Latvia travel guide for Canadians

Canadians do not need a visa for Latvia for tourism, business or family visits of up to 90 days in any 180-day period. Latvia is part of the Schengen Area, so the same rule applies across most of Europe. From 2026, you may need an ETIAS travel authorisation before you fly; check the official ETIAS website closer to your trip.

Your passport must be valid for at least three months beyond your planned departure from the Schengen Area. Carry proof of travel insurance, accommodation and return or onward tickets, as border officers may ask for them. You can enter Latvia from any Schengen country; the 90-day limit applies to the whole Schengen zone, not just Latvia.

Canada has an embassy in Riga, Latvia. For consular services such as passport renewal, emergency assistance or notarial services, contact the embassy directly. If you are elsewhere in the Schengen Area, you can also reach out to the nearest Canadian embassy or consulate in that country.

Latvia is one of the more affordable Schengen countries. In Riga, a mid-range hotel room costs about CAD 120–200 per night, a three-course meal for two around CAD 60–90, and a local bus ticket about CAD 2.50. Budget roughly CAD 150–250 per day per person for a comfortable trip, excluding flights.

There are no direct flights from Canada to Riga. The most common routes connect through a European hub such as London, Frankfurt, Helsinki or Stockholm. Total flight time from Toronto is about 10–12 hours including the connection; from Vancouver, expect 13–15 hours. Check flight comparison sites for the best fares.

Latvia uses Type C and F plugs, the same as most of continental Europe, with a standard voltage of 230 V and frequency of 50 Hz. Canadian devices with Type A or B plugs will need an adapter, but most modern chargers handle 230 V. Check your device's label before plugging in.

Tipping is not mandatory but is appreciated. In restaurants with table service, rounding up to about 10% is normal in Riga; elsewhere, rounding up the bill is fine. For taxis, rounding up to the nearest euro is common. Tipping is not expected in bars or for counter service.

In an emergency, call 112 for police, fire or ambulance. This number works across the European Union and is free from any phone. For non-urgent police matters, call 110; for an ambulance, 113. Save 112 in your phone before you travel.

Answers to common questions from Canadian travellers.

Information is based on official government sources and the Latvian Office of Citizenship and Migration Affairs. Always verify current entry requirements before travel.