South Korea Visa RequirementsFor Latvia passport holders
Latvian citizens can visit South Korea visa-free for up to 90 days.
Great news! Latvia passport holders can enter South Korea without a visa for tourism or business purposes. You can stay up to 90 days.
No visa required for stays up to 90 days. Verify K-ETA status before departure.
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 South Korea: What You Need to Know
Latvian citizens enjoy visa-free access to South Korea for up to 90 days.
K-ETA status: The K-ETA requirement for EU nationals was suspended in 2023. Verify current status before travel.
How to Get There
No direct flights from Riga. Connect via Helsinki (Finnair, direct HEL-ICN), Frankfurt, or Amsterdam. Total travel time approximately 11 to 13 hours from Helsinki.
Money & Banking
South Korea uses the Korean Won (KRW). Cards widely accepted. T-money card for public transport.
Practical Tips
Seoul (Gyeongbokgung Palace, Hongdae, Itaewon, Han River), Busan (Haeundae Beach, Gamcheon Culture Village), Gyeongju (ancient temples), and Jeju Island are outstanding destinations.
Korean pop culture (Hallyu): Korea's global cultural influence through K-pop, K-drama, and cuisine has made it a very popular destination among younger Latvian travelers.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do Latvian citizens need a visa to visit South Korea?
No. Latvian citizens enjoy visa-free access to South Korea for up to 90 days.
Is the K-ETA currently required for Latvian citizens?
The K-ETA requirement for EU nationals (including Latvians) was suspended in 2023. Check the current status with the Korean Embassy or Visit Korea website before travel.
What is Hallyu (the Korean Wave)?
Hallyu refers to the global spread of South Korean culture: K-pop (BTS, BLACKPINK, TWICE, aespa), K-dramas (streamed worldwide on Netflix and other platforms), Korean cinema (Parasite won the Academy Award), and Korean cuisine (bibimbap, kimchi, Korean BBQ). Hallyu has significantly increased Latvia's interest in South Korea as a travel destination.
How do I get from Riga to Seoul?
No direct flights. The best connection is via Helsinki (Finnair, direct HEL-ICN). From Riga, fly to Helsinki (1 hour) then connect. Total travel time from Riga approximately 12 to 13 hours.
What is the best food to try in Seoul?
Korean BBQ (samgyeopsal pork belly, galbi ribs), bibimbap (rice bowl with vegetables, egg, and gochujang paste), tteokbokki (spicy rice cakes), Korean fried chicken, japchae (glass noodles), and haemul pajeon (seafood pancake) are all essential. Gwangjang Market is one of Seoul's best street food experiences.
Can I visit the DMZ from Seoul?
Yes. Day tours to the Korean Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) from Seoul are popular and operated by numerous licensed tour companies. You can visit the Joint Security Area (JSA) at Panmunjom (where Korean soldiers face each other across the border) on specific tours. The third invasion tunnel discovered near the DMZ is also open to visitors.