential risks or threats.
By following these tips, you can have a safe and enjoyable trip to Latvia.
Skrunda-1
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There are many cool and unique places to go to Latvia. Skrunda-1 is one of them. It’s a secret, abandoned city of Soviet ruins. Located in Lidumnieki, this place use to be a Soviet military installation. Skrunda-1 has been abandoned for years. But, it holds so much history in its ruins that travellers can see for themselves.
This secret city came into being in 1963, and it was made for military purposes during the Cold War. It was used to lookout for missiles that were coming from Western Europe.
Skrunda-1 was abandoned in 1998 and more than 60 buildings are still standing. Travellers can see some of the walls filled with propaganda art. The government is making sure the site is being preserved.
What Should I Take to Latvia?
When you travel to Latvia, there are some essential things you need to take on your trip.
- Travel Documents — You need a passport that has been valid for six months. A visa is not required if you plan to stay in Latvia less than 90 days within a six month period.
- Money — Euros are currently used in Latvia. You can exchange money at a bank or exchange office. Some ATMs allow money exchange as well. Credit and debit cards can be used at ATMs. Visa and MasterCard are accepted.
- Health and Safety — Bring prescription medicines, medical supplies, and over the counter medicines. You should also pack supplies to prevent injury or illness, and a first aid kit.
Canadian Embassy in Latvia
Canadian consular services can help travellers with many issues they may face including passport services. Once in Latvia, the information for the Canadian Embassy is:
Canadian Embassy Riga
20/22 Baznicas Street,
6th Floor,
Riga LV-1010, Latvia
Phone: 371-6781-3945
Ready to start your next journey? Call us at or book online now!
Customer Reviews
Passport Health – Travel Vaccines for Latvia
“I was in when I was supposed to be, even when I needed to shuffle things around. Friendly, knowledgeable staff.”
“I had such a great experience going to Passport Health in Mississauga! The nurse was so informative on Latvia, experienced and most importantly (to me) very gentle when giving needles haha I would highly recommend her!”
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