Latvia Visa RequirementsFor Canada passport holders
Canadian passport holders can visit Latvia visa-free for up to 90 days within any 180-day period as part of the Schengen Area.
Great news! Canada passport holders can enter Latvia without a visa for tourism or business purposes. You can stay up to 90 days.
No visa is required for Canadian citizens. Present your valid Canadian passport at Riga International Airport or at any Schengen land or sea border crossing. Latvia joined the Schengen Area in 2007 and the eurozone in 2014. Days in Latvia count toward the shared 90-day Schengen limit alongside other Schengen countries. You may be asked for proof of accommodation and return or onward travel.
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
Canada to Latvia: What You Need to Know
Latvia is a Baltic state and Schengen member, offering Canadians visa-free access for up to 90 days within the wider Schengen framework. Riga, the capital, is the largest city in the Baltic states and is renowned for its Art Nouveau architecture (the largest collection in the world), a beautifully preserved medieval old town (UNESCO World Heritage Site), and a vibrant cultural and restaurant scene. Latvia also offers the Gauja National Park, the Jurmala beach resort strip, and charming manor houses in the countryside. The 90-day limit is shared with all other Schengen countries.
Practical Tips
Latvia uses the euro (EUR). Riga old town is compact and highly walkable. Art Nouveau enthusiasts should walk the Alberta Street and Elisabeth Street areas, which have some of the finest examples in Europe. The Baltic states (Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania) are natural companions for a single trip; all three are Schengen members and easily combined within the 90-day allowance. Jurmala beach is a popular day trip from Riga in summer. Winters are cold and dark but offer Christmas markets and ice skating. Riga is very affordable compared to Western European capitals.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do Canadians need a visa for Latvia?
No. Canadian citizens can visit Latvia visa-free for up to 90 days within any 180-day period as a Schengen member state.
What is Riga known for?
Riga is renowned for having the largest collection of Art Nouveau architecture in the world, concentrated in the city center along streets like Alberta iela and Elizabetes iela. The medieval old town (Vecriga) is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Riga is also known for its vibrant food and craft beer scene and the Central Market, housed in repurposed Zeppelin hangars.
Can I combine Latvia with other Baltic states on one trip?
Yes. Latvia, Estonia, and Lithuania are all Schengen members and easily combined in a single trip. The three capitals (Riga, Tallinn, Vilnius) are connected by bus (Lux Express) and can be done as a road trip. The Via Baltica highway runs through all three countries. All days spent in any Baltic state count toward the shared 90-day Schengen limit.
What is the best time to visit Latvia?
Summer (June to August) is the most popular season with pleasant weather, long days, and the Midsummer festival (Jani) celebrated on June 23 to 24. Winter (December to February) is cold and dark but offers Christmas markets in Riga old town and a chance to experience traditional Latvian winter culture. Spring and autumn are pleasant with fewer tourists.