Reading Time: 4 minutes
As a pivotal member of the Baltic trio in northeastern Europe, Latvia stands out with its rich history and vibrant travel culture. Having regained independence from the Soviet Union in 1991, Latvia has since transformed into a significant player in the European travel scene. Its residents now enjoy visa-free access to 184 destinations globally, fostering a dynamic outbound tourism sector.
TTW Editor in Chief Mr. Anup Kumar Keshan said: “Latvia’s transformation since its independence from the Soviet Union in 1991 has been remarkable, making it a key player in European tourism. With visa-free access to 184 destinations, Latvians have embraced travel, exploring a diverse range of countries. In 2022 alone, they took around 1.7 million international trips, showcasing a resilient and adventurous spirit. The most popular destinations include Estonia, Lithuania, Italy, Spain, and the UK, reflecting a wide range of interests. This surge in outbound tourism not only boosts Latvia’s economy but also enriches cultural exchanges with the world.”
Surge in International Travel
From 2010 to 2022, Latvia’s outbound tourism has witnessed notable fluctuations, culminating in a significant surge in 2022. That year, Latvians embarked on approximately 1.7 million international trips, a remarkable recovery from the previous year’s 629,300 trips. This rebound highlights the resilient spirit of Latvian travelers and their eagerness to explore beyond their borders.
Preferred Destinations
In 2022, Estonia emerged as the most favored destination among Latvian tourists, with over 235,600 overnight visits. Lithuania followed closely, marking another favorite within the region. Beyond their immediate neighbors, Latvian travelers also frequented Italy, Spain, and the United Kingdom, showcasing a diverse range of preferences for their outbound journeys.
Financial Impact of Travel
Despite the challenges posed by the pandemic, by 2020, Latvians had spent 265 million euros on international trips, reflecting a 60% decrease from the previous year. However, with a 24% projected increase in trips for 2023, it is evident that the financial commitment to outbound travel is rebounding strongly.
Transportation Trends
Transportation plays a crucial role in facilitating outbound travel. In 2022, a vast majority of Latvians preferred land transportation for their international trips, utilizing cars, buses, and trains. This preference underscores the importance of flexible travel options within Europe. Meanwhile, over 717,000 trips were made by air, indicating a significant reliance on airlines to reach farther destinations efficiently.
Railways
The railway sector has seen substantial growth, with domestic and international rail transport increasing passenger numbers by 9.2% and 12.3% respectively. The railway network provides an efficient and scenic travel option across Europe, enhancing the outbound travel experience for Latvians.
Cruise Ports
The ports of Ventspils and Liepāja are crucial in Latvia’s sea transportation network. In 2023, these ports facilitated the arrival and departure of 377.4 thousand passengers via ferries. Despite a decline from 2019, the ports continue to serve as vital gateways for international maritime travel, offering unique travel experiences on the Baltic Sea.
Visa free Countries list:-
Albania
American Samoa ETA
Andorra
Angola
Anguilla
Antigua and Barbuda
Argentina
Armenia
Aruba
Austria
Bahamas
Bahrain VOA
Bangladesh VOA
Barbados
Belarus
Belgium
Belize
Bermuda
Bolivia
Bonaire; St. Eustatius and Saba
Bosnia and Herzegovina
Botswana
Brazil
British Virgin Islands
Brunei
Bulgaria
Burkina Faso VOA
Burundi VOA
Cambodia VOA
Canada ETA
Cape Verde Islands
Cayman Islands
Chile
Colombia
Comoro Islands VOA
Cook Islands
Costa Rica
Croatia
Curacao
Cyprus
Czechia
Denmark
Djibouti VOA
Dominica
Dominican Republic
Ecuador
Egypt VOA
El Salvador
Estonia
eSwatini
Ethiopia VOA
Falkland Islands
Faroe Islands
Fiji
Finland
France
French Guiana
French Polynesia
French West Indies
Georgia
Germany
Gibraltar
Greece
Greenland
Grenada
Guam ETA
Guatemala
Guinea-Bissau VOA
Haiti
Honduras
Hong Kong (SAR China)
Hungary
Iceland
Indonesia VOA
Iran VOA
Iraq
Ireland
Israel
Italy
Jamaica
Japan
Jordan VOA
Kazakhstan
Kenya ETA
Kosovo
Kuwait VOA
Kyrgyzstan
Laos VOA
Lebanon VOA
Liechtenstein
Lithuania
Luxembourg
Macao (SAR China)
Madagascar
Malawi VOA
Malaysia
Maldives VOA
Malta
Marshall Islands
Mauritania VOA
Mauritius
Mayotte
Mexico
Micronesia
Moldova
Monaco
Mongolia
Montenegro
Montserrat
Morocco
Mozambique VOA
Myanmar VOA
Namibia VOA
Nepal VOA
Netherlands
New Caledonia
New Zealand ETA
Nicaragua
Niue
North Macedonia
Northern Mariana Islands ETA
Norway
Oman
Palau Islands
Palestinian Territory
Panama
Paraguay
Peru
Philippines
Poland
Portugal
Puerto Rico ETA
Qatar VOA
Reunion
Romania
Rwanda VOA
Samoa
San Marino
Sao Tome and Principe
Saudi Arabia VOA
Senegal
Serbia
Seychelles VOA
Sierra Leone VOA
Singapore
Slovakia
Slovenia
Solomon Islands
Somalia VOA
South Korea ETA
Spain
Sri Lanka ETA
St. Helena VOA
St. Kitts and Nevis
St. Lucia
St. Maarten
St. Vincent and the Grenadines
Suriname
Sweden
Switzerland
Taiwan (Chinese Taipei)
Tajikistan
Tanzania VOA
Thailand
The Gambia
Timor-Leste
Tonga
Trinidad and Tobago
Tunisia
Türkiye
Turks and Caicos Islands
Tuvalu
Ukraine
United Arab Emirates
United Kingdom
United States ETA
Uruguay
US Virgin Islands ETA
Uzbekistan
Vanuatu
Vatican City
Venezuela
Zambia
Zimbabwe VOA
Air Travel Dynamics
Latvia boasts several key airports that enhance its connectivity. Riga International Airport, as the primary hub, serves about 5 million passengers annually, offering direct flights to over 80 destinations. Smaller airports like Daugavpils and Liepāja also play essential roles in regional travel, accommodating both domestic and international flights.
Leading Airlines
AirBaltic, Latvia’s flagship carrier, has significantly expanded its operations, transporting about 4.5 million passengers in 2023, a 36% increase from the previous year. Another notable player, SmartLynx Airlines, specializes in charter services and ACMI leasing, further broadening the scope of Latvia’s aviation sector.
Latvia’s outbound tourism sector is a testament to its robust travel culture and strategic geographical positioning. With an increasing number of Latvians traveling abroad and a diverse array of destinations and transportation modes available, Latvia’s role on the global tourism stage is set to grow even more prominent in the coming years. This upward trend not only boosts the local economy but also enriches the cultural exchange between Latvia and the world, making it a key player in European and global tourism.
The post Latvia Travel Advisors Can Plan Their Trip to 184 Countries with Visa Free Travel, Including UAE, UK, Mexico and Schengen Nations appeared first on Travel And Tour World.