Latvia
About Latvia
| Currency | Euro (EUR) |
| Language | Latvian, with Russian widely spoken |
| Capital | Riga |
The Republic of Latvia is a small country bordering the Baltic Sea in Eastern Europe. Latvia shares borders with Estonia, Russia, Lithuania, and Belarus. The government is a parliamentary republic, and its 2.2 million people are led by a president serving as head of state and a prime minister serving as head of government. Members of Latvia’s parliament, the Saeima, are elected by direct vote every four years, and the Saeima subsequently elects the president.
Latvia was founded in November 1918, following a two-century period in which it was part of the Russian Empire. This period of independence was interrupted in 1940 when Latvia was forcibly occupied by the Soviet Union. Except for a brief period of German occupation between 1941 and 1944, Latvia remained a part of the Soviet Union until its dissolution in 1991. Latvia subsequently joined NATO and the European Union in 2004 and the Eurozone in 2014. Today, Latvia’s economy is open, and the majority of companies, banks, and real estate entities have been privatized.
The capital city of Riga has successfully transitioned from the Soviet era and offers visitors the opportunity to explore the largest collection of art nouveau buildings in the world. Riga has an active nightlife, but travellers looking for a more relaxed pace could visit the town of Sigulda to explore its castles and beer halls. During the summer, the resorts on the Baltic coast offer the opportunity to relax, while nature lovers may prefer a trip to Gauja National Park to the east.
Recommended Vaccinations For Latvia
For Most Travellers
Hepatitis A Vaccine
There is a risk of exposure to hepatitis A for this country, therefore, the vaccination is recommended.
Hepatitis B Vaccine
There is a significant risk of infection with hepatitis B for this country, therefore, the vaccination is recommended.
For Some Travellers
Measles, Mumps, Rubella (MMR) Vaccine
A dose of Measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine is recommended for infants aged 6 to 11 months.
Bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG) Vaccine
BCG vaccine is recommended for those at increased risk from coming in close contact with infected persons or for unvaccinated people, children under 16 years of age, who are going to live in the country for more than 3 months.
Tick-Borne Encephalitis Vaccine
Travellers who plan to visit Latvia, especially the province of Kurzeme, during early spring to late autumn and hike or camp in rural or forested areas that provide a habitat for the ticks that carry the virus should consider obtaining this vaccine.
Rabies Vaccine
Vaccination against rabies is recommended for travellers involved in outdoor activities (e.g., campers, hikers, bikers, adventure travellers, and cavers) and who may have direct contact with rabid dogs, bats, and other mammals. Those with occupational risks (such as veterinarians, wildlife professionals, researchers) and long-term travellers and expatriates are at higher risk and should be vaccinated.
Recommended Medications For Latvia
There are no recommendations for Latvia at this time.
Diseases To Be Aware of for Latvia
For Most Travellers
Hepatitis A
There is a risk for hepatitis A virus exposure in Latvia through contaminated food or water.
Hepatitis B
There is a risk for acquiring hepatitis B in Latvia.
For Some Travellers
Measles
A dose of Measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine is recommended for infants aged 6 to 11 months.
Hanta Virus
There is a risk of acquiring Hantavirus in this country through the consumption of food and water contaminated by an infected rodent or through rodent bites.
Tuberculosis
Tuberculosis occurs in Latvia. Travellers to Latvia are at risk for tuberculosis if visiting sick friends or family, working in the health care field, or having close prolonged contact with the general population.
Rabies
Rabies occurs in Latvia. Travellers involved in outdoor activities (e.g., campers, hikers, bikers, adventure travellers, and cavers) may have direct contact with rabid dogs, bats, and other mammals. Those with occupational risks (such as veterinarians, wildlife professionals, researchers) and long-term travellers and expatriates are at higher risk.
Tick-Borne Encephalitis
**There is a risk of Tick-borne Encephalitis in all areas of this country. The main affected areas are in the province of Kurzeme. The transmission season varies, however, ticks are most active during early spring to late autumn.**
Safety & Security in Latvia
Personal Safety
The crime rate is low in this country, and most travellers have no trouble. However, petty crime, such as pickpocketing, bag snatching, or other theft can occur in any crowded area or tourist destination. Always be alert to your personal safety and security. Keep valuables secured and out of sight. Safeguard your important documents, such as your passport. Do not accept drinks or food from strangers and never leave your drinks out of your sight as there have been reports of drink spiking. Take extra precautions when walking at night. Be aware that car theft is common, especially in Riga. To reduce the risk of car theft, use guarded car parks when possible and keep your valuables out of sight.
Between dusk and dawn, pedestrians must wear a small reflector on their clothing so as to be seen in low light.
Drinking in public is illegal in Latvia, and fines may apply.
When choosing a bar or club, get reliable recommendations. There have been reports of clubs charging foreigners exorbitant prices, and patrons being required to pay or risk violence.
Exercise caution as poor driving standards, reckless driving and traffic congestion may make driving in Latvia dangerous. Use only officially marked taxis. To avoid severe fines, always validate your public transportation ticket before boarding.
LGBTI travellers should note that although same-sex behaviours are legal, same-sex marriage is not. Nevertheless, there is a small but growing gay scene in Riga.
Extreme Violence
There is a threat of terrorism in Europe. Terrorists have carried out attacks in several European cities.Terrorist attacks could occur at any time.
Political Unrest
Demonstrations may occur with little or no warning in cities. Avoid any protests, political gatherings or marches. Follow the advice of local authorities.
Areas To Avoid
The security environment at the Belarusian border could deteriorate at short notice.
