Latvia Visa RequirementsFor Australia passport holders
Australian passport holders can visit Latvia and the wider Schengen Area visa-free for up to 90 days in any 180-day period, with no visa or prior authorisation required.
Great news! Australia passport holders can enter Latvia without a visa for tourism or business purposes. You can stay up to 90 days.
No visa is needed for Australians visiting Latvia for up to 90 days in any 180-day period. As a Schengen member, your 90-day allowance is shared across all 27 Schengen countries. Ensure your passport has at least three months of validity beyond your planned departure date from the Schengen Area and has at least two blank pages. ETIAS pre-travel authorisation for visa-exempt nationals, including Australians, is expected to be introduced in 2025.
Latvia is part of the Schengen Area. Your stay counts toward the 90-day limit within any 180-day period for the entire Schengen zone. Learn more about Schengen rules →
Entry Requirements
Passport Validity
3 months beyond departure from Schengen
Blank Pages
2 blank pages required
Multiple Entry
Single entry only
Work Permitted
No - requires work visa
Current Travel Situation
Australia to Latvia: What You Need to Know
Latvia is a Baltic state in northern Europe and a member of the European Union and Schengen Area. The country is generally safe with low crime rates. The Australian government advises exercising normal safety precautions. Latvia shares borders with Russia and Belarus, and travellers should be aware that Australian DFAT advises "do not travel" to Russia and Belarus; travellers should avoid these border areas. Riga, the capital, is a popular city break destination with a well-preserved medieval old town listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Practical Tips
Latvia uses the euro (EUR), which simplifies budgeting if visiting multiple Schengen countries. Riga has excellent direct air connections from major European hubs. If combining a Latvia trip with other Baltic states (Lithuania and Estonia are also in Schengen), all time counts toward your 90-day Schengen allowance. Avoid travelling to the Russian or Belarusian border areas and follow DFAT advisories closely.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do Australians need a visa for Latvia?
No. Australian passport holders can enter Latvia and the wider Schengen Area visa-free for up to 90 days in any 180-day period. No advance visa application is required, though ETIAS authorisation is expected to become mandatory in 2025.
Is Latvia in the Schengen Area?
Yes. Latvia is a full member of the Schengen Area. Your 90-day visa-free allowance covers all Schengen countries combined, so time spent in Germany, France, or any other Schengen state counts toward the same 90-day limit.
Is it safe to travel near the Russian border in Latvia?
The Australian government advises "do not travel" to Russia and "do not travel" to Belarus. Travellers in Latvia should avoid areas near the Russian and Belarusian borders and monitor DFAT advisories for the latest guidance.
What currency is used in Latvia?
Latvia uses the euro (EUR). Cash is widely accepted, and card payments are common in Riga and other cities.