The Latvian passport is currently ranked 11th place on the Guide Passport Index. It provides visa-free access to 184 countries. With a high mobility score it is one of the best ranking passports in the world. Latvian passport holders have visa-free access and visas on arrival to countries such as the United Kingdom, United Arab Emirates, Japan and the entire European Union. This allows almost instant travel opportunities worldwide. Latvian passport holders do however require a visa to enter about 45 destinations in the world. Some countries where a visa is required are Azerbaijan, India and Australia.
The Latvia passport ranking relative to other global passports is calculated by adding up the number of countries that allow Latvia passport holders to enter without a visa (i.e. visa-free countries) and those that allow Latvia passport holders to enter by obtaining a visa on arrival (i.e. visa-on-arrival countries) or an electronic travel authorization (eTA). There are currently a total of 142 Latvia passport visa-free countries, 33 Latvia visa-on-arrival countries, and 9 eTA destinations.
Altogether, Latvia passport holders can enter a total of 184 destinations—either without a visa, through a visa on arrival, or via an eTA. As a result, the Latvia passport ranks 11 in the world.
Separate from these Latvia visa-free countries and visa-on-arrival countries, there are 45 additional destinations which Latvia passport holders either need a physical visa to enter or an eVisa (i.e. visa required countries).
The Republic of Latvia consists of 9 republic cities, 109 municipalities and is part of the European Union. The most important municipalities are Ogre, Talsi and Tukums. The nation is one of the Baltic States bordering Estonia, Lithuania, Belarus and Russia. Latvia is the 25th largest country in Europe with a surface area of 64,589 square kilometers. Its climate is maritime with moderate winters and cool summers. The terrain consists of low plains only.
The overall population is over 1.8 million people, making it one of the least populous countries in the European Union. The capital of the country is Riga, which is also the most populated city with 614,618 inhabitants. Other important cities are Daugavpils, Liepāja. The largest airport is Riga International Airport (RIX) with 7.7 million annual passengers. The airport is the biggest of all Baltic states and hosts the airBaltic airline. It covers domestic and international routes connecting Latvia to Europe and Africa.
Latvian culture is a blend of Nordic and European aspects influenced by Germanic traditions. There is a multi-national mix and over half of the population follow the Christian belief. The official language is Latvian. The legal system is based on the civil Law. The government type is a parliamentary republic. The chief of state is the elect President Egils Levits and the head of government is the elected Prime Minister Krisjanis Karnis.
The official currency of the country is the Euro (EUR) with the current exchange rate being EUR 0.84 to the USD. The country has an open economy, generating a GDP of approximately $63.4 billion, which puts it on the 34th spot in Europe. Its citizens have a per capita income of $30,579. The GDP is mostly made up of 2 key sectors, which are services and industry. Some of the most important export products are processed foods, processed wood products, textiles, grain, rapeseed and vegetables.
Latvia has a variety of urban and natural historic tourism destinations. It attracts tourists for its unique culture and mix of Baltic heritages. There are 2 UNESCO world heritage sites in the country. Some of the main destinations include the capital Riga, Jurmala, Daugavpils, Sigulda, Bauska, Rundale Palace and Ogre. The nation has a total of approximately 2.9 million tourists visiting every year with the majority originating from Europe and its surrounding countries.
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