Includes information on business customs, travel advisory, visa requirements, currency, language, health, local time, business hours and holidays, acceptable business etiquette, dress, business cards, gifts, temporary entry of materials and personal belongings,etc.
Last Published: 2/26/2019

Business customs

Latvians observe most national holidays recognized in Western Europe, including Christmas and Easter.  The most important national celebration, in addition to Christmas, is Ligo/Jani (Summer Solstice) on June 23 and 24.
 
Latvians celebrate name days in addition to their birthdays, and women expect to receive flowers.  Local custom requires that, if the bouquet is made up of one type of flower, the total number of flowers must be an odd number, as an even number of flowers is often associated with the commemoration of a person who has died.

No gifts are expected during initial business contacts.
For additional information, please visit the website of the Latvian Institute: Latvia.eu

More info: Commisceo Global

Travel Advisory

For the latest security information, Americans living and traveling abroad should regularly monitor the Department's Bureau of Consular Affairs Internet site at Travel.state.gov, where current worldwide cautions, public announcements, and travel warnings can be found. Up-to-date information on security can also be obtained by calling 1(888) 407-4747 toll free in the U.S. (from overseas: 1(202) 501-4444).

Latvia specific information is available here: U.S. Passports & International Travel - Latvia

Additional travel information can be found on the Embassy Riga home page at: U.S. Embassy in Latvia

Visa Requirements

U.S. citizens do not need a visa to travel to Latvia if they plan to stay no longer than 90 days in a half year, counting from the first day of entry.  To remain in Latvia for more than 90 days, or to work, study, or reside in Latvia, a U.S. citizen must obtain a temporary residence permit.  The 90-day period begins with entry to any of the Schengen group countries.  Multiple visits to Schengen countries may not exceed 90 days in any 6 month period. More information on traveling to the Schengen area is available https://travel.state.gov/content/passports/en/go/schengen-fact-sheet.html.That 90-day period begins with entry to any of the Schengen group countries.  Multiple visits to Schengen countries may not exceed 90 days in any 6 month period. More information on traveling to the Schengen area is available U.S. Passports & International Travel - Schengen FAQs

To travel to Latvia, U.S. citizens must hold a valid U.S. citizen passport with a term of validity that exceeds the intended period of stay in Latvia by at least three months and a valid health insurance policy for international travel, which covers all costs relating to emergency medical care during the stay in Latvia, including the transportation costs from Latvia to the place of permanent residence of the individual in case of his/her severe medical condition or death.

Information regarding extension of the stay or how to receive an entry visa for the purpose of work, education, training, or other professional activity may be obtained from the Embassy of Latvia in the United States.
 
U.S. companies that require travel of foreign businesspersons to the United States should be advised that security evaluations are handled via an interagency process. Visa applicants should go to the following links
The U.S. Embassy in Latvia can provide a list of English-speaking physicians and lawyers.  More information is available here: U.S. Embassy in Latvia - U.S. Citizen Services
 
Travelers are advised to purchase travel medical insurance coverage prior to visiting Latvia.

Local Time, Business Hours and Holidays

The local time in Latvia is Universal Time (Greenwich Mean Time) + 2 hours.
 
Daylight Savings Time or Summer Time is observed in Latvia.  It begins at 2 a.m. local time on the last Sunday in March, and it ends at 2 a.m. local time on the last Sunday in October.
 
Latvia observes a five-day workweek, with eight working hours per day and 40 working hours per week.  The work day typically lasts from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. for manufacturing-related industries, or from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. for service institutions, including a one-hour lunch.

National Holidays in Latvia in 2018

New Year's Day1 Jan.
Good Friday30 March
Easter Monday2 April
Bridge Holiday for Labor Day/Convocation of the Constituent Assembly of the Republic of Latvia30 April
Labor Day/Convocation of the Constituent Assembly of the Republic of Latvia1 May
Proclamation of Restoration of Independence4 May
Last Day of XXVI Latvian Song and Dance Festival9 July
Latvian National Day19 Nov.
Christmas Eve24 Dec.
Christmas Day25 Dec.
Second day of Christmas26 Dec.
New Year’s Eve31 Dec.

Temporary Entry of Materials or Personal Belongings

There are no restrictions on entry for personal belongings, unless they are items regulated by customs regulations and subject to import license requirements, such as firearms, drugs, jewelry, tobacco, or alcohol.  In such cases, the traveler will be asked to fill in a customs declaration form.  For more information see here:
European Commission - Temporary Importation

Travel-related Web Resources



 
 

Prepared by the International Trade Administration. With its network of more than 100 offices across the United States and in more than 75 markets, the International Trade Administration of the U.S. Department of Commerce utilizes its global presence and international marketing expertise to help U.S. companies sell their products and services worldwide. Locate the trade specialist in the U.S. nearest you by visiting http://export.gov/usoffices.