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 Guide
Quick Facts on Latvia
Latvia Travel Advice
Visa Requirements
Business Customs and Etiquette
Travel Advice and Tips
Public Holidays
Latvia Map
Latvia Weather
Currency Converter & Travel Money Exchange
Latvia Hotels & Flights
Travel Insurance
Quick Facts on Latvia
Country: Latvia
Capital: Riga
Currency: Lats
Population: 2.3 Million
Area total: 65,000 sq km
Languages: Latvian
Time Zone: GMT +2
Electricity: 220V 50Hz
Dialling Code: 371
GDP: USD$ 23.3bn (2010)
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 Visa Requirements
Business Customs and Etiquette
Business dress is conservative in keeping with rest of Europe. The way of doing business tends to be formal, introductions in meetings also is formal and usually with a handshake. The first meeting can be very formal with less formality shown in subsequent meetings when more of a relationship and understanding has built up.
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 (2012):
Jan 1: New Year's Day
April 6: Good Friday
April 8: Easter Sunday
April 9: Easter Monday
May 1: Labour Day
May 4: Restoration of Independence Day
Jun 23: Midsummer Eve
Jun 24: Midsummer Day
Nov 18: National Day
Dec 24: Christmas Eve
Dec 25: Christmas Day
Dec 26: Boxing Day
Dec 31: New Year's Eve
Latvia Map
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Related Resources
Latvia Weather
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.
