Riga
Situated on the south-western coast of the country, the capital, Riga, is the biggest city in the Baltic States and is slowly coming into its own as a major European tourist destination. Riga is split in two by the River Daugava, and historically served as a major trading port and a crossroads between western Europe and the East. The modern founding of the city dates back to the 12th century with the arrival of German traders, mercenaries, and missionaries, while its older roots date back to a settlement of the ancient Finnic tribe, the Livs.
Riga boasts a collection of exquisite Art Nouveau buildings that rival those in Vienna, Barcelona, and St Petersburg, and the fairytale historic city centre is a delight to explore. As the cultural and economic centre of the country, Riga is home to plenty of top-class museums, galleries, and performing arts centres. It also has a wide range of sophisticated bars, clubs, and restaurants. The city is fast gaining a reputation as a party capital, and its vibrant nightlife draws hundreds of weekenders from all over Europe.
For a more traditional Latvian experience, it is well worth braving the winter cold to enjoy a spot of ice fishing, ice-skating on the frozen Daugava River, or a pirt:a rigorous sauna involving being beaten with dried birch branches. With over 800 years of history, a UNESCO-World-Heritage-Site-listed historic city centre, and a modern buzz, Riga remains a largely undiscovered gem with plenty to delight and enchant the visitor.
Climate for Riga
Riga has a moderate climate, influenced by its close proximity to the sea. Summers tend to be short and cool with cloud cover, and high temperatures average around 64F (18C). Winters are usually long, dark and cold, with temperatures averaging between 18F (-8C) and 28F (-2C) in January. Snowfall is heavy and snow cover usually lasts from mid-December to mid-March. The city is overcast for roughly 40 percent of the year.
Health Notes when travelling to Latvia
No health certificates or vaccinations are required to enter Latvia, but visitors are advised to have an inoculation against tick-borne encephalitis if they’re planning to hike in the country and forests, or stay in rural areas, especially during the summer months of March to October. Latvia is free of dog rabies, but the disease may be present in wildlife species such as bats. Travellers who may come into contact with wildlife should discuss rabies vaccination with a health care professional. Medicines are usually available, but it is best to bring a supply of personal medication. Health insurance is necessary. After Brexit, the Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC) replaced the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) for UK citizens. The GHIC allows UK citizens access to state healthcare during visits to the EU. The GHIC is not valid in Norway, Iceland, Liechtenstein or Switzerland, nor is it an alternative to travel insurance.
Safety Notes when travelling to Latvia
Most visits to Latvia are trouble-free, but tourists should be wary of street crime, as there are occasional muggings of foreigners, particularly if they’re walking alone or at night. Car theft occurs; reports of foreigners being charged extortionate prices for drinks or having fraudulent transactions debited against credit or debit cards have fallen considerably, but it’s best to remain vigilant.
Customs in Latvia
Latvians are generally reserved, quiet and extremely courteous, and are not comfortable making small talk. Good manners dictates that people are not embarrassed or criticised in public. Drinking alcohol in public is prohibited and may lead to detention and a fine. Possession of even very small quantities of drugs can lead to lengthy pre-trial detention and possible imprisonment.
Duty Free in Latvia
Travellers to Latvia over the age of 17 and arriving with goods purchased in the EU for personal use do not have to pay duty on 800 cigarettes, 400 cigarillos, 200 cigars, 1kg smoking tobacco; 10 litres of spirits with alcohol content higher than 22 percent, 20 litres of alcohol with alcohol content lower than 22 percent, 90 litres wine or 60 litres of sparkling wine, 110 litres of beer, and 110 litres of non-alcoholic beverages. Travellers arriving from non-EU countries do not have to pay duty on 200 cigarettes, or 100 cigarillos, or 50 cigars, or 250g smoking tobacco; 1 litre of spirits with alcohol volume higher than 22 percent, or 2 litres spirits, aperitifs, liqueur, sparkling or still wines with alcohol volume less than 22 percent and 2 litres still wine; perfume up to 50g or 250ml eau de toilette; other goods for personal use to the value of €400. Prohibited items include narcotics, guns, and fresh food products.
Doing Business in Latvia
Conducting business in Latvia can sometimes be a challenge due to bureaucracy, as well as the lack of English spoken. Business tends to be formal, with a clear-cut hierarchy, and titles are usually used. Punctuality, directness and organisation are all important. Suits and ties are the norm and, when in doubt, it’s best to dress conservatively. Women might encounter some sexism and roles should be clarified to avoid confusion. Business hours are usually from 9am to 6pm, Monday to Friday.
Communication in Latvia
The international dialling code for Latvia is +371. The outgoing code is 00 followed by the relevant country code (e.g. 0044 for the UK). Hotels, cafes and restaurants offer WiFi, and visitors can purchase local prepaid SIM cards for unlocked phones.
Tipping in Latvia
Tipping is not obligatory in restaurants, but it is customary to round up the bill to the nearest 10 if a service charge has not been included and the service was good. In hotels, guests can tip according to the services provided.
Passport/Visa Note
The borderless region known as the Schengen Area includes the following countries: Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, The Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden and Switzerland. All these countries issue a standard Schengen visa that has a multiple entry option, and which allows the holder to travel freely within the borders of all the aforementioned countries. Additionally, foreign passengers to Latvia must hold valid health insurance, that includes provision for repatriation costs. It is highly recommended that traveller’s passports have at least six months’ validity remaining after the intended date of departure from their travel destination. Immigration officials often apply different rules to those stated by travel agents and official sources.
Entry Requirements
- Entry requirements for Americans:
US citizens must have a passport that is valid for at least six months beyond the period of intended stay in Latvia. A visa is not required for stays of up to 90 days within a 180 day period.
- Entry requirements for Canadians:
Canadian citizens must have a passport that is valid for three months beyond the period of intended stay in Latvia. No visa is required, for a stay of up to 90 days within a 180 day period.
- Entry requirements for UK nationals:
UK citizens must have a passport that is valid for at least three months beyond the period of intended stay in Latvia. A visa is not required for stays of up to 90 days within a 180 day period.
- Entry requirements for Australians:
Australian citizens must have a passport that is valid for three months beyond the period of intended stay in Latvia. No visa is required for a stay of up to 90 days within a 180 day period.
- Entry requirements for Irish nationals:
Irish citizens must have a passport that is valid for the period of intended stay in Latvia. No visa is required.
- Entry requirements for New Zealanders:
New Zealand citizens must have a passport that is valid for three months beyond the period of intended stay in Latvia. No visa is required, for a stay of up to 90 days within a 180 day period.
- Entry requirements for South Africans:
South African citizens must have a passport that is valid for three months beyond the period of intended stay, and require a valid Schengen visa to enter Latvia.
Riga has a varied nightlife, mostly centred round the Old Town, where many clubs, bars, casinos, and live music venues can be found. Riga is also famous for its classical entertainment, with symphonies and operas taking place throughout the year. Close proximity makes walking between nightlife venues a viable option, though visitors should be cautious late at night, as muggings are often reported. The larger clubs attract stag groups from the UK and Scandinavian duty-free tourists. Travellers should stick to the smaller bars if they want a less rowdy experience.
Public Holidays Around the World
Planning your year? Knowing public holidays in different countries can help you plan trips, schedule events, or understand global schedules. Below, find a comprehensive list of public holidays sorted by country.
