Latvia Visa RequirementsFor Ireland passport holders
Irish citizens travel to Latvia without any visa requirement under EU freedom of movement. Latvia is both EU and Schengen, and Irish passport holders can visit Riga and the wider country without restriction.
Great news! Ireland passport holders can enter Latvia without a visa for tourism or business purposes. You can stay up to 90 days.
No visa is needed. Present your Irish passport. EU citizens may stay beyond 90 days for work or study and should register with the Office of Citizenship and Migration Affairs (OCMA) for longer stays.
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
Ireland to Latvia: What You Need to Know
Latvia is one of the three Baltic states that joined the EU in 2004. Irish citizens have full freedom of movement rights in Latvia and can live, work, and study there without any permit. Riga, the capital, has one of the largest medieval old towns in Northern Europe and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Latvia adopted the Euro in 2014.
How to Get There
From Riga, buses and trains connect to Tallinn, Estonia (4.5 hours) and Vilnius, Lithuania (4 hours). The Lux Express bus service is reliable and comfortable. The Baltic capitals can be explored in sequence over 7 to 10 days.
Money & Banking
Latvia uses the Euro (EUR). Cards are widely accepted and the country is largely cashless in cities. ATMs are available. Some rural areas and markets may prefer cash.
Practical Tips
Riga is well connected to Dublin and Irish cities by Ryanair flights. The Art Nouveau architecture in Riga's city center is among the finest in Europe. The Latvian countryside offers excellent opportunities for cycling, hiking, and visiting the Gauja National Park. Latvia borders Estonia to the north and Lithuania to the south, making a full Baltic road trip very practical.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do Irish citizens need a visa for Latvia?
No. Irish citizens are EU nationals and have full freedom of movement in Latvia.
What currency does Latvia use?
Latvia uses the Euro (EUR), adopted in 2014.
Are there direct flights from Ireland to Riga?
Yes. Ryanair operates direct flights from Dublin to Riga year-round.
What is Latvia famous for?
Latvia is known for Riga's outstanding Art Nouveau architecture, its medieval Old Town (a UNESCO World Heritage Site), pristine Baltic Sea beaches, and extensive forests and national parks.
Can I travel to Estonia and Lithuania from Latvia easily?
Yes. Lux Express buses connect Riga to Tallinn (4.5 hours) and Vilnius (4 hours) daily. The three Baltic capitals are commonly visited together on a single trip.
Is Latvia affordable for Irish tourists?
Yes. Latvia is one of the more affordable EU countries, with food, accommodation, and transport significantly cheaper than in Ireland.
Is English spoken in Latvia?
English is widely spoken by younger Latvians and in tourist areas of Riga. Russian is also commonly understood.