What travel insurance do I need when visiting Latvia?

NAME: Axel Strauss
DATE: 25/09/2024

Latvia is quickly becoming an increasingly top travel destination the world over — attracting roughly a third more than its entire population (i.e., 1.8 million) annually. More than half of this Baltic gem is pristine green forestland, bordered by over 500 km of beautiful sandy coastline. Meanwhile, its capital Riga — boasting some of the finest (and oldest) Art Nouveau architecture on the planet — is a UNESCO World Heritage site. Oh, and along with all the modern cosmopolitanism and breathtaking natural beauty (and much,much more), when in Latvia — you can also immerse yourself in either a 20-minute beer bath or a one-night Soviet-prison-themed hotel stay (with, um, all the “amenities”). If those are your sort of things, we mean.

Either way, no matter how adventurous or laid-back your upcoming trip to Latvia may be, the proper travel insurance is probably a good call. And, in certain cases — even mandatory. So fear not — AXA compiled a quick breakdown of all you need to know about travel insurance for Latvia below.

• Is travel insurance mandatory for Latvia?
• If I don’t need a Schengen Visa, do I still need travel insurance?
• What does AXA Schengen travel insurance for Latvia cover?
• What to do if injured or ill while in Latvia
• A few more practical tips for planning your trip to Latvia

Is travel insurance mandatory for Latvia?

If you need a Schengen Visa — then yes. That’s because, for two decades (and counting), Latvia has been one of the countries currently in the ever-growing Schengen Zone. So if you don’t happen to be a citizen of the Schengen Zone (and/or the EU), chances are you will need a visa to enter its borders. And one of the first mandatory Schengen visa requirements is that you have the proper Schengen travel insurance.

AXA can gladly tell you —in detail — about both who doesn’t need a Schengen visa and who does need a Schengen visa (for Europe in general and, therefore, Latvia). But in the meantime, here’s a quick breakdown:

Which travelers don’t need a Schengen visa to come to Latvia (for stays of less than 90 days)?

If you are a national of the Schengen area, one (or more) of the Non-Schengen (but European Union member) countries, or already have a visa issued by one of the member countries of the Schengen area (Latvia or other) — then you don’t need a Schengen visa. That is, so long as your stay in the Schengen area does not exceed 90 days per period of 180 days.

You also won’t need a visa if you’re a national of a non-EU country (and/or territory) that has signed a visa exemption agreement with the EU . This generally includes visitors from Australia, Brazil, Canada, Hong Kong, Japan, Macao, Mexico, Taiwan, the U.K., and the U.S., and roughly 50 more nations.

So if you’re a passport holder from one or any of the countries above — congrats. You can travel to Latvia visa-free for short stays. That is, generally speaking, present your biometric passport — issued no more than 10 years prior to and valid for at least 90 days after the planned date of departure from the Schengen zone, mind you — and you should be fine. But double-check with your country’s official website (and that of Latvia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs) just in case too,

Which travelers are required to apply for a visa to Latvia?

On the other hand, if you’re a citizen of any African nation, most Asian and Middle Eastern ones, China, India, Russia, and nearly a hundred more — then you will indeed need to apply for a Schengen visa for Latvia* (and, therefore, Schengen travel insurance too). And that’s because your home country has yet to sign a visa waiver agreement with the EU.

NOTE: The European Commission generously provides full lists of countries that are and aren’t exempt from a Schengen visa too.

*PRO-TIP 1: Meanwhile, AXA can also help you figure out whether you need and apply for a Schengen visa for Latvia in no time too!

PRO-TIPS 2, 3, and 4: Moreover, we can also help you figure out which type of Schengen visa you need, how to fill out a Schengen visa form, and even tell you all about Schengen visa tracking online.

If I don’t need a Schengen Visa, do I still need travel insurance?

Technically and legally speaking — no. That is, if you don’t need a Schengen visa, travel insurance is not a requirement for entering Latvia.

That said, forests, shorelines, beer baths, Eastern European party capitals (such as Riga), voluntary prison stays — all these things can be quite unpredictable by their very nature.

