Latvia Visa RequirementsFor Israel passport holders
Israeli citizens enjoy visa-free access to Latvia for up to 90 days within any 180-day period. Latvia is a Schengen Area member and Baltic state with significant Jewish heritage sites.
Great news! Israel passport holders can enter Latvia without a visa for tourism or business purposes. You can stay up to 90 days.
No visa required. A valid Israeli passport is sufficient. The 90-day Schengen limit applies across all member states. Direct flights between Tel Aviv and Riga are available via airBaltic.
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 Israeli Passport
Valid for the duration of stay in Latvia. Minimum 3 months validity beyond Schengen departure recommended.
Proof of Onward Travel
Return or onward travel from Schengen within the 90-day limit.
Current Travel Situation
Israel to Latvia: What You Need to Know
Latvia is a Schengen Area member and grants Israeli passport holders visa-free entry as part of the broader EU-Israel visa exemption. Latvia holds deep Jewish historical significance: before World War II, Riga's Jewish community numbered around 40,000 and made up about 12% of the population. The Jewish heritage trail in Riga, including the Great Choral Synagogue memorial site, is a significant draw for Israeli visitors interested in history and genealogy. Latvia also maintains strong bilateral ties with Israel.
Money & Banking
Latvia uses the euro. Cards are widely accepted in Riga and major towns. ATMs are available throughout the country. Riga is significantly more affordable than Western European capitals, making it a good value destination.
Practical Tips
airBaltic operates regular flights between Riga and Tel Aviv. Riga's Old Town is a UNESCO World Heritage site. The Latvian Jewish Museum in Riga is an important memorial and historical resource for Israeli visitors researching family roots. Latvia is among the more affordable EU countries.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do Israeli passport holders need a visa for Latvia?
No. Israeli citizens can visit Latvia visa-free for up to 90 days within any 180-day period under the Schengen Area visa exemption. Latvia has been a Schengen member since 2007.
What is Latvia's Jewish heritage significance for Israeli travelers?
Latvia had a thriving Jewish community before World War II, with Riga's Jewish population numbering around 40,000 (about 12% of the city). The Holocaust devastated Latvian Jewry. The Great Choral Synagogue memorial marks the site where thousands of Jews were murdered in 1941. The Rumbula Forest memorial near Riga commemorates approximately 25,000 Jews killed there.
Are there direct flights from Tel Aviv to Riga?
Yes. airBaltic operates direct flights between Tel Aviv Ben Gurion (TLV) and Riga International Airport (RIX). Connecting flights via other European hubs are also available.
Is Latvia affordable for Israeli tourists?
Yes. Latvia is among the more affordable EU countries. Riga's Old Town has tourist-priced establishments, but dining, accommodation, and activities outside the main tourist circuit are significantly cheaper than in Western Europe.
What is the best way to explore Latvia beyond Riga?
Riga makes an ideal base. Day trips include Jurmala beach resort (30 minutes by train), Rundale Palace (a baroque gem 75 km south), the Gauja National Park (medieval castles, hiking), and Sigulda. Latvia's compact size makes it easy to explore by rental car.
What currency does Latvia use?
Latvia uses the euro (EUR) since 2014. Cards are widely accepted throughout Latvia. ATMs are available in Riga and major towns.
Can Israeli tourists visit Estonia and Lithuania from Latvia?
Yes. The three Baltic states are easily combined. Tallinn (Estonia) is approximately 4 hours by bus from Riga. Vilnius (Lithuania) is approximately 4-5 hours by bus from Riga. Lux Express and other bus companies operate comfortable intercity routes.
What are the top attractions in Riga for Israeli tourists?
Riga's Art Nouveau architecture (the highest concentration in the world), the Old Town UNESCO World Heritage site, the Central Market (housed in repurposed zeppelin hangars), the Great Choral Synagogue memorial site, and the Latvian Ethnographic Open Air Museum.