Latvia: Schengen Guide for UK Travellers
Yes, Latvia is a member of the Schengen zone. Every day you spend in Latvia counts toward your 90-day Schengen allowance within any rolling 180-day period. Since Brexit, UK passport holders are subject to the same Schengen entry rules as other non-EU nationals when visiting Latvia.
Latvia sits in the heart of the Baltic region, bordered by Estonia to the north and Lithuania to the south. Its capital Riga is one of the great undiscovered city break destinations in Europe, boasting the finest collection of Art Nouveau architecture on the continent, a beautifully preserved medieval old town, and a thriving food and bar scene. Beyond Riga, Latvia offers pristine national parks, white sand beaches along the Baltic coast, and a rich cultural heritage that blends Latvian, German, Russian, and Nordic influences.
Key Facts
- Schengen Member: Yes
- EU Member: Yes
- Year Joined Schengen: 2007
- Capital: Riga
- Currency: Euro
- Languages: Latvian
Latvia joined the Schengen zone in December 2007 alongside its Baltic neighbours Estonia and Lithuania. It adopted the Euro in 2014.
Visiting Latvia?
Even a short city break in Riga counts toward your Schengen allowance. If you are combining Latvia with other Baltic capitals or wider European travel, track every day with Entorii to stay on top of your limit.
How Long Can You Stay?
UK passport holders can stay in Latvia (and the wider Schengen zone) for up to 90 days in any rolling 180-day period without a visa. This is a combined allowance shared across all Schengen countries. A long weekend in Riga plus a week in Spain plus a skiing trip to Austria all count from the same 90-day pool.
Most UK visitors to Latvia stay for 2 to 4 days, typically focused on Riga as a city break. A longer stay of 5 to 7 days allows you to explore Sigulda and the Gauja National Park, the coastal town of Jurmala, or combine Latvia with visits to Tallinn and Vilnius as part of a Baltic capitals trip. These durations use minimal Schengen days and leave plenty of allowance for other European travel.
Top Destinations in Latvia
Riga Old Town (2-3 days)
UNESCO-listed medieval centre with cobbled streets, the House of the Blackheads, and Riga Cathedral.
Riga Art Nouveau District (1 day)
Over 800 Art Nouveau buildings, the finest concentration in Europe, centred around Alberta and Elizabetes streets.
Jurmala (1-2 days)
A Baltic seaside resort just 25 minutes from Riga with white sand beaches and wooden spa architecture.
Sigulda & Gauja National Park (1-2 days)
Medieval castle ruins, forest trails, bobsled tracks, and the scenic Gauja River valley.
Cesis (1 day)
A charming medieval town with a 13th-century castle, craft breweries, and access to Gauja hiking trails.
Getting There from the UK
Direct flights from the UK to Riga operate from London (Gatwick and Stansted), Manchester, Edinburgh, and Liverpool. Flight times are two and a half to three hours. Ryanair and Wizz Air run the most frequent budget services, while airBaltic (Latvia's national carrier) offers direct flights from Gatwick. Riga Airport is compact and located just 10 kilometres from the city centre, reachable by bus in about 20 minutes or taxi in 15 minutes.
Travel Tips
Latvia uses the Euro, which makes things simple for UK travellers coming from or heading to other Eurozone countries. Riga is very affordable by Western European standards. A three-course meal with wine at a good restaurant in Riga will typically cost 25 to 40 euros per person, and a pint of local beer costs around 3 to 4 euros. The Riga Central Market, housed in five former Zeppelin hangars, is an excellent place for local food and produce.
Riga is compact and easily walkable. The tram and bus network covers the wider city if needed, and single tickets can be bought at kiosks or via the app. English is widely spoken in Riga, particularly by younger Latvians. If visiting in winter, pack properly: temperatures can drop well below freezing from December to February. The Riga Christmas Market in the Old Town is a charming and less crowded alternative to the more famous German markets.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Latvia in the Schengen zone?
Yes. Latvia has been a member of the Schengen zone since December 2007. All days spent in Latvia count toward the 90-day Schengen limit that applies to UK passport holders after Brexit.
How long can a UK citizen stay in Latvia?
UK citizens can stay in Latvia for up to 90 days within any rolling 180-day period under the Schengen rules. This is a combined limit across all 29 Schengen countries, not specific to Latvia alone.
Is Latvia a good base for a Baltic trip?
Yes. Riga is centrally located between Tallinn (Estonia) and Vilnius (Lithuania), both reachable by bus in about four hours. All three Baltic states are Schengen members, so moving between them does not involve border checks, but all days count toward the same 90-day Schengen allowance.
What currency does Latvia use?
Latvia adopted the Euro in 2014. You do not need to exchange currency if coming from another Eurozone country. ATMs and card payments are widely available throughout the country.
Is Riga worth visiting in winter?
Yes. Winter in Riga (November to February) is cold but atmospheric. The Old Town Christmas Market is beautiful, the Art Nouveau buildings look striking in the snow, and prices for flights and accommodation are lower than in summer. Just be prepared for temperatures between minus 5 and minus 15 degrees Celsius and short daylight hours.