Latvians observe most national holidays recognized in western Europe, including Christmas and Easter. The most important national celebration, in addition to Christmas, is Ligo/Jani (Summer Solstice) on June 23 and 24. Latvians also celebrate name days in addition to their birthdays. No gifts are expected during initial business contacts.
For additional information, please visit the website of the Latvian Institute: Latvia.eu as well as Commisceo Global.
Travel Advisory
For the latest security information, Americans living and traveling abroad should regularly monitor the Department of State’s Bureau of Consular Affairs Internet site at Travel.state.gov, where current worldwide cautions, public announcements, and travel warnings can be found. Up-to-date information on security can also be obtained by calling 1(888) 407-4747 toll free in the U.S. and from overseas: +1(202)-501-4444.
Latvia specific information is available on the Department of State website at https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel/International-Travel-Country-Information-Pages/Latvia.html
Additional travel information can be found on the U.S. Embassy in Latvia website.
Visa requirements
U.S. citizens do not need a visa to travel to Latvia if they plan to stay no longer than 90 days in a half year, counting from the first day of entry. To remain in Latvia for more than 90 days, or to work, study, or reside in Latvia, a U.S. citizen must obtain a temporary residence permit. The 90-day period begins with entry to any of the Schengen group countries. Multiple visits to Schengen countries may not exceed 90 days in any 6-month period. More information on traveling to the Schengen area is available at https://travel.state.gov/content/passports/en/go/schengen-fact-sheet.html.
To travel to Latvia, U.S. citizens must hold a valid U.S. citizen passport with a term of validity that exceeds the intended period of stay in Latvia by at least three months and a valid health insurance policy for international travel, which covers all costs relating to emergency medical care during the stay in Latvia, including the transportation costs from Latvia to the place of permanent residence of the individual in case of his/her severe medical condition or death.
Information regarding extensions of stay or how to receive an entry visa for the purpose of work, education, training, or other professional activity may be obtained from the Embassy of Latvia in the United States.
U.S. companies that require travel of foreign businesspersons to the United States should be advised that security evaluations are handled via an interagency process. Visa applicants should go to the following link(s): State Department Visa Website.
The U.S. Embassy in Latvia can provide a list of English-speaking physicians and lawyers. More information is available on the Embassy in Riga website and select citizen services.
Travelers are advised to purchase travel medical insurance coverage prior to visiting Latvia.
Currency
The currency of Latvia is the euro. There are no restrictions on exchanging currencies or capital movement and foreign investors are allowed to extract their profits in any currency without constraints.
Telecommunications/Electronics
The Latvian telecommunications market is completely liberalized. The main market players are Tet for fixed telephone and mobile operators LMT, Tele2, and Bite. In addition, there are many licensed companies that provide specialized services such as broadband or international pre-paid phone cards, etc.
Latvia has one of the fastest broadband Internet in the world. WI-FI is widely available in office buildings, hotels, near public phone booths, and at the airport.
The following mobile phone standards are operational in Latvia: GSM 900, GSM 1800 UMTS 900, UMTS 2100 LTE 800 (Band 20), LTE 1800 (Band 3), LTE 2100 (1) and LTE 2600 (Band 7).
Transportation
Riga International Airport is the main airport in the country. American Airlines, Delta, and United Airlines all offer code-share flights run by their partners in the region. The most popular air routes connecting Latvia with the United States lead through Amsterdam, Copenhagen, Frankfurt, Helsinki, London, and Stockholm.
Many internationally recognized car rental companies, such as National, Avis, Sixt, and Budget, provide service for travel within the Baltic states.
The local public transportation system, including commuter trains, trolleys, and buses, is well developed and inexpensive. Travel is safe so long as one uses precautions similar to elsewhere in Europe. Tickets for public transport can be obtained from special ticket offices or directly on the transport, depending on the city and type of transport.
For more info visit: https://www.latvia.travel/en/article/public-transport.
Language
In Latvia, the state language is Latvian. The Latvian language belongs to the Baltic group of the Indo-European family of languages. Its closest and only living relative is Lithuanian. In large cities and the eastern region of the country, Russian is also widely spoken. English is generally accepted as a business language.
Health
The latest updates on COVID-19 in Latvia can be found on U.S. Embassy Website. There are both private and state medical systems in Latvia. Medical education is at a high standard. Some services and skills that one may expect in the United States are less available. There are no recorded notable health risks, and public tap water is safe to drink. However, travelers must be alert to the risk of tick-borne encephalitis, especially when going to the countryside.
The U.S. Embassy in Latvia can provide a list of English-speaking physicians and lawyers. More information is available at the U.S. Embassy website (citizen services).
Travelers are advised to purchase travel medical insurance coverage prior to visiting Latvia.
Local time, business hours, and holidays:
The local time in Latvia is Universal Time (Greenwich Mean Time) + 2 hours.
Daylight Savings Time or Summer Time is observed in Latvia. It begins at 2 a.m. local time on the last Sunday in March, and it ends at 2 a.m. local time on the last Sunday in October.
Latvia observes a five-day workweek, with eight working hours per day and 40 working hours per week. The workday typically lasts from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. for manufacturing-related industries, or from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. for service institutions, including a one-hour lunch. A list of national holidays in Latvia is available here: https://www.latvia.eu/history/national-holidays.
Temporary Entry of Materials and Personal Belongings:
Goods are accepted for temporary entry if they stay for no more than 24 months in the customs zone and then leave the country. Find additional information concerning temporary entry customs procedure.
Locate information on the ATA Carnet customs procedure used for temporary importation, transit and temporary admission of goods designed for specific purposes, duty-free and tax-free (such as professional equipment for presentations or trade fairs).
Additional information is available at the EU Export Helpdesk.
For Latvia-specific information please consult the website of the Latvian Investment and Development Agency.