Best Time to Visit

The best time to visit the Baltic States is late spring or summer when there’s usually fine, warm weather to stroll around the cities and make significant forays into the great outdoors. Temperatures cool down rapidly from mid-September onward, although autumn can be an extraordinarily beautiful season to visit Latvia, with the golden brown leaves of deciduous trees contrasting with the dark-green pines.

Passport & Visa

Citizens of European Union (EU) and European Economic Area (EEA) countries do not need a visa to enter Latvia, only a valid ID. Many other countries, including the United Kingdom, United States, Canada, United Arab Emirates, Australia, and New Zealand, benefit from visa-free entry for short stays of up to 90 days within a 180-day period. Visitors from visa-exempt countries must hold a valid passport and, starting in late 2025, will need to apply for an ETIAS (European Travel Information and Authorisation System) authorisation online before travelling. For those requiring a visa, such as travellers from some Middle-East, African or Asian nations, a Schengen visa must be obtained prior to arrival. All travellers should ensure their passport is valid for at least three months beyond their intended stay.

• Web:

  https://home-affairs.ec.europa.eu/policies/schengen/visa-policy_en

Riga International Airport (RIX)

Riga International Airport is located 8 kilometres away from the city centre. Bus 22 to Riga Central Station leaves from a spot behind the airport car park every 10-30 minutes from early morning. The journey takes around 30 minutes and tickets can be purchased from the driver. In addition to the regular bus, there is also a shuttle bus which connects the airport with many hotels. A taxi ride takes about 10-20 minutes from the airport to the city centre.

• Web:

  www.flyfromriga.lv

• Address:

  RIX Rīgas lidosta, Mārupe

• Phone:

  +371 29 311 187

Public Transport

Riga has a good tram system that runs through the Old City, as well as bus, trolleybus, and taxi bus routes. During the nighttime, several tram and trolley bus routes run once an hour. Rigas satiksme offers tickets for all means of public transport in the city. You can buy an e-ticket that is valid in all public transport vehicles.

Taxi

You can easily order a taxi or hail one down the street. You can also ask your hotel to help you order a taxi. Lady Taxi +371 26 399 993 Baltic Taxi +371 20 008 500 Avoiss Taxi +371 25 544 555

Electricity

In Latvia, there are two types of plugs that are commonly used: Type C and Type F. Type C plugs have two round pins, while Type F plugs have two round pins with two earth clips on the side. The electrical supply in Latvia operates at a voltage of 230V and a frequency of 50Hz.