Latvia, sandwiched between Estonia and Lithuania on the eastern Baltic seacoast, this newly independent state is the home of a ‘singing people.’ With nearly a quarter of a million folk songs Latvians weave a rich tapestry reflecting their marked history and the diversity of its people. Generation after generation, these hearty people have fought oppression and now they sing with joy as they celebrate their newfound freedom. With music being an enormous influence on Latvian culture, music festivals of all sorts make their home in the quaint land that is Latvia. From the vibrant nightlife in the capital, Riga, to the snow filled hills home to majestic castles and medieval villages, now is the time to capture this wholesome sense of a nation as it has seemingly escaped popular commercialization.

Entry Requirements
U.S. citizens do not require a visa to enter Latvia for visits of less than 90 days. Pets must be older than 10 weeks old to enter Latvia. You must present a certificate showing that the animal was vaccinated for rabies at least 30 days and no more than one year prior to entry.

Local Time
Latvia is 7 hours ahead of Eastern Time in the US and Canada. (+8 hours between March and October when daylight savings is observed.)

Languages
Latvian is an Indo-European language closely related to Lithuanian and though officially is the language of Latvia, its people are still learning to use it. Prior to Latvia’s independence in 1991 the official language of the state was Russian. Many residents continue to speak Russian in everyday life as it was their first language. Many people will speak English or German as well.

Electricity
Latvia operates 220 volt, 50Hz current, and the European-style 2-pin plug is standard.

Local Tourist Information
Latvian Tourist Information Office
22 Skarnu
Riga, LV-1615
Tel: 371-7221731
Tourist Office in Riga Latvia
Elizabetes Street 22
City Center Riga, Latvia
LV-1050
Telephone: 371-728-4868
Mobile: 371-923-8267
USA fax: 800-878-4260
Europe FAX: 44-870-131-8946
USA Voice mail: 800-878-4260
Email: tourism@parks.lv

Customs
Travelers are not required to pay duty on an appropriate amount of items for their personal use during their visit. In addition, the following duty-free allowances apply: no more than 1 liter of liquor and 1 liter of wine: and 200 cigarettes or 20 cigars or 250 grams of tobacco.

Currency Exchange
Currency exchange is not a difficult task in Latvia. Every place you are bound to travel will offer a bank for converting your dollars. Banks are open from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Monday through Friday, and in Riga you can find 24 hour Bureaux de change at the central rail station. Stick to cashing travelers' checks in the major cities like Riga and Sigulda as these checks can be difficult to convert elsewhere. ATMs are available throughout the country, though in more rural areas they are more difficult to find than in the city. Most hotels, restaurants and shops will accept major credit cards for payment you may also use your card for cash advances at most banks and ATMs.

Tipping
Tipping is not customary in rural areas of Latvia, but is becoming increasingly popular in Riga and Jurmala. It is now customary in these areas to tip wait staff 5-10% of the bill. This is traditionally offered by ‘rounding up’ the bill and essentially allowing the wait staff to “keep the change.”

General Business Hours
Business: Traditional hours of commerce are Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. with an hour or so near 1 p.m. for lunch. Restaurants: Lunch is the main meal of the day and is generally consumed between 1 and 3 p.m. In Riga eateries will remain open for lunch, but in rural Latvia restaurants actually close during lunch hours, as employees will spend their lunchtime at home with family. Latvian’s thus eat a lighter dinner sometime between 6 and 9 p.m.. Shops: Keep hours between 8:00 a.m. and 6 p.m., some may open as late as 10:00 a.m., but will extend their opening hours until 8:00 p.m.. Shops will generally keep limited Saturday hours, but most are closed on Sunday. Notable exceptions are grocery stores which keep limited Sunday hours.

Value Added Tax
18%

United States Embassy in Latvia
Raiņa Blvd. 7
Riga LV-1510
Telephone: +371 7036-200
Fax: +371 7820-047
e-mail: pas@usembassy.lv