Latvia Visa RequirementsFor Switzerland passport holders
Swiss nationals enter Latvia freely as both countries are Schengen members. Stays fall within the combined 90-day Schengen allowance.
Great news! Switzerland passport holders can enter Latvia without a visa for tourism or business purposes.
No visa required. Swiss citizens enter with passport or national ID. ETIAS does not apply to Swiss nationals.
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
Switzerland to Latvia: What You Need to Know
Latvia joined the Schengen Area in 2007, and Switzerland became a member in 2008, making cross-border travel between them seamless. Latvia is an increasingly popular destination for Swiss travelers discovering the Baltic states: Riga's Art Nouveau architecture, the Jurmala beach resort, and Gauja National Park offer diverse experiences. Bilateral economic relations include Swiss financial services and logistics companies operating in Latvia, an important transit hub for Baltic-Nordic trade.
How to Get There
Fly ZRH or GVA to RIX (Riga) with airBaltic or via Frankfurt/Helsinki, typically 3-4 hours. Budget airlines often have competitive fares. Riga is well connected by coach to Tallinn and Vilnius for a multi-Baltic itinerary.
Money & Banking
Latvia uses the Euro (EUR). Cards widely accepted; Latvia is a fairly cashless society. Latvia is significantly cheaper than Switzerland; budget EUR 40-80 per day for comfortable travel.
Practical Tips
Riga's Old Town is a UNESCO World Heritage site and highly walkable. Riga is a hub for the Baltic states; day trips to Tallinn (Estonia) and Vilnius (Lithuania) are easy by bus or train. The Latvian coast and Gauja canyon are best explored by rental car. Amber jewelry makes a distinctive local souvenir.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do Swiss citizens need a visa for Latvia?
No. Latvia is a Schengen member. Swiss citizens travel to Latvia with no visa and no border controls.
What currency does Latvia use?
Latvia uses the Euro (EUR) since 2014. Cards are widely accepted; Latvia is a fairly cashless society.
What is Riga famous for?
Riga's Art Nouveau architecture is the most extensive in Europe; the Alberta iela and Elizabetes iela streets are stunning. The medieval Old Town is UNESCO listed. Riga's food scene and craft beer culture are booming.
Can I visit all three Baltic states from Latvia?
Yes. Riga is ideally located for a Baltic road or coach trip. Tallinn is 4-5 hours north by bus; Vilnius is 4-5 hours south. Lux Express and FlixBus connect all three capitals.
How affordable is Latvia compared to Switzerland?
Very affordable. Accommodation and food cost roughly 25-40% of Swiss prices. Riga is one of Europe's best-value city-break destinations.
What is the best way to get to Latvia from Switzerland?
Fly from ZRH or GVA to RIX (Riga) with airBaltic or via Frankfurt/Helsinki connections. Total journey time is 3-5 hours.