Travel Vaccines and Advice for Latvia
Latvia is in Northern Europe and is a country in the Baltic Region. Estonia, Lithuania, Russia, and Belarus border Latvia. There is a maritime border located to the west. Its capital is Riga.
Latvia is a mix of the old and new, offers travelers a chance to get in touch with nature, and has beautiful skylines. While Latvia is a small country, there is a lot to experience. It’s a place where the people of Latvia celebrate their culture through festivals.
Whether you love history, architecture, or the beach, travelers will love Latvia.
On This Page:
Do I Need Vaccines for Latvia?
Other Ways to Stay Healthy in Latvia
Do I Need a Visa for Latvia?
What Is the Climate Like in Latvia?
How Safe Is Latvia?
Skrunda-1
What Should I Take to Latvia?
U.S. Embassy in Latvia
Do I Need Vaccines for Latvia?
Yes, some vaccines are recommended or required for Latvia. The CDC and WHO recommend the following vaccinations for Latvia: hepatitis A, polio, tick-borne encephalitis, rabies, hepatitis B, influenza, COVID-19, pneumonia, meningitis, chickenpox, shingles, Tdap (tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis) and measles, mumps and rubella (MMR).
See the bullets below to learn more about some of these key immunizations:
- Hepatitis A –
Food & Water –
Recommended for most travelers. - Polio –
Food & Water –
Due to an increase in cases globally, an additional adult booster is recommended for most travelers to any destination. - Tick-borne Encephalitis –
Ticks –
Present throughout the country with one of the highest number of cases in Europe. Most common in western and central regions. - Rabies –
Saliva of Infected Animals –
High risk country. Vaccine recommended for long-term travelers and those who may come in contact with animals. - Hepatitis B –
Blood & Body Fluids –
Recommended for travelers to most regions. - Influenza –
Airborne –
Vaccine components change annually. - COVID-19 –
Airborne –
Recommended for travel to all regions, both foreign and domestic. - Pneumonia –
Airborne –
Two vaccines given separately. All 65+ or immunocompromised should receive both. - Meningitis –
Direct Contact & Airborne –
Given to anyone unvaccinated or at an increased risk, especially students. - Chickenpox –
Direct Contact & Airborne –
Given to those unvaccinated that did not have chickenpox. - Shingles –
Direct Contact –
Vaccine can still be given if you have had shingles. - Polio –
Food & Water –
Considered a routine vaccination for most travel itineraries. Single adult booster recommended. - TDAP (Tetanus, Diphtheria & Pertussis) –
Wounds & Airborne –
Only one adult booster of pertussis required. - Measles Mumps Rubella (MMR) –
Various Vectors –
Given to anyone unvaccinated and/or born after 1957. One time adult booster recommended.
See the table below for more information:
Recommended Travel Vaccinations for Latvia |
||
| VACCINE | HOW DISEASE SPREADS | DETAILS |
|---|---|---|
| Hepatitis A | Food & Water | Recommended for most travelers. |
| Polio | Food & Water | Due to an increase in cases globally, an additional adult booster is recommended for most travelers to any destination. |
| Tick-borne Encephalitis | Ticks | Present throughout the country with one of the highest number of cases in Europe. Most common in western and central regions. |
| Rabies | Saliva of Infected Animals | High risk country. Vaccine recommended for long-term travelers and those who may come in contact with animals. |
| Hepatitis B | Blood & Body Fluids | Recommended for travelers to most regions. |
Routine Vaccinations for Latvia |
||
| VACCINE | HOW DISEASE SPREADS | DETAILS |
|---|---|---|
| Influenza | Airborne | Vaccine components change annually. |
| COVID-19 | Airborne | Recommended for travel to all regions, both foreign and domestic. |
| Pneumonia | Airborne | Two vaccines given separately. All 65+ or immunocompromised should receive both. |
| Meningitis | Direct Contact & Airborne | Given to anyone unvaccinated or at an increased risk, especially students. |
| Chickenpox | Direct Contact & Airborne | Given to those unvaccinated that did not have chickenpox. |
| Shingles | Direct Contact | Vaccine can still be given if you have had shingles. |
| TDAP (Tetanus, Diphtheria & Pertussis) | Wounds & Airborne | Only one adult booster of pertussis required. |
| Measles Mumps Rubella (MMR) | Various Vectors | Given to anyone unvaccinated and/or born after 1957. One time adult booster recommended. |
Specific Vaccine Information
- Hepatitis A – Contagious hepatitis A, caused by the hepatitis A virus (HAV), spreads through contaminated food, water, or close contact. Prevention involves vaccination and practicing good hygiene, particularly when traveling to high-risk areas.
- Tick-borne Encephalitis – Tick-borne encephalitis, a viral disease, can be prevented by wearing protective clothing, using insect repellent, and receiving the tick-borne encephalitis vaccine. Vaccination plays a crucial role in defending against this potentially severe illness.
- Rabies – Rabies is a deadly viral illness transmitted mainly through animal bites. Vaccination is pivotal, with pre-exposure and post-exposure options available to protect against this potentially fatal disease.
- Hepatitis B – The hepatitis B virus leads to liver infection through contact with infected fluids. The most effective safeguard is the hepatitis B vaccine, administered in a series of shots that stimulate the body to produce antibodies, providing long-term immunity. It is crucial for infants and those at an increased risk of exposure.
- Measles, Mumps, Rubella (MMR) – Measles, mumps, and rubella are infectious diseases that can easily spread. Vaccination remains the primary defense against these threats. The MMR vaccine, with its two-dose regimen, is a reliable way to bolster immunity and reduce the risk of infection and outbreaks.
