Latvia Business Travel Guide

Latvia Flag

The Latvia Business Travel Guide has an array of traveller tools and resources to help assist business travellers on their trips. The travel guide contains information such as visa information, facts on Latvia, business customs, culture, tips, and more. A thorough knowledge of other cultures, languages, customs and traditions can be of great use for business travellers helping to achieve better understanding, avoid cultural misunderstandings and helping to create a more successful business trip.

Latvia has an advanced and developed economy with a number of business opportunities. Located in the Baltic region in northern Europe, Latvia is a member of the EU, NATO and the World Trade Organisation (WTO). Major trading partners include EU neighbours Germany, Lithuania, Estonia, UK and the Russian Federation. Latvia shares borders with Estonia to the north, Lithuania to the south, Russia to the east and Belarus to the south east.

The country has a variety of landscapes including forests, rivers, hills and lowland plains. Famous attractions include St Peter's Church, Freedom Monument, Museum of the Occupation of Latvia, Latvian Ethnographic Open-Air Museum, Nativity of Christ Cathedral, Riga and Latvian Museum of Foreign Art in the capital Riga, Rundāle Palace, Turaida Castle, Gauja National Park and Bīriņi Palace.


Latvia Guide

Quick Facts on Latvia
Latvia Travel Advice
Visa Requirements
Business Customs and Etiquette
Travel Advice and Tips
Public Holidays
Latvia Map
Latvia Weather & Climate



Quick Facts on Latvia

Country: Latvia

Capital: Riga

Currency: Euro (1 euro = 100 cents)

Population: 2.2 Million (UN, 2012)

Area total: 65,000 sq km

Languages: Latvian

Time Zone: GMT +2

Electricity: 220V 50Hz

Dialling Code: 371

GDP: USD 30.96 billion (World Bank, 2013)

Religion: Catholic, Lutheran, Russian Orthodox

Political System: Republic

Internet Domain: .lv


Latvia Travel Advice

The Foreign and Commonwealth Office offers travellers useful advice when travelling to Latvia. There is information on entry requirements for Latvia, advice on local laws and customs, tips on safety and security and the address and contact details of the British Embassy in Latvia. The information is usually up to date making it a good resource to check for business and leisure travellers, prior to starting their trips. For more information please see: Latvia Travel Advice


Visa Requirements

No visa requirement for national of EU member states. No visa need for US and Canadian nationals for visits less than six months. Visa requirements are subject to change with changes in requirements and rules for further information please see: Latvia Embassy UK


Business Customs and Etiquette

Business dress is conservative and smart in keeping with rest of Europe. Technology based industries may dress a little bit more casually. The way of doing business tends to be formal, introductions in meetings also is formal and usually with a handshake. Business cards are usually exchanged.

The first meeting can be very formal with less formality shown in subsequent meetings when more of a relationship and understanding has built up. Business meetings may be held at lunch time or in the evenings with dinners at restaurants.


Travel Advice and Tips

The majority of trips to Latvia for business visitors and tourists pass without incident. It is worth noting that there are incidents of pick pocketing and car crime. There have been situations of extortionate prices in some bars for drinks and treats used to settle the bill. It is wise to check with your hotel/tour representative to steer clear of known trouble spots. Valuables should not be in public view, it is important to be alert and aware of your surroundings and environment.

Travel Checklist: See our Packing Checklist containing useful tips and reminders to ensure you have everything you will need on your trip.

Travel Vaccinations: It is recommended you visit your GP up to eight weeks before you travel to get the latest travel advice on any vaccinations you may need for your trip. For more information and advice on travel vaccinations please see the NHS Fit for Travel website.


Tipping: If service charge is not included usually around 10%

Hours of Business:

For Businesses:
8.30 to 17.30

For Shops:
10.00 to 19.00

For Banks:
09.00 to 17.00

Note: Shopping Malls are open for longer hours from 10.00 to 22.00.


Public Holidays

Public Holidays (2015):

January 1: New Year's Day
April 3: Good Friday
April 6: Easter Monday
May 1: Labour Day
May 4: Restoration of Independence Day
June 23: Midsummer Eve
June 24: Midsummer Day
November 18: National Day
December 25: Christmas Day
December 26: Boxing Day
December 31: New Year's Eve

Latvia Map

Map of Riga, Latvia


View Larger Map


Latvia Weather & Climate

Latvia has a temperate climate with all four seasons evident. There are regional variations with the western Latvian coast having a maritime climate whilst the east of the country has a more continental climate. Popular times to visit include the period from June to September with sunny and warm days. The winters can be harsh and old and regular snowfall during the winter months, rainfall is evident throughout the year.

Lightweight cotton and linen to medium clothing can be warn in the summer months; thicker medium to thicker clothing is required in the spring and autumn seasons with additional layers and heavyweight warmer clothing during the cold winter. Rainwear with coasts and umbrellas are advisable throughout the year.










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Disclaimer: The information given in on this website is given in good faith and to the best of our knowledge. If there are any discrepancies in no way do we intend to mislead. Important travel details and arrangements should be confirmed and verified with the relevant authorities.
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