Latvia Beach Holidays

You do not need a visa to travel to Latvia for tourism for up to 90 days in any 180-day period.

Your passport's date of issue must be less than 10 years before you arrive, and its expiry date must be at least 3 months after the day you plan to leave the Schengen area.

At border control, you may need to show proof of accommodation, proof of travel insurance with health cover, a return ticket, and proof you have enough money for your stay.

Be prepared for the new Entry/Exit System, which may require you to register your biometric details like fingerprints or a photo when you enter or leave the Schengen area.

You cannot take meat, milk, or products containing them into Latvia, with exceptions for items like powdered baby milk or special medical foods.

Declare cash or travellers cheques if the value is 10,000 euros or more, or it could be seized when you leave.

Any vehicle registered in the UK must be declared online via Latvia's Road Traffic Safety Directorate before entering the country.

Always carry a copy of your passport's photo page for identification.

Drinking alcohol in public places, including parks and streets, is illegal and can result in a fine.

Pickpocketing and bag snatching are common in Riga Old Town, the Central Market, and main transport stations, so stay alert in these areas.

Be wary of drink spiking in bars and clubs, and never leave your drink unattended or accept drinks from strangers.

You must validate your ticket as soon as you board public transport, or you risk an on-the-spot fine.

Avoid unlit streets and parks at night, and keep valuables secure in your hotel safe.

When taking a taxi, use official companies with yellow plates and agree on the approximate fare before starting your journey.