See our vaccinations page to learn more about these infections and vaccines. Ready to protect yourself? Book your travel health appointment today by calling or schedule online now.
Other Ways to Stay Healthy in Latvia
Prevent Bug Bites in Latvia
Safeguard against bug bites by dressing appropriately and using EPA-registered repellents with DEET, picaridin, or OLE. If bitten, cleanse the area, refrain from scratching, and mitigate discomfort with OTC treatments. Seek medical aid for serious reactions.
Food and Water Safety in Latvia
Abroad, food safety entails avoiding street vendors, thorough hand-washing, and opting for well-cooked dishes. Choose sealed bottled or canned beverages. To prevent travelers’ diarrhea, maintain hand hygiene, avoid raw foods, and dine at reliable restaurants.
Do I Need a Visa for Latvia?
A visa is not required for stays under 90 days in Latvia. Your passport must have six months validity.
Latvia Entry Requirements |
||
| Do I Need A… | For My Trip to Latvia? | |
|---|---|---|
| Passport |  |
|
| Tourist Visa | ||
| Business Visa | ||
| Vaccinations | ||
Sources: Embassy of Latvia and U.S. State Department
You may be required to show proof of sufficient funds and an onward airline ticket.
What Is the Climate Like in Latvia?
Latvia is in a temperate climate zone where travelers can enjoy all four seasons. People will encounter sub-zero temperatures and snow in the winter. Rains are common in the spring. Warm summers are a great time to visit and autumn colors are amazing.
- Winter — Temperatures are usually negative, but rarely below 20. Skiing is the ideal sport to do because of the flat terrain, but the mountains are not that high. The sea freezes over during the cold winters.
- Spring — Temperatures are in the 30’s most of the season. The rivers tend to overflow in the springtime. This is the perfect time for people to go boating because of the high water levels.
- Summer — The best time to go is when it is usually in the 60’s. Thunderstorms may occur later in the summertime.
- Autumn — Temps are in the 40’s this time of year. The first snowfall can occur in October or November. Travelers will see the red, orange, gold colors of the leaves across the country of Latvia.
How Safe Is Latvia?
Latvia is generally safe for travelers, but it’s still important to take precautions to ensure your safety. Here are some tips to help you stay safe while traveling in Latvia:
- Be aware of your surroundings and pay attention to what’s happening around you, especially in crowded places.
- Use common sense and avoid carrying large amounts of cash or valuable items.
- Keep your important documents safe in a hotel safe, and carry copies with you.
- Be careful with taxis, and only use licensed taxis.
- Drink responsibly to avoid accidents, theft, and other dangers.
- Respect the local customs and traditions.
- Stay informed by checking travel advisories and local news to be aware of any potential risks or threats.
By following these tips, you can have a safe and enjoyable trip to Latvia.
Skrunda-1
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There are many cool and unique places to go to Latvia. Skrunda-1 is one of them. It’s a secret, abandoned city of Soviet ruins. Located in Lidumnieki, this place use to be a Soviet military installation. Skrunda-1 has been abandoned for years. But, it holds so much history in its ruins that travelers can see for themselves.
This secret city came into being in 1963, and it was made for military purposes during the Cold War. It was used to lookout for missiles that were coming from Western Europe.
Skrunda-1 was abandoned in 1998 and more than 60 buildings are still standing. Travelers can see some of the walls filled with propaganda art. The government is making sure the site is being preserved.
What Should I Take to Latvia?
When you travel to Latvia, there are some essential things you need to take on your trip.
- Travel Documents — You need a passport that has been valid for six months. A visa is not required if you plan to stay in Latvia less than 90 days within a six month period.
- Money — Euros are currently used in Latvia. You can exchange money at a bank or exchange office. Some ATMs allow money exchange as well. Credit and debit cards can be used at ATMs. Visa and MasterCard are accepted.
- Health and Safety — Bring prescription medicines, medical supplies, and over the counter medicines. You should also pack supplies to prevent injury or illness, and a first aid kit.
U.S. Embassy in Latvia
All Americans visiting Latvia should register online with the U.S. Department of State before departure. This will inform the office of your travel plans within the country and will allow them to reach out in the case of an emergency or evacuation.
The U.S. Embassy in Latvia offers a range of services for travelers. These services include help for U.S. citizens who need emergency assistance or passport services while in Latvia.
Once in Latvia, the information for the U.S. Embassy is:
U.S. Embassy Riga
1 Samnera Velsa St. (former Remtes)
Riga LV-1510
Latvia
Phone: +371 6710 7000
Ready to start your next journey? Call us at or book online now!
Customer Reviews
Passport Health – Travel Vaccines for Latvia
Overall rating: 5 stars – 2 reviews
★★★★★
“An absolute find for the international traveler!“
“And I was worried? They took care of everything. Knowledgeable, professional, on time, and had suggestions for everything that was causing me concerned before a trip to Latvia.”
Submitted by: Cindy
★★★★★
“Fantastic and Informative Visit“
“The visit was great and I learned so much valuable information for my trip to Latvia. The nurse/doctor that met with me had so much knowledge to share and ensured that I fully understood everything from the vaccines to the medication to the type of foods to avoid on my trip. She was wonderful and I’m glad I went to this location!”
Submitted by: Deborah
“And I was worried? They took care of everything. Knowledgeable, professional, on time, and had suggestions for everything that was causing me concerned before a trip to Latvia.”
“The visit was great and I learned so much valuable information for my trip to Latvia. The nurse/doctor that met with me had so much knowledge to share and ensured that I fully understood everything from the vaccines to the medication to the type of foods to avoid on my trip. She was wonderful and I’m glad I went to this location!”
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