Latvia

Latvia has a history of occupation, surviving two World Wars and 50 years behind the Iron Curtain, but the Latvia of today is rapidly pushing aside the years of decline, neglect and loss of identity suffered during the Russian occupation, and eagerly rebuilding a nation that is entering one of the most promising periods of its history.

A small, flat country nestled between its neighbours Estonia and Lithuania on the Baltic Sea, Latvia is a country whose picturesque towns and ancient cities are set within a landscape of plains, lakes, forests and river valleys, and where fishing villages interrupt the dramatic coastline that is interspersed with white sandy beaches. The country has numerous manor houses, medieval castles, photogenic palaces and ruins; and Riga, the beautiful capital, is rich in history and culture, boasting the best concentration of Art Nouveau buildings in Europe. The city also contains a diversity of other architectural styles, and has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The Latvian capital is an obvious tourist destination and is the largest city in the Baltic States, a major port that is home to almost half the country's population. Nearby, the Baltic health and recreation resort of Jurmala doubles its population during the summer months as a popular holiday destination, with its sandy beaches, healing waters, mud baths and quaint wooden houses.

Historical tourist attractions in Latvia include the ancient cities of Valmiera, Cçsis and Limbaþi in the northern region, which were once members of the Hanseatic League; the picturesque cultural towns of the Abava River Valley and the villages of the ancient Liv people in the south; the Rundale Palace, a popular sight along with the spectacular Baroque palace at Jelgava in the central region of Zemgale; and the scenic Tervete forest, boasting the oldest and tallest pine trees in Latvia.

Those keen on fun outdoor activities will enjoy the natural surroundings in the Latgale region (referred to as the Land of Blue Lakes); the coastal landscape of the Kurzeme region, where deserted beaches stretch for miles; and the coastline and hilly scenery of the northern Vidzeme region, which also is home to Sigulda, the country's downhill skiing area.

Climate

May to September (spring and summer) is the best time to visit Latvia, with daytime temperatures averaging 61°F (16°C), but July and August is the peak tourist season and accommodation can be fully booked during this time. The coldest months are January and February, and winter temperatures can be extreme, averaging out at 25°F (-4°C) during the day.

Money

The official currency is the Lat (LVL), which is divided into 100 santims. Most hotels and restaurants in Riga accept credit cards, and most major banks cash travellers cheques, but outside of the capital credit cards are not widely accepted and credit card fraud can be a problem at smaller institutions. Foreign currency can be exchanged at any bank, at money change kiosks and at some hotels. Note that a 4% fee will be charged to exchange US dollars that are torn or marked in any way. Most banks are closed on Saturdays and Sundays. ATMs are available in the larger cities.

Passport Visa

The borderless region known as the Schengen Area includes the following countries: Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, The Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden and Switzerland. All these countries issue a standard Schengen visa that has a multiple entry option, and which allows the holder to travel freely within the borders of all the aforementioned countries. Additionally, foreign passengers to Latvia must hold valid health insurance, that includes provision for repatriation costs. NOTE: It is highly recommended that your passport has at least six months validity remaining after your intended date of departure from your travel destination. Immigration officials often apply different rules to those stated by travel agents and official sources.

Entry Requirements

• US citizens must have a passport that is valid for at least three months beyond the period of intended stay in Latvia. A visa is not required, for stays of up to 90 days per half-calendar year.
• British citizens must have a passport that is valid for the period of intended stay in Latvia. Passport exemptions apply to holders of identity cards issued by Gibraltar authories, and endorsed 'Validated for EU travel purposes under the authority of the United Kingdom'. A visa is not required for passports endorsed British Citizen; nor for holders of identity cards issued by Gibraltar authories, and endorsed 'Validated for EU travel purposes under the authority of the United Kingdom'. No visa is required for a stay of up to 90 days per half-calendar year, for holders of passports endorsed British National (Overseas), British Overseas Territories Citizen (containing a Certificate of Entitlement to the Right of Abode issued by the United Kingdom), and British Subject (containing a Certificate of Entitlement to the Right of Abode issued by the United Kingdom).
• Canadian citizens must have a passport that is valid for the period of intended stay in Latvia. No visa is required, for a stay of up to 90 days per half-calendar year.
• Australian citizens must have a passport that is valid for the period of intended stay in Latvia. Passport exemptions apply to holders of a Document of Identity issued to nationals of Australia. No visa is required, for a stay of up to 90 days per half-calendar year.
• South African citizens must have a passport that is valid for the period of intended stay, and require a valid Schengen visa to enter Latvia.
• Irish citizens must have a passport that is valid for the period of intended stay in Latvia. No visa is required.
• New Zealand citizens must have a passport that is valid for the period of intended stay in Latvia. No visa is required, for a stay of up to 90 days per half-calendar year.

Health

No health certificates or vaccinations are required to enter Latvia, but visitors are advised to have an inoculation against tick-borne encephalitis if planning to hike in the country and forests or stay in rural areas, especially during the summer months of March to October. There was a outbreak of Hepatitis A in a restaurant in Riga in May 2008 and travellers are recommended to get vaccinated before travelling to Latvia. Rabies is endemic, and outbreaks of meningitis occur. Medicines are usually available, but it is best to bring a supply of personal medication. Health insurance is necessary. A reciprocal agreement with the UK entitles UK citizens to emergency treatment on the same terms as Latvian nationals on presentation of a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC).

Embassy Consulates

• Embassy of Latvia, Washington DC, United States: +1 (202) 328 2840.
• Embassy of Latvia, London, United Kingdom: +44 (0)20 7312 0041.
• Embassy of Latvia, Ottawa, Canada: +1 613 238 6014.
• Embassy of Latvia, Melbourne, Australia: +61 3 9499 6920.
• Honorary Consulate of Latvia, Johannesburg, South Africa: +27 (0)11 750 1600.
• Embassy of Latvia, Dublin, Ireland: +353 (0)1 478 0161.
• Consulate of Latvia, Auckland, New Zealand: +64 (0)21 190 2618.

Foreign Embassies

• United States Embassy, Riga: +371 7036 200.
• British Embassy, Riga: +371 777 4700.
• Canadian Embassy, Riga: +371 781 3945.
• Australian Embassy, Berlin (also responsible for Latvia): +49 30 88 00 88 0
• South African Embassy, Stockholm, Sweden (also responsible for Latvia): +46 866 076 93.
• Embassy of Ireland, Riga: +371 6703 9370.
• New Zealand Embassy, Warsaw, Poland (also responsible for Latvia): +48 22 521 0500.