ETIAS Latvia

Together with Czech Republic, Hungary, and other East European countries, Latvia joined the EU in 2004 and became the member of the Schengen area in 2007. The European Union has awarded Latvian government for the excellent work done satisfying Maastricht parameters.
As part of Schengen Area, Latvia supports the EU initiative to create new tools to regulate touristic and non-touristic people flows in the Schengen Area.

Entry-Exit system and ETIAS (European Travel Information and Authorisation System) are the two legislative tools that will change the way to travel in Europe in the next years. Although their aim is similar, ETIAS will be focused mostly on short-term journeys.

Starting from 2021 all travelers above 18 years old will be able to apply online for the permission to travel to Latvia. The online application cost is €7 and once the authorisation is approved it will last for five years. The authorisation will also allow travelers from visa-exempted countries to travel in other Countries part of the Schengen Area without requiring any other travel documents. Although the online authorisation is valid for five years, the maximum duration of stay in the EU is 90 days in a consecutive period of 180 days. If the traveler plans to have a longer stay in the Schengen area, a visa is required.

Latvia is situated on the Baltic Sea, the wide beaches together with sprawling forests made up an amazing natural ecosystems in Latvia. These system are mainly unspoiled which make Latvia famous for its wonderful natural scenery. The magic waterfall Ventas Rumba, the widest waterfall in Europe is located on the east side of the country. The capital Riga was named the European Capital of Culture in 2014. Its medieval Old Town was recognized by UNESCO as a World Heritage. Other tourism highlights include spa resort Jurmala, Turaida Castle, Rundāle Palace and Agnola Basillica.
Latvian climate is dictated by typical European continental climate. It means that summers in Latvia are usually warm and dry while winters can be severe. The coldest month of the year is January with subzero temperature and snowfall; at time it can turn into snowstorms. The hottest month is July with the average temperature at 20°C. The most pleasant months fall from May to September. Spring is the rainy season of the year.
Dress to the weather: During the summer months, wear light to medium clothes. Heavy winter clothes are advised during winter. Rain gear is recommended all year round.

Area: 64,589 KM2
Capital: Riga
Currency: Euro (EUR)
Timezone: UTC/GMT +2 hours
Languages:

• Latvian 56.3%;
• Russian 33.8%;
• Other 0.6%;
• Unspecified 9.4%;

Population: 2,217,969
Calling Code: +371
Power Sockets:

• C European 2-pin
• F Schuko plug