Latvia Visa RequirementsFor Bulgaria passport holders
Bulgarian passport holders can enter Latvia freely under EU free movement rules. Latvia is a Schengen member and uses the Euro.
Great news! Bulgaria passport holders can enter Latvia without a visa for tourism or business purposes. You can stay up to 90 days.
No visa required. Carry a valid Bulgarian passport or national ID card. Riga (RIX) is served by airBaltic, which offers connections across Europe. For longer stays, register with the Office of Citizenship and Migration Affairs (PMLP) in Latvia.
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
Required Documents
Valid Bulgarian Passport or National ID Card
Either is accepted for entry to Latvia as an EU citizen.
European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) Recommended
Covers emergency healthcare in Latvia as an EU country.
Current Travel Situation
Bulgaria to Latvia: What You Need to Know
Bulgaria and Latvia are both EU member states. Bulgarian citizens have the right to travel, live, and work in Latvia without a visa. Latvia is a Schengen country and uses the Euro. Bulgaria completed its full Schengen accession with land borders joining in January 2025. Riga is a UNESCO World Heritage city and a popular city break destination.
How to Get There
Flights from Sofia to Riga typically connect through Warsaw (LOT Polish Airlines), Stockholm (SAS), or Frankfurt. airBaltic is the main carrier at Riga airport offering onward connections across Europe.
Money & Banking
Latvia uses the Euro (EUR). Bulgaria uses the Lev (BGN), pegged to the Euro at 1.95583 BGN = 1 EUR. Cards are widely accepted in Riga and major Latvian cities.
Practical Tips
Connect to Riga (RIX) via Warsaw, Stockholm, or Frankfurt. airBaltic offers extensive European connections from Riga. Wizz Air also operates some Baltic routes. Total travel time from Sofia is approximately 4-7 hours.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do Bulgarian citizens need a visa for Latvia?
No. Both Bulgaria and Latvia are EU members. Bulgarians can enter Latvia visa-free with a passport or national ID card.
What currency does Latvia use?
Latvia uses the Euro (EUR). Bulgaria uses the Lev (BGN), pegged to the Euro, making exchange straightforward.
Is Latvia in the Schengen zone?
Yes. Latvia is a Schengen member. Bulgaria completed its full Schengen accession with land borders in January 2025.
What is there to see in Riga?
Riga's Art Nouveau architecture and medieval old town are UNESCO World Heritage sites. The city is known for its vibrant cultural scene, markets, and Baltic cuisine.
Are there direct flights from Bulgaria to Latvia?
Direct flights are limited. Most routes connect through Warsaw, Stockholm, Frankfurt, or other European hubs. Total travel time is approximately 4-7 hours.
Can Bulgarians work in Latvia?
Yes. EU free movement rights allow Bulgarian citizens to live and work in Latvia. For stays beyond 3 months, register with the PMLP.
Can I combine Latvia with the other Baltic states on one trip?
Yes. Latvia, Estonia, and Lithuania are all Schengen members. Traveling between them as an EU citizen is seamless, with no border checks.