​​​​​​​Packing list for Latvia, travel insurance for Latvia and taking your belongings

What to take to Latvia: brief

To pack and check:

• Documents: a passport valid until at least three months after your departure, and possibly a visa depending on your nationality. It is useful to keep a copy of your travel document and travel insurance details both digitally and offline.
• Money: Latvia uses the euro. In Riga and other cities, you can pay by debit card in many places, but cash is useful for markets, small accommodation providers and remote villages.
• Clothing: layers are useful because the weather is often changeable. In summer, lightweight clothing and a warm jumper for cooler evenings are a good idea. Bring a waterproof jacket too. In autumn and winter, a warm coat, thermal clothing, a hat, gloves and warm socks are important.
• Shoes: comfortable shoes for Riga and other cities, plus sturdy, waterproof hiking boots for forests, nature reserves and peatlands.
• Toiletries and personal care: sunscreen for summer.
• Packing and protection: a rain cover for your backpack and waterproof pouches for your phone, camera and documents. A dry bag is useful if you plan to go canoeing or kayaking.
• Insects and animals: insect repellent containing DEET or picaridin, and a tick remover if you plan to spend time outdoors in summer.
• Outdoor essentials: a reusable water bottle, sunglasses, a cap or hat, and a daypack.
• Medication and travel first aid: personal medication, plasters, blister plasters, painkillers and, if needed, oral rehydration salts (ORS). A small first-aid kit and tick remover are useful if you spend a lot of time outdoors.
• Technology and equipment: an adapter for Latvia's type C and F sockets.

To consider:

• Binoculars for birdwatching, spotting cranes and observing other wildlife.
• Lightweight rain trousers for wet walks through forests and peatlands.
• An offline hiking map or downloaded routes. A headlamp for camping or traveling.
• A thermos and power bank for long hikes and chilly days on the coast.
• Swimwear for the Baltic Sea, lakes and the Latvian tradition of swimming after a sauna.
• A mosquito head net if you plan to spend a lot of time in forests and near lakes in summer.
• Something to cover your shoulders and knees if you plan to visit churches.

Are there dangerous insects and animals in Latvia?

Are there mosquitoes in Latvia?

• Yes. Mosquitoes can be a real nuisance, especially in summer. Forests, lakes and wetland areas are among their favourite places.
• Mosquitoes can be quite annoying on hikes, camping trips and during long summer evenings. Fortunately, mosquito-borne diseases are very rare at present.
• Lightweight, long clothing and insect repellent, especially when hiking, can help prevent bites.
• Read more about mosquitoes.
• Read more about the use of DEET, as well as other ways to protect yourself against mosquitoes and insects.

Are there sand flies in Latvia?

• Sand Sandflies are mainly found in rural areas of Latvia. No cases of leishmaniasis have been reported.
• Even so, it can be worth protecting yourself against bites from these tiny insects.
• Read more about sand flies.
• Read more about protection against sand flies and sand fleas.

Are there ticks in Latvia?

• Yes. Ticks are found in Latvia and can transmit diseases, including Lyme disease and tick-borne encephalitis (TBE).
• Planning to hike, camp or cycle through forests and grasslands? Covering your skin and checking yourself for ticks afterward are important precautions. A tick remover is an essential addition to your travel first-aid kit if you spend a lot of time outdoors.
• Read more about ticks.
• Read more about protection against ticks and leeches.

Are DEET or other insect repellents available in Latvia?

• Various insect repellents are available from larger supermarkets, outdoor shops and pharmacies.
• Examples of shops include Drogas, Rimi supermarkets, Veikals Ceļotājs, Outfish and Milbaza. Ben's, Bushman and Maga (no, not the American one!) are popular brands.
• If you plan to spend several days hiking or camping in remote areas, it may be useful to bring insect repellent with you. Check the packaging to see whether the product also protects against ticks.

Is it legal to buy a joint or weed in Latvia, or bring it with you to Latvia?

• Cannabis is illegal in Latvia for both recreational and medicinal use. Penalties for possession and use can range from substantial fines to imprisonment.
• Selling and importing cannabis can result in prison sentences. The penalty depends, among other things, on the quantity and the circumstances.
• Bringing cannabis into Latvia is therefore not a good idea. Separate rules may also apply to CBD products and cannabis-based medicines. If you are considering bringing any such products, it is essential to check the regulations in advance.