Ireland Visa RequirementsFor Latvia passport holders
Latvian citizens can visit Ireland visa-free. Ireland is EU but not Schengen. Passport required.
Great news! Latvia passport holders can enter Ireland without a visa for tourism or business purposes. You can stay up to 90 days.
No visa required. Present your Latvian passport at Irish border control. The national ID card is NOT accepted.
Entry Requirements
Passport Validity
6 months beyond date of entry
Blank Pages
2 blank pages required
Multiple Entry
Single entry only
Work Permitted
No - requires work visa
Current Travel Situation
Latvia to Ireland: What You Need to Know
Ireland is EU but not Schengen. Latvian EU citizens have the right to live and work in Ireland under EU freedom of movement, but Ireland maintains its own border checks.
Passport required: The Latvian national ID card is NOT accepted at the Irish border. Present a valid Latvian passport.
Large Latvian diaspora in Ireland: Ireland hosts one of the largest Latvian communities outside Latvia, estimated at 30,000 to 50,000 people. Following EU accession in 2004, Latvia was one of the top-3 countries of origin for workers coming to Ireland. The Latvian community is particularly strong in Dublin, Limerick, and Cork.
How to Get There
Direct flights from Riga (RIX) to Dublin (DUB) with Ryanair and airBaltic. Flight time approximately 3 hours.
Money & Banking
Ireland uses the euro (EUR). Cards widely accepted. Dublin is expensive by Baltic standards.
Practical Tips
Dublin (Trinity College, Temple Bar, Guinness Storehouse), Galway, the Cliffs of Moher, the Ring of Kerry, and the Giant's Causeway (Northern Ireland) are highlights.
Latvian community resources: Latvia's embassy in Dublin assists the large Latvian community. Latvian cultural events are held regularly, particularly around Latvian Midsummer (Jani) celebrations.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do Latvian citizens need a visa to visit Ireland?
No visa is required. However, Ireland is not in the Schengen Area. Latvian EU citizens must present a valid Latvian passport (not just ID card) at the Irish border.
How large is the Latvian community in Ireland?
Ireland hosts one of the largest Latvian communities per capita in Europe, estimated at 30,000 to 50,000 people. This is a result of large-scale migration following Latvia's EU accession in 2004, when Irish labor market was immediately opened to new EU member state citizens.
Why did so many Latvians move to Ireland after 2004?
Ireland was one of only three EU member states (along with the UK and Sweden) to immediately open its labor market to citizens of the new EU member states in 2004 without transitional restrictions. The strong Irish economy (the Celtic Tiger) attracted large numbers of Latvian workers, particularly in construction, hospitality, and healthcare.
Can I use my Latvian ID card to enter Ireland?
No. Ireland does not accept national ID cards at border control. You must present a valid Latvian passport.
What EU rights do I have as a Latvian citizen in Ireland?
As an EU citizen, you have the right to reside and work in Ireland without a permit. For stays beyond 3 months, you should register with the Irish Registration Office and can apply for a residence certificate (EU Treaty Rights card).
How do I get from Riga to Dublin?
Direct flights from Riga (RIX) to Dublin (DUB) with Ryanair and airBaltic. Flight time approximately 3 hours.