What actually happens to travelers here.
Ensure routine vaccinations are up to date, bring your prescription medications in original packaging with a doctor's letter, and verify your travel insurance covers international medical care + evacuation.
The system.
System: Universal public healthcare system. EU/EEA citizens covered with EHIC. Non-EU tourists pay out-of-pocket. Private healthcare available in Riga.
Quality: ★★★☆☆ Good
Private hospitals in Riga offer good care. Public system is functional but underfunded. Younger doctors often speak English. Private healthcare recommended for visitors.
Latvia is known for affordable dental care and cosmetic procedures. Riga has several clinics catering to international patients.
Where to actually go.
Major public university hospital. Emergency department 24/7. English-speaking doctors available.
Leading private clinic. International standards. English-speaking staff.
Largest hospital in the Baltic states. Full range of services.
Finding what you need.
Access: Easy
Hours: Pharmacies (aptieka) open Mon-Fri 8am-8pm, Sat 9am-5pm. 24/7 pharmacies available in Riga.
Prescription rules: Latvia follows EU prescription regulations. Many medications require a prescription. EU/EEA prescriptions may be accepted.
Look for the green cross. Mēness aptieka is the largest pharmacy chain. Pharmacists are well-trained and some speak English. Prices are moderate.
Available over the counter
- ibuprofen
- paracetamol
- cold and flu remedies
- stomach remedies
- antihistamines
- band-aids and first aid
Useful pharmacy phrases
- Man vajag zāles pret galvassāpēm
- Man sāp vēders
- Man ir alerģija pret...
- Kur ir tuvākā aptieka?
- Man vajag ārstu
Common OTC medications by local brand
- paracetamol/acetaminophen → Paracetamol generic or Panadol
Generic 'paracetamol' is the most common name in pharmacies. - ibuprofen → Ibuprom or Nurofen
Both are widely available. - loperamide (anti-diarrheal) → Imodium or Loperamid
Available OTC at any pharmacy.
What you can't bring in.
EU/EEA travelers should carry a Schengen certificate for controlled substances. Non-EU travelers need a doctor's letter. Keep medications in original packaging.
Deep-dive guides for this country's restrictions: Codeine · CBD · Xanax · Opioids
Prescription only.
Schengen certificate required for EU travelers; doctor's letter for non-EU travelers.
Cannabis is illegal in Latvia.
If something breaks.
Availability: Good dental care available in Riga at affordable prices.
Cost range: €30-70 for consultation; €40-150 for fillings; €50-200 for extractions
Riga has modern dental clinics. Several cater to dental tourists from Scandinavia and the UK. Good quality at lower prices than Western Europe.
What you actually need.
🛡️ Recommended
Average cost: $30-55/week
Healthcare in Latvia is reasonably priced but travel insurance is recommended for private hospital access.
Filing a claim
Private clinics provide English-language receipts and documentation. Public hospitals issue invoices that can be used for insurance claims. EU/EEA citizens present EHIC for public care. Keep all documentation for claims.
What it costs out of pocket.
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Doctor visit (private) | $25-60 |
| ER visit | $80-300 |
| Overnight hospital stay | $150-500 |
| Ambulance | $30-150 |
Estimated typical out-of-pocket costs at private or international facilities. Public-system rates can be much lower (or free for residents). Actual costs vary by city, facility, and exchange rate.
When local won't cut it.
Primary destination: Vienna or Munich
Secondary destination: Berlin or Frankfurt
Typical cost band: $15,000-60,000
Common providers: Global Rescue, MedJet, International SOS
Local hospitals handle routine cases; for complex care that exceeds local capacity, regional referral options are well-established. Vienna and Munich are the standard regional referral hubs for Central and Eastern European travelers.
What to get done before you fly.
Recommended
- Tick-borne Encephalitis (for rural and forested areas, spring through autumn)
No mandatory vaccinations. Latvia has a high incidence of tick-borne encephalitis in forested areas. Ensure routine vaccinations are current.
The Bali belly prevention guide.
Tap water: Safe to drink — Tap water is safe to drink in Riga and major cities. Quality is good throughout the country.
Food safety
Food safety standards are good. Local cuisine is hearty and well-cooked. Dairy products and smoked fish are safe from reputable sources.
In crisis abroad.
English / international line: 112 for psychiatric emergencies
English-speaking therapists: Available in Riga. Expect €40-80 per session.
Mental health services are available in Riga. English-speaking therapists can be found through private practice and expat networks.
International crisis support: findahelpline.com — crisis lines in 130+ countries.
Getting around with mobility needs.
Accessibility is improving in Latvia. Riga's Art Nouveau district and Old Town have cobblestones that can be challenging.
Hospital accessibility: Major hospitals and private clinics are wheelchair accessible.
Accessible transport: Riga trams and newer buses have low floors. Riga International Airport is accessible. Accessible taxis available with advance booking.
Riga Old Town has cobblestone streets. Newer areas are more accessible. Many hotels and restaurants in the city center are adapted.
Entry rules + local status.
Entry requirements: No COVID testing or vaccination requirements for entry as of 2026.
Mask policy: No mask requirements.
Testing availability: Tests available at clinics and pharmacies.
Latvia has lifted all COVID restrictions.
Latvia travel health, answered.
What we checked.
- US Department of State — travel advisory for this country
- CDC Travelers' Health
- US Embassy Riga
- Latvian Centre for Disease Prevention and Control
- WHO International Travel and Health