Latvia Visa RequirementsFor New Zealand passport holders
New Zealand citizens can visit Latvia visa-free for up to 90 days in any 180-day period. Latvia's capital Riga is a UNESCO World Heritage city with the world's finest collection of Art Nouveau architecture.
Great news! New Zealand 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 NZ citizens for stays up to 90 days in any 180-day period. Riga International Airport (RIX) is well-served by Ryanair, Wizz Air, and AirBaltic from across Europe. Days in Latvia count toward the Schengen 90-day limit. Latvia uses the Euro. ETIAS will apply in the future. The Baltic states are typically visited as a circuit: Tallinn-Riga-Vilnius by bus (available via Lux Express and other operators).
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 New Zealand Passport
Must be valid for the duration of your stay and at least 3 months beyond intended departure from the Schengen Area.
Return or Onward Ticket
Proof of departure from Latvia, such as a return flight booking or onward travel itinerary.
Proof of Accommodation Recommended
Hotel reservation, Airbnb booking, or address where you will be staying in Latvia.
Proof of Sufficient Funds Recommended
Credit cards, bank statements, or cash to cover your expenses during your stay in Latvia.
Travel Insurance Recommended
Recommended for Schengen travel. Some countries may require it. Should cover medical emergencies and repatriation.
Current Travel Situation
New Zealand to Latvia: What You Need to Know
Latvia is the central Baltic state and home to Riga, the largest of the three Baltic capitals. Riga's Old Town (UNESCO) and its extraordinary concentration of Art Nouveau buildings (a third of Riga's entire pre-war architecture is Art Nouveau) make it unique in Europe. Latvia has extensive forests, white sand beaches (Jurmala resort, 30 min from Riga), and the Gauja National Park with medieval castles. Latvia gained independence from the Soviet Union in 1991 and has since developed rapidly as an EU and Schengen member.
How to Get There
Latvia sits between Estonia (Tallinn-Riga: 4.5h by bus) and Lithuania (Riga-Vilnius: 4h). Most NZ travellers reach Riga by flying in or as part of the Baltic circuit from Tallinn or Vilnius. AirBaltic (Riga-based) offers good European connections. The Lux Express luxury bus connects the three Baltic capitals with comfortable coaches.
Money & Banking
Latvia uses the Euro (EUR). Currently around 1.80-1.90 NZD per EUR. Latvia is among the more affordable Schengen countries. Riga is excellent value. A lunch special (biznesa pusdienas) at a Riga restaurant costs EUR 6-10. Latvian black rye bread (rupjmaize) and smoked fish are local delicacies. A local beer at a Riga bar costs EUR 3-5. Mid-range accommodation in Riga Old Town is very affordable by European standards.
Practical Tips
Riga's Art Nouveau buildings are concentrated in the Alberta Street area (just outside the Old Town): a self-guided walking tour takes 2-3 hours. The Riga Central Market (housed in former Zeppelin hangars) is one of Europe's largest and most photogenic markets. Jurmala beach resort is 30 min from Riga by commuter train: popular with locals and visitors in summer. The Gauja Valley (Sigulda, 50 min from Riga) has medieval castles and bobsled tracks for adventure activities.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do NZ citizens need a visa for Latvia?
No. Latvia is part of the Schengen Area and NZ citizens can visit visa-free for up to 90 days in any 180-day period.
What is Art Nouveau and why is Riga famous for it?
Art Nouveau (Jugendstil) was an architectural style popular in Europe from the 1890s to 1910s, featuring organic forms, ornate facades, and elaborate decorative elements. Riga has the largest and finest collection of Art Nouveau buildings in the world: approximately one-third of all buildings in central Riga (around 800 buildings) are Art Nouveau. The Alberta and Elizabetes streets are the best areas for a self-guided walking tour.
What is Jurmala and is it worth visiting from Riga?
Jurmala is Latvia's beach resort town, 25 km from Riga (30 min by commuter train, LVL 1-2). It has a long sandy beach on the Gulf of Riga, wooden Art Nouveau summer houses, and a pleasant pedestrian street (Jomas iela) with restaurants and cafes. It is a popular summer destination for Latvians and Estonians. The sea is generally warm enough for swimming July-August.
How do NZ visitors travel the Baltic circuit (Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania)?
Lux Express and Ecolines operate luxury coach services between the three Baltic capitals: Tallinn to Riga (4.5h), Riga to Vilnius (4h). The coaches are comfortable with wifi and power outlets. Tickets from EUR 15-30 per leg. Train services also exist but are slower and less frequent. A full Baltic circuit (Tallinn-Riga-Vilnius) can be done in 7-10 days and pairs well with a Helsinki ferry day.
Is Riga safe for NZ tourists?
Riga is generally safe for tourists. The Old Town and central areas are well-policed. Standard urban precautions apply: watch for pickpockets in crowded areas (Central Market, Old Town in summer), use licensed taxis or Bolt/Uber, and be cautious in some areas late at night. The Central Market is excellent for food but keep your bag secure in the crowds.
What Latvian foods should NZ visitors try?
Latvian cuisine reflects its Baltic and Slavic heritage. Must-try: rupjmaize (dark rye bread, a national staple, often served with butter and herring), kiluvoid (sprat sandwiches, a Riga classic), Grey peas with bacon (peleki zirni ar speÄ·i, a traditional dish), Latvian cheeses (Janu siers, a caraway-spiced cheese for midsummer), and local craft beers.
What is the Riga Central Market and why should NZ visitors go?
The Riga Central Market (Centraltirgus) is one of Europe's largest and most impressive markets, housed in five enormous former German Zeppelin hangars from WWI. It is a vibrant daily market selling fresh produce, meat, dairy, fish, flowers, and textiles. Excellent for food photography and trying local products at local prices. Best visited in the morning. UNESCO-listed.