Latvia Visa RequirementsFor United Kingdom passport holders
UK passport holders can visit Latvia without a visa for up to 90 days in any 180-day period. Latvia is a full Schengen Area member, so the 90-day allowance applies across all Schengen countries combined, not just Latvia.
Great news! United Kingdom passport holders can enter Latvia without a visa for tourism or business purposes. You can stay up to 90 days.
No visa or advance application is required. Present your UK passport at Riga International Airport or any Schengen land or sea border. Keep track of your cumulative Schengen days across all countries to avoid unintentional overstay. The ETIAS authorisation system for UK visitors to Schengen is expected to launch; check current requirements before travel.
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
United Kingdom to Latvia: What You Need to Know
Since Brexit, British nationals are subject to the Schengen 90/180-day rule. Time spent in Latvia counts against the same allowance as time in Germany, Spain, France, and all other Schengen members. Latvia is a Baltic state and NATO member with strong cultural ties to the UK, particularly through the large Latvian diaspora in Britain.
Practical Tips
The euro (EUR) is the currency in Latvia since 2014. Riga's Old Town (Vecriga) is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Latvia is notably more affordable than Western European destinations. Direct flights from the UK to Riga are available with several airlines. The country has excellent amber and linen craft traditions. Jurmala beach resort is popular in summer.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do UK citizens need a visa for Latvia?
No. British passport holders can visit Latvia without a visa for up to 90 days in any 180-day period. Latvia is a Schengen Area member so the 90-day allowance is shared across all Schengen countries combined.
Is Riga worth visiting for UK tourists?
Riga is widely considered one of Europe's most beautiful capitals and is particularly well known for its Art Nouveau architecture, of which it has more examples than anywhere else in the world. The Old Town (Vecriga) is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Riga is more affordable than Western European cities and direct flights from the UK are quick and frequent.
Does Latvia use the euro?
Yes. Latvia adopted the euro (EUR) in 2014. This makes spending straightforward for UK travellers already carrying euros from other European trips. UK bank cards are widely accepted across Riga and in major towns.
What is the best time to visit Latvia?
Latvia is beautiful year-round. Summer (June to August) offers long days, warm temperatures, and lively outdoor festivals. Winter (December to February) brings snow, Christmas markets, and cross-country skiing. Spring and autumn are quieter and more affordable. The White Night period around the summer solstice sees near-continuous daylight.