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Passports must be valid for at least three months, unless a member of the EEA. All passengers must be in possession of a life and health insurance policy that will cover all health care expenses while in the country, including the return to country of nationality in case of a medical emergency or death. Policies are available on arrival at Riga airport. Latvia became a member state on 27 December 2007, but passport control will remain at airports for intra-Schengen flights until 29 March 2008. 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 and Sweden. All these countries issue a standard Schengen visa that has a multiple entry option that allows the holder to travel freely within the borders of all.
Americans: United States citizens do not require a visa for a stay of up to 90 days per half calendar year.
UK nationals: Those with passports endorsed British Citizen do not require a visa. British National (Overseas), British Overseas Territories Citizen or British Subject (with the right of abode in the UK) do not require a visa for a stay of up to 90 days per half calendar year. Other British passport categories require a visa.
Canadians: Canadians do not require a visa for a stay of up to 90 days per half a calendar year.
Australians: Australians do not require a visa for a stay of up to 90 days per half a calendar year.
South Africans: South Africans require a visa to enter Latvia.
Irish nationals: Irish citizens do not require a visa.
New Zealanders: New Zealand citizens do not require a visa for a stay of up to 90 days per half a 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, which is a problem especially during the months of March to October, if planning to hike in the country and forests or stay in rural areas. 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).
Safety
Visitors should be vigilant in public places and tourist sites due to the risk of random terrorist attacks that Latvia shares with the rest of the world. Most visits to Latvia are trouble-free, but street crime can be a serious problem for tourists, and there are occasional muggings of foreigners, particularly if walking alone or at night. Car theft is rife. Reports indicate that foreigners are being charged ridiculously expensive prices for drinks in bars in Riga, and visitors are cautioned against becoming victims by checking on prices before buying.
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