Moreover, even though Latvia is generally a relatively safe place to visit, you never really know what can go wrong when traveling abroad — including when it comes to your and your family’s health and safety.

Meanwhile, medical costs abroad can be surprisingly high — especially for things like prescription drugs. And figuring out and successfully navigating a foreign medical system can be tricky, to say the least (and — at times — downright excruciating). And, of course, If you are pregnant and/or have a preexisting medical condition, your general risk factors are that much higher.

So, in short — the best way to be as prepared as possible for the unexpected in Latvia is by being properly insured. A comprehensive insurance plan can save you time, hassle, money, worry, and so much more..And it also means peace of mind — 24/7, wherever you are, and throughout your entire trip (beer bath or not).

What does AXA Schengen travel insurance for Latvia cover?

And here are just a few reasons why having an AXA plan on hand is the surest way to stay safe and worry-free in Latvia.

For one, all three of our plans — i.e., Low-Cost, Europe Travel, and Multi-Trip — meet the requirements for being granted a Schengen Visa. These requirements, by the way, are that your plan:

• has a minimum coverage of €30,000 (in case of medical care, hospitalization, and/or medical repatriation);
• is accepted by all countries within the Schengen zone;
• is valid for the entire duration of your trip/stay.

PRO-TIP 5: If your Schengen visa is denied, fear not — AXA’s plans are refundable in most cases. We’ll only ask that you provide the appropriate documentation (i.e., an official explanation as to why your visa was refused) from the relevant embassy, consulate, or visa application center.

And regardless of whether you need a visa for Latvia or not, there are plenty more benefits to choosing AXA, such as:

• Up to €100,000 coverage in medical expenses;
• Up to 180 days of coverage;
• Medical repatriation transport;
• 24/7 medical assistance (with our unique “Doctor, please!” feature) in English, French, German, Spanish, ​Italian, and/or Portuguese);
• Coverage in all Schengen and most European Union countries (including the U.K. — but depending on the chosen plan).

So as you prep your Latvian journey, take a second to learn more about and compare our 3 comprehensive plans. Keep in mind that you also won’t need to go far to get your plan at all — it can all be done online, in a matter of minutes, from anywhere in the world.

AXA’s travel insurance certificate can then be instantly downloaded (and/or printed) online too. And said certificate, meanwhile, is also accepted by all Schengen consulates and embassies (Latvian and other) the world over.

Click around, explore your options, and say “Sveiki!” to Latvia’s many attractions with confidence, peace of mind, and an invigorating sense of adventure — knowing that AXA got your back.

What to do if injured or ill while in Latvia

If something does go wrong during your Latvian adventure — stay calm, breathe, and remember that AXA's here for you.

Then get your phone out and contact an AXA call center — the number for which will be provided with your insurance policy.

AXA’s medical professionals are available 24/7 to answer your questions, help you find the nearest medical facility, provide guidance, and more

What to Provide When Contacting AXA's Call Center

But also be sure that you have the following saved in a secure place (maybe even on an old-school piece of paper, in case of phone troubles):

• Your policy number (which begins with "SCH");
• The address and telephone number at which you can be reached (as well as the details of any people that can be contacted locally);
• Your dossier number (provided during your initial call).

List of Emergency Numbers in Latvia

Meanwhile, here are the essential emergency numbers in Latvia you’ll want to jot down too:

• General emergency: 112.
• POLICE: 110 or 112.
• AMBULANCE: 113 or 112.

-Tourist police unit in Riga (i.e., assistance for foreigners): 6718 1818.

PRO-TIP 6: The website Live Riga also provides a few numbers that might come in handy — including 24-hr veterinarians, lost bank card and gas emergency services, and more.

PRO-TIP 7: Always keep all invoices related to medical expenses for your records. And make sure your phone is charged,

A few more practical tips for planning your trip to Latvia

Safety and Security in Latvia

Again, Latvia as a whole is pretty safe and tourist-friendly. However, as with any growing tourist destination — you should use caution and stay alert. Purse-snatching and pickpocketing are not uncommon, especially in Riga Old Town (and other generally crowded, touristy areas), and during peak tourist season.

