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 seaside, travellers will love Latvia.
On This Page:
Do I Need Vaccines for 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?
Embassy of the United Kingdom in Latvia
Do I Need Vaccines for Latvia?
Yes, some vaccines are recommended or required for Latvia. The National Travel Health Network and Centre and WHO recommend the following vaccinations for Latvia: COVID-19, hepatitis A, hepatitis B, tickborne encephalitis, rabies and tetanus.
See the bullets below to learn more about some of these key immunizations:
- COVID-19 –
Airborne –
Recommended for all travellers - Hepatitis A –
Food & Water –
Recommended for most travellers to the region, especially if unvaccinated. - Hepatitis B –
Blood & Body Fluids –
Accelerated schedule available - Tetanus –
Wounds or Breaks in Skin –
Recommended for travelers to most regions, especially if not previously vaccinated. - Tickborne Encephalitis –
Ticks or Unpasteurised Products –
Transmission is widespread. Spread is most common from early spring to late autumn. - Rabies –
Saliva of Infected Animals –
High risk country. Vaccine recommended for long-stay travellers and those who may come in contact with animals.
See the table below for more information:
Recommended Travel Vaccinations for Latvia |
||
VACCINE | HOW DISEASE SPREADS | DETAILS |
---|---|---|
COVID-19 | Airborne | Recommended for all travellers |
Hepatitis A | Food & Water | Recommended for most travellers to the region, especially if unvaccinated. |
Hepatitis B | Blood & Body Fluids | Accelerated schedule available |
Tetanus | Wounds or Breaks in Skin | Recommended for travelers to most regions, especially if not previously vaccinated. |
Tickborne Encephalitis | Ticks or Unpasteurised Products | Transmission is widespread. Spread is most common from early spring to late autumn. |
Rabies | Saliva of Infected Animals | High risk country. Vaccine recommended for long-stay travellers and those who may come in contact with animals. |
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.
Do I Need a Visa for Latvia?
No visa is required for stays under three months in Latvia. Passports must be valid for the duration of your stay.
Latvia Entry Requirements |
||
Do I Need A… | For My Trip to Latvia? | |
---|---|---|
Passport | ||
Tourist Visa | ||
Business Visa | ||
Vaccinations |
Sources: Embassy of Latvia and GOV.UK
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 colours 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 in the teens. Thunderstorms may occur later in the summertime.
- Autumn — Temps are around 5 degrees this time of year. The first snowfall can occur in October or November. Travellers will see the red, orange, gold colours of the leaves across the country of Latvia.
How Safe Is Latvia?
Crime tends to be nonviolent, but assault and robberies have happened. Foreigners and same sex couples have been harassed in Latvia. Be aware that purse snatching, pick-pocketing, and mugging have occurred.
As a traveller in Latvia you should also not make it habit to walk alone at night as well as using ATMs at night.
Skrunda-1
There are many cool and peculiar 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.
Embassy of the United Kingdom in Latvia
If you are in Latvia and have an emergency (for example, been attacked, arrested or someone has died) contact the nearest consular services. Contact the embassy before arrival if you have additional questions on entry requirements, safety concerns or are in need of assistance.
British Embassy Riga
5, J.Alunana iela
Riga
LV 1010
Latvia
Telephone: +371 6777 4700
Emergency Phone: 00 371 67774700
Fax: +371 6777 4707
Contact Form: Click Here
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