What to see & do with your IDP in Latvia?
Latvia offers a wealth of road trip opportunities for travelers eager to get beyond the usual city stops. With an international driving permit in Latvia, you can take full advantage of the country’s compact size and scenic variety — all at your own pace.
Begin your trip in Riga, a city where history and modern culture meet. Explore the Old Town’s Gothic churches, then head to the Central Market or take in panoramic views from St. Peter’s Church tower. When you’re ready for a change of scenery, drive east to Sigulda. This lush, hilly region inside Gauja National Park is perfect for a day of castle-hopping, nature walks, and even bobsled rides in winter.
Heading west, Liepāja awaits with its long beaches, musical landmarks, and relaxed vibe. It’s a prime spot for coastal drives and local seafood. Not far off is Kuldīga, home to the widest waterfall in Europe and charming cobbled streets. Drivers will enjoy the peaceful roads winding through the countryside to reach this picturesque town.
For those craving even more solitude, Latgale in the east is Latvia’s hidden gem. Known for its shimmering lakes and deeply rooted traditions, the region feels worlds away from urban life. Driving here lets you connect with local culture in villages where time seems to stand still.
A road trip through Latvia means more than just getting from place to place — it’s about the journey. An IDP allows you to rent a car hassle-free and follow spontaneous detours, whether to a quiet forest path or a roadside market selling smoked fish. With your permit in hand, every corner of Latvia becomes reachable.
Time to travel around Latvia
Latvia shares its borders with several fascinating countries, making it an ideal base for regional travel. With an international driving permit, crossing into neighboring nations is often straightforward, giving you the freedom to discover a wider slice of Europe.
Whether you’re heading north to the vibrant streets of Tallinn or south to Lithuania’s peaceful countryside, a valid IDP helps keep documentation checks simple. Driving across borders is common in this part of Europe — just check local road rules before each transition.
Everything You Need to Know About International Driving Permits for Latvia
If you plan to drive in Latvia, whether it’s around Riga or through the countryside, it’s important to understand when an international driving permit (IDP) is recommended. Travelers holding EU-issued licenses do not need an IDP to drive legally in Latvia. However, visitors from outside the EU — including the U.S., UK, Canada, Australia, and others — are strongly advised to carry one.
Latvian rental companies typically request both your home license and an IDP, particularly if your license is in a non-Roman script like Chinese or Arabic. This requirement is standard at major hubs, especially airport branches and larger city offices. Having an IDP ensures your license details can be read and understood by local staff and authorities.
Latvian police may conduct routine checks, especially in rural areas or near borders. While these interactions are usually straightforward, an IDP can help eliminate confusion and speed up the process. It contains your driver information translated into multiple languages — which comes in handy during stops where English is not spoken.
Here are some essential road rules and traffic laws to know before you go:
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Seatbelts: Required for all passengers
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Speed limits: 50 km/h in towns, 90 km/h on open roads, and up to 110 km/h on expressways
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Alcohol limit: 0.05% blood alcohol concentration
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Phone use: Only with hands-free devices
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Headlights: Must be on at all times, day or night
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Winter tires: Mandatory from December 1 to March 1
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Toll roads: Limited, but some require electronic vignettes
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Traffic enforcement: Speed cameras and strict parking rules are common
For official road safety details, refer to Latvia’s Road Traffic Safety Directorate or the Ministry of Transport.
Need more advice before hitting the road? Check out our Latvia Driving Guide
Tourists driving in Latvia must carry a valid driver’s license from their home country, a passport or national ID, and vehicle registration documents if using their own car. If your license is not issued in the EU or is not written in the Latin alphabet, it’s highly recommended to carry an International Driving Permit (IDP). Rental agencies often request an IDP alongside your license, particularly if it’s in a different script such as Cyrillic or Arabic. Insurance documents and proof of rental are also required when using a hired vehicle. Always keep your documents accessible, as roadside checks by Latvian police are routine, especially in rural areas or near borders.
In major cities like Riga and at international airports, most car rental staff speak English and are familiar with assisting international travelers. However, in smaller towns or local rental agencies, English proficiency may be limited. The same applies to police or checkpoint officers, particularly in rural regions. Carrying an International Driving Permit can help bridge language gaps, as it presents your license information in multiple languages. This is useful when clarification is needed during traffic stops or rental pick-up procedures.
Latvia is part of the Schengen Area, so there are generally no formal border checks when crossing from neighboring EU countries like Estonia or Lithuania. However, occasional inspections may occur, especially near non-Schengen borders such as Russia or Belarus. During these checks, travelers may be asked to present a valid passport, vehicle registration, insurance documents, and a driver’s license. If your license is from outside the EU, having an International Driving Permit may make the process smoother by providing multilingual license information. Border agents may not always speak English, so carrying easily readable documentation is beneficial.
Winter driving in Latvia requires extra caution due to snow, ice, and early nightfall. From December 1 to March 1, winter tires are mandatory on all vehicles, including rentals. Most car hire companies provide these as standard during the season, but it’s wise to confirm when booking. Roads in urban areas are regularly maintained, but rural routes may be less predictable. Keep headlights on at all times — it’s a legal requirement year-round in Latvia. Reduce speed in icy conditions and maintain longer stopping distances. Road salt and snow-clearing services help keep main roads open, but black ice is still common. Visitors unfamiliar with winter driving should consider vehicles with anti-lock brakes and traction control for added safety.