On the other hand, in smaller, more rural parts — try to avoid unlit streets, parks, shady alleys, and so on — especially if alone, and especially at night. Fraudulent prices and credit card scams may occur too, so use diligence and ask trustworthy, official locals about your best options for shopping, banks, and so on.

Public transport in Latvia

With half the country being pristine green lands, nearly half of Latvia’s population lives in Riga and its surrounding suburbs. Public transportation outside Riga can, therefore, be somewhat limited. Nevertheless, you do have options — including buses, trams, trolleybuses, and trains — providing convenient access to most major cities and attractions.

Riga itself features an extensive network operated by Rīgas Satiksme (with schedules, routes, and general info available on their site in both Latvian and English ). Intercity travel is mostly facilitated by regional buses — and plenty of info about that is available on the website 1188, as well as Pasažieru Vilciens, (specifically for trains).

PRO-TIP 8: You can also learn more about how to get around — and other helpful info — on Latvia’s official tourism site latvia.travel.

Opening hours in Latvia

Opening hours for shops, restaurants, and attractions can vary. Most stores in the bigger cities tend to be open from 9 or 10 AM to 7 or 8 PM on weekdays, and 10 AM to 6 PM on weekends, with some going on lunch breaks.

Meanwhile, museums and tourist attractions usually operate from 10 AM to 6 PM, with many — as per universal custom — closed on Mondays. And, of course — the more tourists there are, the more open things tend to stay.

And, again, Latvia’s official tourism website (see above) will come in handy here too.

Driving license in Latvia

Tourists in Latvia can drive using their valid foreign driving license for up to six months. However, while EU/EEA licenses are recognized without additional requirements, non-EU/EEA visitors should carry an International Driving Permit (IDP) along with their home country license.

For more detailed info, you can consult Latvia’s official Road Traffic Safety Directorate (or, again, the official tourism site above).

Restaurants in Latvia

Restaurants typically serve from 11:00 AM to 10:00 PM (with some going on lunch break as well). However, in Riga — with its thriving night-time economy — you’re sure to find a place or two open until 11 pm or even later. In more rural areas — it’s best to consult Google, the restaurant’s website, and talk to a human whenever possible to make sure you’re not left out in the cold.

Weather in Latvia

Latvia experiences a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. Summers — i.e., June to August — are mild to warm, with temperatures averaging 16-20°C (61-68°F).

Meanwhile, winters (December to February) are — yep — cold, with numbers often dropping below freezing (averaging -2 to -10°C (28-14°F). Spring and autumn are cool and pleasant but can be rainy.

If you’re feeling extra geeky and/or adventurous, you can take a look at the official website of the Latvian Environment, Geology and Meteorology Centre for the latest official weather updates, forecasts, and general climate stuff.

Currency in Latvia

And, finally —in terms of cash, the official currency of Latvia is the Euro (€). Euros are, therefore, accepted throughout all shops, restaurants, and hotels. But you also might get away with a few dollars in a tourist shop or two in Riga.

ATMs are mostly readily available in cities and towns for cash withdrawals, and credit/debit cards are also commonly used. Just remember — the more rural the area, the fewer chances of ATMS, exact change, credit/debit, and so on.

Oh, and if you are heading to prison for a night and/or jumping in a beer bath — well, you’ll figure it out.

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FAQ

Is healthcare free in Latvia?

Healthcare in Latvia is not entirely free — but it is publicly funded and subsidized for residents through the National Health Service (aka Nacionālais veselības dienests, aka NVD). Residents are required to make co-payments for certain services and medications. Tourists and non-residents, however, are typically required to pay for medical services.

Are there any COVID restrictions for entering Latvia?

No. All travel restrictions implemented to control the spread of COVID-19 have been lifted in both the EU and the Schengen Zone since 2022.

Can I travel to Latvia if I have obtained a Schengen Visa from another country?

Yes. A Schengen Visa allows you to travel to and throughout all the Schengen countries — no matter which country you got it from. However, you must apply with the country in which you plan to spend the most time.