Latvia travel guide for New Zealanders

New Zealanders 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 this same allowance covers all 29 Schengen countries combined. You will need an ETIAS travel authorisation once the European system launches — currently expected in 2026, but not yet in force. Check the latest status before you book.

Your New Zealand passport must be valid for at least three months beyond your planned departure from the Schengen Area, and issued within the last ten years. You should be able to show proof of accommodation, return or onward travel, and enough funds for your stay. Border officials can ask for these, though checks are usually light for New Zealanders.

New Zealand does not have an embassy in Latvia. The nearest New Zealand embassy is in Warsaw, Poland, and it covers Latvia. For consular help with passports, notarial services or emergencies, contact the embassy in Warsaw. For urgent issues, the New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs 24/7 emergency line can also help.

A typical trip to Latvia costs about NZ$180–260 per day for one person, including a mid-range hotel, meals and local transport. Riga is the most expensive part; smaller towns like Cēsis or Kuldīga are cheaper. Flights from New Zealand usually cost NZ$1,800–2,800 return, depending on the season and how early you book.

There are no direct flights from New Zealand to Latvia. The most common routes connect through Doha (Qatar Airways), Dubai (Emirates) or other European hubs like Helsinki or Frankfurt. Total travel time is typically 24–30 hours including the stop. Riga International Airport (RIX) is the main gateway, about 10 km from the city centre.

Latvia uses the same plugs as most of Europe: types C and F, with a voltage of 230 V and 50 Hz. New Zealand uses type I plugs, so you will need an adapter. Most phone chargers and laptops handle 230 V fine, but check your device's label — if it says 100–240 V, you only need a plug adapter, not a converter.

Tipping is not obligatory in Latvia, but it is normal to round up or leave about 10% for good table service in Riga. In smaller towns and cafés, rounding up to the nearest euro is fine. Tips are usually left in cash, even when you pay by card, as not all card terminals accept a tip.

The single European emergency number 112 works for police, fire and ambulance anywhere in Latvia. You can also call 110 for police and 113 for ambulance. Operators generally speak Latvian and Russian; English may be limited, so have your location written down. For non-urgent consular help, contact the New Zealand Embassy in Warsaw.

This page is based on official government travel advice and the Latvian border authority. For the latest entry rules, always check the official sources before you travel.