Latvia Visa RequirementsFor Austria passport holders
Austrian passport holders can travel to Latvia visa-free with no border controls. Both are EU and Schengen members with full freedom of movement for EU citizens.
Great news! Austria passport holders can enter Latvia without a visa for tourism or business purposes.
No application or authorization required. Travel with a valid Austrian passport or national ID card. EU citizens have full freedom of movement in Latvia with no time cap.
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
Austria to Latvia: What You Need to Know
Latvia is the central Baltic state, with Riga as its capital and the largest city in the Baltics. Riga's Art Nouveau architecture (the densest concentration in the world) and lively old town make it a compelling city-break destination. Latvia joined the EU and NATO in 2004 and adopted the Euro in 2014. Austria and Latvia share EU membership and close cultural ties through Baltic connections in the classical music world.
How to Get There
Fly from Vienna (VIE) to Riga (RIX) directly with Ryanair or Wizz Air (about 2.5 hours) or with airBaltic. airBaltic uses Riga as its hub.
Money & Banking
Latvia uses the Euro (EUR). Cards are widely accepted. Riga is significantly cheaper than Vienna: 30-40% lower for food and accommodation. Tipping 10% is appreciated at restaurants.
Practical Tips
Riga Old Town and the Central Market (Europe's largest market by trading area) are highlights. The Jurmala beach resort is 30 minutes by train from Riga. The Gauja National Park offers hiking and medieval castle ruins. Riga is well-connected as a hub: airBaltic operates from Riga to many European cities. The city is affordable and the food scene has improved significantly in recent years.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do Austrians need a visa to visit Latvia?
No. Austria and Latvia are both EU and Schengen members. Austrian citizens can travel to Latvia with a passport or national ID card without any visa or border controls.
How do I get from Vienna to Riga?
Fly directly from Vienna (VIE) to Riga (RIX) with Ryanair or Wizz Air in approximately 2.5 hours. airBaltic also serves this route. Riga is airBaltic's main hub and has excellent onward connections.
Is Latvia a good destination for a city break?
Yes. Riga is one of the most underrated capital cities in Europe. The Art Nouveau district (over 750 art nouveau buildings), the Central Market (in repurposed Zeppelin hangars), and the Riga Old Town (UNESCO) make it a compelling 2-3 day destination.
Is Latvia cheap compared to Austria?
Yes. Latvia is approximately 30-40% cheaper than Austria. Riga offers very good value for accommodation and dining. Beer and local food are inexpensive by Austrian standards.
Can I do a Baltic road trip combining Latvia, Estonia, and Lithuania?
Yes. The three Baltic states are ideal for a combined road trip. Tallinn to Riga is about 4 hours by car, Riga to Vilnius another 4 hours. Rail and bus connections also exist between all three capitals. A 10-14 day trip covers all three comfortably.
What currency does Latvia use?
Latvia uses the Euro (EUR) since 2014. Cards are widely accepted. Latvia is significantly cheaper than Austria.